Physical therapy reviews

Dr. Ramkumar completely relieved my left hip pain—something I’d struggled with for several years. I’ve always been active, having played field hockey and tennis in my younger days, but the pain eventually became so severe that I could barely walk a couple of blocks. I was diagnosed with a left hip impingement and labral tear, and underwent surgery with Dr. Ramkumar. Now, five weeks post-op, I’m walking pain-free and steadily regaining my strength. From the initial consultations to the surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up visits, every step of the process was seamless. Dr. Ramkumar’s expertise, compassion, and genuine passion for helping patients made all the difference. I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Ramkumar and his team. Thanks to them, I can walk without pain again and look forward to staying active for years to come.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had a truly exceptional experience with Dr. Ramkumar and his entire team. Dr. Ramkumar performed my knee surgery. From the very first consultation, I was impressed by Dr. Ramkumar's great bedside manner, he is professional, kind and genuinely caring. He took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure all my questions were answered, which gave me complete confidence going into surgery. The surgery center was top-notch, clean, well organized and efficient. Every staff member I interacted with was not only, highly competent but also warm and welcoming. Another huge plus is that physical therapy is offered on-site. The PT team is just as amazing. They are knowledgeable, attentive and incredible supportive throughout the recovery process. Having everything under one roof made the entire process from surgery to rehab seamless and stress-free. I can't recommend Dr. Ramkumar and his team enough. They truly go above and beyond for their patients.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I saw Dr. Millstein about 15 years ago for a torn rotator cuff. He did surgery and brought me back to 100%. I have seen him since for other issues, and he has always been great. Surgery is always his last option, and he does everything he can to avoid it. Most recently, I saw him for a problem with my scapula. He immediately told me that X-rays and other procedures were not needed and explained that physical therapy is what is needed. He then proceeded to find me several providers near me. For a surgeon who makes his money doing surgery to avoid it as much as possible, you know he cares about his patients and doing the right thing.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

DR. Ramkumar worked with our insurance to make sure we didn’t have any unexpected bills unlike most Dr’s. He was very informative on every step of way. He is very personable really made me feel comfortable. The care he provided lasted all the way through physical therapy. I recommend him and the physical therapist he referred me to. My knee is 100% better less than six months later. If I could give him 10 stars I would. I have been let down by sub par DR’s in my past, I am so happy I am able to give this review.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is an excellent and highly knowledgeable physician! I came to him after spending 6 months at physical therapy working on my lower back pain with no relief. After just one visit with the doctor, he immediately diagnosed me with hip impingement (it wasn't even my back after all this time spent at PT!). He reviewed all treatment options, and I made the decision to proceed with conservative management. My physical therapists began to focus on hip exercises and within just a few months, all of my pain subsided. I am so grateful for Dr. Ramkumar for his knowledge, patience, and dedication to the field of Orthopedics!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr Estess was very nice, explained what my physical therapist concerns, revealed the mri report and believed Iwould be better served by speaking with a spine specialist and scheduled an appointment with the specialist at the end of this month.

Allyson Estess, MD

I met Dr Ortega a little over a year ago on my first appointment and afterwards I went down to my car and cried. Finally, I had hope that I could get my life back! I was so grateful that finally I was referred to a doctor that knew and understood everything I have been experiencing since 2017. Dr Ortega was very thorough in explaining the Cervical Radiculopathy ACDF procedure. I wanted to wait a year before writing this review and I have to tell you that it’s so wonderful to be able to sleep and to wake up and not have the constant pain and weakness in my neck and on my right arm and shoulder. The surgery and care afterwards was exceptional without any problems. Physical therapy in the same office was better than I have experienced elsewhere. They helped me get my strength back with stretches and exercises to maintain the muscle strength. Thank you Dr Ortega for truly giving me back my life!

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

Dr. Ram is hands down the best! He’s so down to earth, truly listens, and has an incredible bedside manner. From our very first appointment, it felt like we had known him forever. That connection is a bonus! but the real blessing was how well my husband’s hip surgery went. His recovery has been smooth, he doesn’t need physical therapy, and he’s healing great! What really blew us away was the level of care. At my husband’s post-op appointment, Dr. Ram told us that he had actually been thinking about my husband while laying in bed one night after a long day of surgeries. He emailed Stephanie late that night to get him in sooner—and even personally emailed me at 10 PM to follow up. Who does that? That’s next-level care. The surgery was moved 15 days sooner than originally scheduled, and we had to get all the paperwork and pre-op done within 24 hours—and Stephanie made it happen! She works wonders. That alone speaks volumes about this office, the staff is amazing! Stephanie deserves a special shout out! (Hi Stephanie!) My husband loves Dr. Ram and tells everyone about him. We honestly feel like we’ve made a new friend. We’re beyond grateful. Thank you, Dr. Ram 🙏🏽 and team—we love you and will refer you to anyone needing hip or knee care. C. Milla

