Recovery and return to activity · Patient experiences

Eric S. Millstein, MD.
Recovery and return to activity reviews.

50 five-star reviews for Dr. Eric S. Millstein discuss recovery and return to activity. Patients describe Dr. Millstein as kind, professional and excellent. Their stories also speak to compassionate care and clear explanations. Hear what patients share about finding their way back to everyday life, and bring your own recovery questions to a visit.

Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here.

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Eric S. Millstein, MD

A person behind your care

Get to know
Eric S. Millstein.

Dr. Eric Millstein is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Commons Clinic, where he helps lead a new, more connected model of musculoskeletal care. He specializes in total joint replacement of the knee and shoulder, as well as sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and joint preservation. Known for delivering excellent outcomes and faster recoveries, Dr. Millstein combines surgical expertise with a personal, attentive style that makes patients feel truly cared for.

Patients describe him as kind, clear, and highly skilled—someone who listens first, explains thoroughly, and guides them through the recovery process with confidence. His team is equally known for their warmth and professionalism, creating a care experience that’s both top-tier and deeply human.

Outside the OR, Dr. Millstein is a dedicated dad to two teenagers, and likes to stay active—often on the basketball court or ski slopes.

Total Knee ReplacementPartial Knee ReplacementTotal Shoulder ReplacementReverse Total ShoulderKnee ArthroscopyShoulder Arthroscopy

Meet Eric S. Millstein at Commons Clinic ↗

Bring what matters to you

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Returning to everyday life means something different to everyone. These reviews bring together personal accounts of recovery, rehabilitation, walking and getting back to activities.

  • What everyday activities would I most like to discuss with my care team?
  • Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about?

In their own words

Care feels personal.
So do these stories.

These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.

This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention recovery and return to activity. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.

51 written reviews

Highest rated first · Newest within each rating

Anyone trying to figure out who is the best knee surgeon in Los Angeles, CA needs to head straight to Santa Monica. I did exhaustive research across the entire LA metro area for an orthopedic specialist to handle a complex knee issue, and Dr. Eric Millstein, MD is hands-down the premier choice. His office at 2901 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica is immaculate, and his expertise in advanced knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, and joint care is unmatched across Southern California. He is affiliated with top-tier hospital systems like Cedars-Sinai and Providence Saint John’s, which gives you complete peace of mind. From the initial consultation to my flawless post-op recovery, his care was incredible. If you want the absolute best knee surgeon in Los Angeles, driving to his Santa Monica clinic is 100% worth it.
AM
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Eric Millstein was my last minute second option, I'm filled with graduate for that chance to end up having my left rotator cuff surgery done by him. I can’t say enough good things about the entire experience. From my very first consultation, he was thorough, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable, he took the time to clearly explain my diagnosis, walk me through all my treatment options, and set realistic expectations for recovery. The surgery itself went smoothly, and I felt confident knowing I was in such capable hands. What really stood out, though, was the level of care and attention I received throughout the entire process, from pre-op to post-op follow-ups from the entire crew. Today, 10 weeks after the surgery, and only 5 weeks of physical therapy, I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my recovery progress, now I can see it thorough, full recovery is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated orthopedic surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Millstein!!
DG
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Professional and courteous from the moment you walk in the door. I’ve been a patient of Dr Millstein‘s for about 12 years.
JW
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Millstein could not have been more helpful and precise discussing my options after an acl and meniscus tearing ski accident two weeks prior. He instantly gained my trust explaining the details of my injury from mri imaging and involved me in the choices I had to make on surgery v rehab . I cannot recommend him highly enough after my initial consultation. I chose the surgery route , and his team slotted me in quickly to get me back to work, which is my number one priority .10/10 .
VG
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

