Shoulder
Rotator cuff tear: what should you ask a shoulder physician?
A good discussion separates pain relief, strength, tendon healing and the recovery demands of each option.
Read the guideReviews by topic · Body areas
A shoulder concern can get in the way of the things you enjoy. Start with the details our patients share, and explore the clinician profiles beside each account to learn about their focus.
This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.
People behind your care
Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context.
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Dr. Estess was excellent advising on and tending to my shoulder injury (X-rays, cortisone injection).
Allyson Estess, MD
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Allyson spent a lot of time reviewing my symptoms, examining my shoulder, reviewing the MRI, and then, most importantly reviewing my options.
Allyson Estess, MD
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I have several issues with my back, my left arm, and shoulder where bothering me in a serious way.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
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I was referred to Dr. Bhalla due to excruciating pain in my left shoulder and arm.
Amandeep Bhalla, MD
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I will be having a total shoulder replacement surgery with him soon.
Andrew Wassef, MD
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If you’re considering hip, knee, or shoulder surgery, definitely get an opinion from Dr Wassef.
Andrew Wassef, MD
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I was initially referred to physical therapy which was helping both my neck and a shoulder condition.
Brandon A. Ortega, MD
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neck and on my right arm and shoulder. The surgery and care afterwards was exceptional without any problems.
Brandon A. Ortega, MD
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We started treatments about 3 weeks ago, my father is 89 and had a severe right shoulder fracture.
Brett Pugh, PT, DPT
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been suffering from excruciating pain in my shoulder for the past 4 months,I went to see Dr Christopher combs and had hydrocortisone injection today.
Christopher Combs, MD
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The visit to Dr. Millstein was comforting, as he thoroughly explained my shoulder issues, reviewed my options, and answered my concerns.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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Exceptional Doctor! Explained all possible ways to fix shoulder and was patient and extremely well informed!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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came in with pretty bad neck and shoulder pain and the doctor was able to diagnose me correctly after running a few tests gave me
Evish Kamrava, MD
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Dr. Kamrava was very helpful w my shoulder pain.
Evish Kamrava, MD
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When I woke from the anesthesia the first thing I noticed was no pain in my shoulder, arm, or hand.
Hyun Bae, MD
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My arm, hand, shoulder and scapula pain was gone since post-op day 1.
Hyun Bae, MD
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I went to several doctors that sent me for an MRI of the shoulder and was sent for physical therapy.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
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My symptoms of shoulder and arm pain are gone.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
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He discovered I had a torn labrum in my right shoulder and said I would need surgery.
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
Make it personal
Use the accounts here to think about the questions you want to bring to our team.
Explore the collection
Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating.
94 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
The visit to Dr. Millstein was comforting, as he thoroughly explained my shoulder issues, reviewed my options, and answered my concerns. I feel better already! Five stars to Dr. Millstein and his competent team.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Exceptional Doctor! Explained all possible ways to fix shoulder and was patient and extremely well informed!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Was impressed firstly by the number of X-rays that were taken by the very efficient technician and then, the amount of detail the doctor had to work with. Her reasoned Interpretation of all images resulted in a very clear path to treatment for my pain concerns. Lastly, the cortisone shot she gave me in the knee was so unexpectedly successful, I woke up the next morning with no perceptible pain in that area. Now, I wish I had been offered same shot in both shoulders before starting physical therapy this week. All in all. a most throughly positive treatment with immediate positive results.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Ortega has been amazing, life changing!! I was in so much pain by the time I was referred to him, I was barely sleeping, and missing a ton of work because of the pain and feeling off balance. I was initially referred to physical therapy which was helping both my neck and a shoulder condition. I wasn’t understanding how so many symptoms (pain in my arm, fingers tingling, feeling off balance) all stemmed from my neck. When Dr. Ortega spoke with me about Complete Disk Replacement surgery I was relieved. Though the procedure on my neck sounded scary it HAD to be better than how life had been. I was actually excited for the surgery and couldn’t stop smiling any time it was brought up. Surgery day couldn’t come fast enough. Dr. Ortega took time to explain the surgery and what to expect after it. There were literally no surprises. I felt very little pain after surgery, mostly from the incision itself. There was some discomfort in my neck, almost felt as if there was a lump in my throat. This went away in about 6 weeks. I was off all pain meds within days of surgery. I was nervous about swallowing and stuck to a liquid diet for a few days. Swallowing was back to normal with in a week or two, ice pops became a favorite! . My voice was a little raspy for a short time as well, cleared up within a month. I just had my 6 month post-op appointment and I can’t tell you enough how amazing I feel! The pain and tingling are completely gone (went to physical therapy for some time…work the process). I can sleep through the night again! I did have one odd symptom around 3 months post op, when I tilted my head down I felt a static sensation from neck to my fingers which lasted a second. Dr. Ortega was able to see me next day, checked X-rays and everything looked great. My nerves were heeling and the sensation went away after a couple of weeks. I know the thought of surgery on your neck sounds very scary…if Dr. Ortega is your surgeon, rest easy…he knows what he’s doing. He takes the time to explain everything about the surgery (CDR), what to expect after, answered every question I had which eased my mind. He gave me my life back! Thank you Dr. Ortega!!