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I am 74 year old. For a long time I had severe pain in right hip and leg due to the pinching of the sciatic nerve between 4 and 5 vertebrae of the spine. Physiotherapy and multiple pain relief injections did not help me. On the advice of doctors Zalkinder and Kievsky I contacted with doctor Leonel Hunt for concultation. Doctor Hunt explained to me in great detail how the surgery would be performed to free the nerve from the pinching. On July 18th this year doctor Hunt did surgery of LUMBAR LAMINOTOMY/FORAMINOTOMY, after which pains in my right hip and leg disappeared. Now I can walk freely, do housework, I will be able to walk with my dog after full recovery and look to the future with optimism and hope.I thank doctor Leonel Hunt from my heart. I wish him success in his work and advise everyone who has problems with spine to contact him for help. I'm saying it again thank so much.

Leonel Hunt, MD

Dr Prem Ramkumar and his Physical Therapists Mina and his team provided me with excellent care. I remember feeling nervous, anxious and scared. Dr Ramkumar and his Physical therapy team all gave me comfort and hope and assurance from the first consultation. Dr Ramkumar made sure I received my pain medication once I had run out. He personally contacted me to make sure. It’s not every day that a medical professional who does what Dr did for me. Dr Ramkumar and his PT team instilled in me the confidence I needed from the beginning made the entire process much easier for me. I’m truly grateful for not only having a successful ACL/ Meniscus knee repair surgery but for the peace of mind that they all provided me throughout the process. Every step of the way , Dr Ramkumar and Mina Physical Therapist and his team were there for me offering reassurance and clarity ensuring that I was not just another patient but a valued individual and deserving of the best care. Their commitment to excellence and patient care is truly remarkable. I’m blessed to have had Dr Ramkumar as my surgeon and also Blessed to have had Mina as my Physical Therapist along with his amazing team . You all made the difference in my healing journey . With deepest gratitude to them all. I strongly recommend Long Beach Lakewood Orthopedic Institute. Dr Ramkumar and the Physical Therapy team.. Veronica

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I'm writing to share my incredibly positive experience with Dr. Prem Ramkumar, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip replacements. My journey to finding him began with a concerning visit to my regular orthopedist, Dr. Vance Eberly. After months of increasing hip pain, and having reached my target weight for surgery, X-rays revealed the extent of the damage was beyond Dr. Eberly's scope of practice. This led to my referral to Dr. Ramkumar. Initially, I sought out a surgeon specializing in the anterior approach to hip replacement, a method known for its faster recovery and reduced limitations. My own research, combined with Dr. Eberly's recommendation, pointed me towards Dr. Ramkumar. His impressive credentials and overwhelmingly positive patient reviews confirmed he was the right choice. From my first consultation, I was impressed by Dr. Ramkumar's thoroughness. He took detailed X-rays, patiently explained the complexities of my condition, and clearly outlined the surgical procedure he proposed. His calm and reassuring demeanor greatly eased my anxieties. He confirmed that I was an ideal candidate for a total hip replacement, and we scheduled the surgery. The surgery itself was approximately four to five hours long, followed by a night of understandably significant post-operative pain. However, Dr. Ramkumar's dedication extended beyond the operating room. He visited me the following day, demonstrating genuine concern for my progress. Remarkably, by the second day post-op, I was already ambulating to the bathroom with a walker and managing stairs independently – prompting my discharge that same day. Following his precise post-operative instructions, including a tailored physical therapy program outlined on his website and meticulously executed by his skilled therapist, my recovery exceeded all expectations. Eighty-eight days post-surgery, I’m now walking one to two miles daily and continuing my rehabilitation exercises with continued strength and mobility gains. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar. His expertise, coupled with his compassionate approach, made the entire process significantly less daunting than I anticipated. The nearly pain-free surgery and astonishingly rapid recovery are testaments to his surgical skill and commitment to patient care. If you are facing a hip replacement, I urge you to consider Dr. Ramkumar. He truly is exceptional. Sincerely, M. Colasurdo

