Shoulder
8 rotator cuff decisions that deserve a clear explanation
A good discussion separates pain relief, strength, tendon healing and the recovery demands of each option.
Read the guideShoulder · Patient experiences
8 five-star reviews for Dr. Allyson Estess discuss shoulder care. Read their words, learn what mattered to them, and bring the questions that matter to you to your next visit.
Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here.

A person behind your care
As a former Division-1 and U.S. National Team soccer player, Dr. Allyson Estess understands the physical and emotional demands of injury—because she’s lived them. Today, she’s a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, as well as soft tissue injuries and fracture care for both adults and children.
Patients describe Dr. Estess as deeply attentive, thorough, and kind. She’s known for her calm, unrushed bedside manner, and for explaining diagnoses and treatment plans in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re an athlete returning to competition or simply ready to move without pain again, she’s fully invested in your recovery—and the life you want to get back to.
Outside the OR, she spends time with her husband and kids, competes in triathlons, and loves reading, the beach, and staying active year-round.
Bring what matters to you
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.
In their own words
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 shoulder. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.
8 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
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
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
Amazing experience on my shoulder surgery. From the staff to the doctors.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr Estess did a great job on my shoulder surgery. She prepared me well for the Surgery and followed through my recovery. I appreciate her clear and concise communication.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr Estess was incredibly helpful and gave me a thorough explanation of what was going on with my shoulder. I sought her out for a third opinion and was glad I did. She spent a lot of time with me explaining the MRI and options to consider for me before jumping into surgery. She was kind, practical, helpful and friendly. I trust her judgment and appreciate the way she gave me a full picture of what to anticipate: pros and cons, of my condition.
Allyson Estess, MD
I found out I have frozen shoulder. She diagnosed and helped me through the process and gave me options. Very smart, kinda and well spoken. I appreciated her insight.
Allyson Estess, MD
A little more understanding
Shoulder
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