Brandon A. Ortega, MD
He’s the best. I didn’t feel a thing! My wife raves about his honest presentation of the facts….when others wanted to use the knife Dr Millstein took the opposite approach and cured her shoulder issues without surgery! Thank you Dr. Millstein. We love you! George and Cameron.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
He’s the best! Fast, thorough, smart. Solved my shoulder problem.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein restored my right rotator cuff to better-than-new condition nine years ago. My latest visit was to be examined for soreness in my left shoulder. X-rays and an examination by him indicated it was nothing more than a pulled ligament requiring some physical therapy. I found Dr. Millstein to be just as personable and professional as he was years ago. See him. Trust him. You’ll be glad you did.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I have been very nervous about getting a shoulder replacement. When I met with Dr. Milstein I liked his confidence and experience and I felt much better about making this decision for surgery. I feel I will be in very good hands.
Eric S. Millstein, 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
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Wassef. He takes time to listen and address any concerns of each patient.I had a hip replacement done by him in 2018 and my hip has been wonderful. I walk about 12 miles a week and it has never given me any issues. I will be having a total shoulder replacement surgery with him soon. I have all the confidence in him that it will be a successful surgery just like my last.
Andrew Wassef, MD
A++. Dr. Estess was excellent advising on and tending to my shoulder injury (X-rays, cortisone injection). Her support staff were all very good and efficient and friendly. Also - modern, clean facilities. Very highly recommended.
Allyson Estess, MD
I'm an orthopedic spine surgeon and so I know what my shoulder problem is. But what to do is quite a different talent. Allyson spent a lot of time reviewing my symptoms, examining my shoulder, reviewing the MRI, and then, most importantly reviewing my options. We recommend her to everyone. You won't be disappointed (even though Yelp is not my favorite venue for reviews)
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Estess was great. Very thorough and has great demeanor. Solutions to my shoulder issue were music to my ears.
Allyson Estess, MD
I came in with pretty bad neck and shoulder pain and the doctor was able to diagnose me correctly after running a few tests gave me some medication and some shots and I felt so much better would highly recommend
Evish Kamrava, MD
My experience with Dr. Bae, and his staff has been nothing short of miraculous. The amount of pain I was in before my procedure was relentless, exhausting, and unlivable. Fusion of my entire cervical spine had been suggested by two Arizona prominent orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Bae replaced two disc in my neck and the change was noticeable immediately. When I woke from the anesthesia the first thing I noticed was no pain in my shoulder, arm, or hand. It was all gone. LThe only slight discomfort I had was from the surgical procedure itself, and with two Tylenol a day for a week I felt very little. I'm 63, and this was my first surgical procedure. I was very fortunate to find Dr. Bae and his staff.
Hyun Bae, MD
I felt reassured that Dr Millstein was very knowledgeable about my shoulder and treatment options. His staff were helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend him.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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
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.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I can't say enough great things, about this doctor, his staff and the surgical center, where he performed my rotator cuff surgery, in November. Incredibly humble doctor, who doesn't think he's God, but truly is, in his field. Should my husband, or I need (fingers crossed that we won't) knees, or shoulders, he's our guy. Fabulous personality, too! Thanks Dr. Millstein, so happy to be back on the court!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr Eric performed an excellent surgery replacing my left shoulder. He has a comforting mamneris and takes an interest in my psychic regarding my expectations and also my intent to pursue strengtheng my shoulder and rest of my body. Also, his staff is professional and welcoming. I would definitely keep Dr Milstein as a primary specialty doctor He is now one of my Dream Team
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Kamrava was very helpful w my shoulder pain.
Evish Kamrava, MD
Amazing experience on my shoulder surgery. From the staff to the doctors.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Milstein is the consummate caring empathetic, knowledgeable professional. I have been seeing him for my various orthopedic issues (knees, elbows, shoulders) over the last 5+ years or so, and he has without fail evaluated diagnosed and prescribed the correct treatment. Without hesitation I would recommend Dr. Milstein for any orthopedic related need. 8/27/24-I saw Dr. Milstein, accommodated me on very short notice. Once again Eric (he’s treated for so long I feel I can use his first name!) evaluated my issues, after fully informing me advised cortisone shot, I agrred. He injected smoothly, painlessly. He has had a great track record with of hitting the ‘right spot’ and I am confident he’s done it again. He’s that good!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein did my reverse shoulder replacement of my right shoulder a one year ago. I have been so pleased with his work and how well my arm now functions. I can play pickleball again! He is very attentive, considerate, and helpful. I highly recommend him.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Understand your options
Shoulder
A good discussion separates pain relief, strength, tendon healing and the recovery demands of each option.
Read the guideShoulder
The choice between anatomic and reverse replacement should make sense for your rotator cuff, bone and everyday needs.
Read the guideKeep exploring