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

It was a long surgery on fusing L4/L5 and several other corrections. The result was so successful that I was walking the next day. After four months now, I am walking much more than before without any pain. Physical therapy and support team instructions were very helpful. I recommend Dr. Khurana to everyone having lower back pain.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I have never had a major injury up until a few months ago. I was in denial after hurting my knee while playing slow pitch softball, but when I finally got myself to the doctor it was confirmed that I had a complete tear of the ACL and lateral meniscus. After meeting with Dr Ramkumar I let him know that I needed to have him fix me up quick because I had a full summer ahead with my 4 kids. After our first meeting I was told to build up my quad muscles to assist in my recovery. 3 weeks after our first meeting I had surgery, and just 3 days later I was out walking around on my crutches to cheer my son on while he ran a mile fun run. Within a week my pain was gone, of course my body was healing so discomfort is expected. One week after surgery my physical therapist was able to bend my knee (without pain, but some discomfort) to over 100°! At 4 weeks post op I was walking without my crutches or my knee brace. I am nearly 6 weeks post op and I am walking normally and am eagerly and patiently excited to start running around and getting back to the old me! This recovery process has been unexpectedly smooth but I have done the work and am ever so gracious to Dr Ramkumar and his team. On the surgical table I asked his team to let him know I want to be able to run faster and beat my son in a race, so I’ll be checking back in with that verdict!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I am a medical provider on the east coast. I suddenly had severe hip pain last summer and did imaging. There were multiple problems in my hip joint which were severe ; there was also congenital muscle abnormalities. I met Dr. Ramkumar at Winter break while visiting family. I knew immediately after meeting him , and reviewing his credentials and reviews he would be the best choice to perform my surgery., his surgical expertise, knowledge, empathy, and bedside manner are excellent. Now at 7 weeks post-op I am walking long distances and attending physical therapy and I am pain free-a new lease on life. His nurse practitioner Margo was also super helpful along the way. Hands down an excellent orthopedic surgeon.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

First driving into parking lot, very convenient right next to the door and to the elevator up to the office. That doesn't happen in Long Beach, CA. Entering the office I was greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was early to the appointment, but I was brought back to the exam room less than 10 minutes after I arrived. Dr. Bhalla entered right behind me and he had studied my chart, knew why I was there and got into the important things. My back is beautiful! The surgery was late December 2016, before the operation I could barely walk. I was in terrible pain, even sitting or laying down. What good work was given to me, my recovery with physical therapy and following directions I was up around by April and no trouble since.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

ACL Reconstruction & Meniscal Repair Success After consulting with several orthopedic specialists about my ACL and meniscus injuries, I ultimately chose Dr. Ramkumar—and I am so glad I did!! During my first appointment, his approach stood out: as clear, detailed, compassionate, and above reproach. He took the time to explain every option available to me, answering anll my questions, and immediately gave me confidence in his care. His entire support team deserves recognition. His Nurse Practitioner was attentive and reassuring throughout the process. The Surgery Coordinator made the pre-op scheduling seamless, and the front desk team was consistently welcoming and efficient. A special shout-out to the Disability Forms Specialist as well—quick, knowledgeable, and kind, which made dealing with the paperwork stress-free. The pre-op process was impressively thorough. Dr. Ramkumar’s comprehensive website laid out everything I needed to know—from the days leading up to surgery, to what to expect the day of, to post-op recovery protocols. That kind of accessibility and detail truly made a difference in helping me feel prepared and empowered. A few days after surgery, I had a minor concern and messaged his office—Dr. Ramkumar responded almost immediately, which speaks volumes about his dedication and attentiveness to patient care. Thanks to his clearly communicated physical therapy protocol, I am pleasantly surprised to be back to most of my usual activities just 4 short weeks after surgery. I never expected such progress so soon, and it’s a direct result of the quality of care I received. To Dr. Ramkumar and your incredible staff: thank you for guiding me through this journey with expertise, efficiency, and genuine care. I’m beyond grateful.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had been suffering from severe arthritis in both knees for a number of years, always afraid of knee replacement surgery after seeing how hard it was on a family member. Now, I’m 6 weeks out from left knee replacement surgery, having had the *best possible experience* under Dr. Prem Ramkumar’s excellent care. He and his helpful staff have been with me every step of the way. His friendly demeanor put me at ease, and his knowledge and experience engendered my trust. But the best part is how well I have felt postoperatively. My pain was very well managed, and my range of motion is progressing rapidly with the help of both his in-house physical therapist as well as a handy app that has home exercises which are advanced in stages. The app also provides a lot of useful recovery information and a way to easily communicate with the office. If you need any type of knee surgery, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar to you. I will be returning later in the year to have him replace my right knee. A+ positive experience.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Brett is so careful and thoughtful about the exercises he gives to me. The facility is so comfortable and private. Been to other physical therapy facilities. Brett and this facility is the best one for me.