First impression walking in was wow what a beautiful office! I was welcomed with a smile and immediately brought back to the patient room. Dr. Millstein was very thorough in my evaluation, sat down listened, answered all of my questions, and set me on the right path to recovery.
SS
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Milstein operated on my left wrist that had broken , back in 2016. excellent surgeon, excellent recovery and no pain afterwards . so after fracturing my left patella i made appt to see him again .He is the only orthopedic doctor i feel comfortable with.. His office staff are all kind , professional . He truly gave me hope , professional , kind and easy for me to explain what happened . i know i will be in good hands after he sees my MRI and goes from there .
RB
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein is the absolute best in every way. He came highly recommended to me by many medical professionals and my husband who is also a doctor. He was extremely honest with me about my need for surgery and he was right. Everything he said came true about my knee and in the end I needed a procedure. I was extremely nervous about the whole procedure and he took the time to explain everything to me and calm me down. He had so much empathy and understanding of my fears and took the time to speak to me about it. On the morning of the surgery he came in prepared, on time and did a fabulous job. I left the surgery center walking and I am healing very well. I could not have asked for a better doctor. He is knowledgeable, smart, kind, honest, straightforward, experienced and talented. I highly recommend him!
ST
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I so appreciated that I was able to see Dr. Millstein himself to discuss my knee concerns. I had previously tried to see another top knee surgeon and was "blown off" by his Physician's Assistant. Dr. Millstein thoroughly discussed options for my old shattered kneecap injury and how to live my best life pain-free. His conservative approach meant I didn't need knee replacement surgery at this point. He and his staff are kind and caring and I will continuing treatment with him as needed.
SG
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Always great service. This is an extremely awesome practice. Dr. Millstein has done two surgeries for me and people are blown away at my swift painless recovery. If you’re looking for the best this is your solution. A Godsend!
AC
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein and his team were wonderful during my son’s recent laterjet shoulder surgery. Big should out to his anesthesiologist who was also amazing and so kind. This was my son’s second shoulder surgery in 2 years and after a lot of research and recommendations we went with Dr. Millstein and we are so glad we did! He was kind, professional and took his time explaining the procedure in detail and all the recovery steps. We are 3 weeks out and looking forward to our next post op meeting to assess his healing and progress. Great experience so far! Thank you Dr. M.
MM
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I had a problem with my knee for nine months, and had been seeing another orthopedic surgeon who had misdiagnosed me. Luckily, I had the good sense to obtain a second opinion from Dr. Millstein. Dr. Millstein made a diagnosis in literally two minutes, and my knee was operated on about two weeks later. After nine months of walking with extreme pain in my right knee, I obtained complete relief in a very short period of time. Extremely grateful to be able to walk without pain, and extremely grateful to this excellent doctor, who did not even need to obtain any imaging studies whatsoever to make my diagnosis. As a doctor myself, my advice for anyone out there who is experiencing frustration with their doctors's diagnosis is to obtain a second opinion! Not all doctors know what the hell they're doing. And with medicine getting busier and crazier than ever before, and insurance companies less and less willing to pay for tests, outstanding doctors such as Dr. Millstein are becoming more and more crucial.
BK
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I can’t say enough about how incredible my experience has been with Dr. Eric Millstein and his team! After needing an ACL revision, I was understandably nervous and wanted the best care possible. From the initial consultation to my follow-up appointments, Dr. Millstein has been nothing short of amazing. His knowledge, precision, and genuine concern for my well-being put me at ease, and his team provided outstanding support every step of the way. The surgery went smoothly, and my recovery has been faster and easier than I ever expected. Dr. Millstein’s expertise and attention to detail are unmatched, and his team’s professionalism and kindness made all the difference. I’m so grateful to have found such an exceptional orthopedic surgeon, and I know without a doubt that he will be my go-to if I ever need orthopedic care in the future. Thank you, Dr. Millstein and team, for your dedication and incredible care!
PR
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

There isn’t a better or more professional Orthopedic surgeon in LA. My collar bone plate removal surgery was done with great care and expertise. He was extremely careful which had made my recovery and surgery scar minimal. I would highly recommend.
IB
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein re-attached my long head bicep to my shoulder. Super clean surgery, you'd never know it happened, that's how well it healed and you can't see a scar. He's an artist as much as a surgeon. I also found him to be straight forward and very supportive post-op which helped me keep my head out of the equation during down time...AMAZING man, BRILLIANT Doctor! Im adding to this review that 10 years later I my other long head bicep needed repair n I returned to this INCREDIBLY KIND COMPASSIONATE TALENTED SURGEON to fix that one too. Thx to Milstein I’m still rocking tank tops n dresses beautifully!!! He’s the kindest n most ethical doctor you will ever find. Highly recommend!
ZB
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I would highly recommend Dr. Millstein. His whole staff is extremely professional, and he has a great office with high-tech equipment to help with your recovery. Not to mention there is even valet parking.
SS
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Millstein is very nice , professional. Remembers me. Office is clean. Staff is friendly and helpful. I had a total knee replacement and he was very honest about what to expect. I am still healing but walking without a cane in 6 weeks. Everyone is different.
SK
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Millstein is the best!!! From the initial consultation, thru knee replacement surgery and recovery it has been such a positive experience. His staff is also amazing!!!
JP
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I have had positive experiences with Dr. Millstein since 2005!!' I trust and value his expertise and guidance. I live in Vegas now, and was given an opinion locally that puzzled me. Hence I returned to the good Dr. for his review and opinion, which was a correct assessment of my "condition". Thank you again!
MJ
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

I have NEVER written a yelp review for a Dr. but I wanted to share the experience I had with Dr. Millstein and his entire staff. I unfortunately slipped and fractured 2 bones in my leg. Having never had anything more than a paper cut in all my life I was terrified. I could not have been referred to a better Dr. !!! From my first visit, Dr. Millstein was personable and patient as he SAT and walked me through the x-ray of my leg, explaining the bone(s) I fractured, how they "work", what the recovery process would look like and even the symptoms I might have as I recovered. Without knowing it, this is exactly what I needed...details. He didn't try to rush the healing process but encouraged me (when it was time and the bone had healed) to do what "felt right" as I began to move away from the crutches and the boot. This may sound elementary and expected and if it is - great! However, I've had my share of annual office visits to the Dr. over the years and the totality of all of those visits pales in comparison to exceptional service of Dr. Millstein and the Commons Clinic staff. From the greeting from the front office and the respect of your time (not even a 15 min wait to be seen) to entire back office staff - they are all following the example he is setting. Everyone makes you feel like they are there to help which is an awesome feeling when you are down and wobbling around on crutches! If (God forbid) you ever break a leg, run (no pun intended) to the Commons Clinic and see Dr. Eric Millstein. Tell them Violet sent you...You will Thank me later!
VM
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

After a year of PT for my left knee , I could not walk anymore . I was recommended to Dr. Milstein & he had to do surgery on my left knee , I walked out of the surgery center with no pain, and 5 years later I’m pain free on that knee. Today I had to see him for my right knee. He saw me on time, attentive to my questions and explained to me clearly , the choices I have to heal that knee. I would definitely recommend Dr. Milstein.
RS
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Yesterday was my first time meeting with Dr. Millstein, and the whole experience -- from making the appointment to checking in on line and in the office to the session with the Dr. and then working with his staff to set my surgery appointment -- was exactly how quality health care should work. The entire team is terrific, and Dr. Millstein himself made me feel like were were old friends. Despite being obviously very busy, I didn't feel rushed at all. He took the time to explain my diagnosis, the upcoming surgery and the recovery schedule, and he answered all of my questions. And his staff worked hard to try to squeeze the procedure into my own very complicated schedule. Very happy with my experience so far! wsf
WF
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein is an expert, knowledgeable, congenial, efficient, cordial and best of all he kept me informed on every aspect of the procedures throughout the entire examination. The entire staff is exceptional, professional and very pleasant to work with. I feel comfortable returning to him for any need for follow-up and I highly recommend his office to anyone that asks.
J
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein is the best. I’ve been seeing him for a number of injuries over the year. He’s great at diagnostics, conservative in treatment, and on the one injury that required surgery - a torn labrum in my shoulder - the recovery was fast and the shoulder is like new. Also a great guy. Highly recommend!
GL
Google
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Millstein is treating my condition conservatively and from one visit I am totally pain-free. An fortunate to have been introduced to him and his accommodating staff.
JD
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Eric S. Millstein, MD

A little more understanding

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