Brett Pugh, PT, DPT

We started treatments about 3 weeks ago, my father is 89 and had a severe right shoulder fracture. Brett is an excellent professional physical therapist. Sessions are always on time, improvements in range of motion started already, my dad said that the pain is slowly diminishing and my dad trusts Brett completely.

Brett Pugh, PT, DPT

Excellent experience. The doctor was very thorough testing every aspect of my hip range of motion and final decision was to just do physical therapy for my pain. This has already helped dramatically. Thank you

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

After years of dealing with chronic numbness and tingling in my arms, I finally found relief thanks to Dr. Ortega and his incredible team. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, heard, and taken seriously. I had tried everything—physical therapy, cortisone shots, rest—but the symptoms persisted. Dr. Ortega took the time to review my MRI in detail, explain my condition thoroughly, and walk me through all my options. Just weeks later, he successfully performed surgery to replace three damaged discs in my cervical spine (C4–C7). I’m now just two weeks post-op and already feeling a huge difference. While there’s still some soreness from the recovery process, the intense pain caused by spinal cord compression and disc herniation is gone. This review may be a little early, but I couldn’t wait to share my gratitude. Once I’m fully healed, I look forward to writing an update—but for now, I’m just excited to be getting back to the active lifestyle I’ve missed for so long. Thank you, Dr. Ortega, for helping me take my life back.

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

My testimony is giving God all the Glory for Dr. Brandon Ortega and his team. Many days I wanted to give up but didn’t! I believed God would heal me someday! It was 2012 when I truly started feeling the spinal pain. I was also experiencing joint pain! It began getting worse throughout the years. It was 2023 when I first met with Dr. Brandon Ortega who is part of the Optum Group. Dr Ortega is a Dr who took the time in explaining my condition. Dr. Brandon explained my condition which was, Cervical Nerve Root Disorder. He explained MRIs, X-rays and so forth. Dr. Ortega is just one of the many Drs. left in the medical profession who takes the time with his patients! Thank God. This has been my experience in such short period of time. Prior to Dr. Ortega, I saw many Specialist regarding my medical issues.I tried every Conventional Medicine and Physical Therapy to help relieve the painful suffering, I was dealing with. Not to mention years of depression. Dealing with the fact, that this aliment had left me drained was not easy. My health was rapidly declining. It was sometimes difficult for anyone to tell unless, I was having difficult days which kept me indoors. I was a silent sufferer! Dr. Ortega was honest enough to let me know, the only medical solution to stop the pain would be surgery. He discussed the procedures. I saw and read all the necessary information I needed to know and see. I sort the Lord on this matter. It was then I knew in my heart, that Dr. Ortega was the right Dr. in performing this procedure! I had my surgery on April 8th 2025. It has been one of the best decisions made. I am feeling 99.9% better in my life today. I thank God everyday. If do cry, it’s tears of joy! Anyone who has ever suffered from chronic pain can tell you, it will rob you of whatever joy you had or have. I’m am far happier than I have ever been. I’m slowly but surely recovering and getting back to enjoying life once again! Thank you Lord🙏🏼🙏🏼Thanks to Dr. Ortega and his awesome team at the Institute and Memorial Hospital 🙂

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Millstein since 2023. He has improved my quality of life immensely. I’m 67 years old and have bad knees. With Dr. Millstein’s recommendation of physical therapy along with cortisone injections I am able to function without pain. He is so kind and considerate, extremely knowledgeable! I highly recommend him! Do not hesitate to reach out to his staff for any questions you might have. They are all great! Make an appointment today and start enjoying your life with less pain and more joy. If I could rate him higher than 5 stars I would. 💫

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Every chance I get, I tell people about Dr. Prem Ramkumar. Here’s why. He masterfully replaced my left hip using the Anterior approach or entering from the front versus the posterior. Having replaced both hips, one by anterior and one by posterior, I officially know the difference. Dr. Ramkumar informed me that the Anterior method means fewer restrictions, less pain and quicker healing. He was right. OK, no one gets out of surgery pain-free, but if you take his advice and follow up with physical therapy (I love the team at the Long Beach Orthopedic Institute) you’ll be functioning in no time. Example: I was walking the first day and driving in a week. Turns out, there is more than one way to replace a hip. Find out what’s right for you. Dr. Ramkumar is specially trained in the Anterior approach. Not every surgeon is. Dr. Ramkumar has also operated on Olympic athletes. If I had a Gold medial, I’d give it to Dr. Ramkumar and his wonderful team. By the way, he’s also funny. Humor is the best medicine of all.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA