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
66 five-star reviews for Dr. Eric S. Millstein discuss shoulder care. Patients describe Dr. Millstein as knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Their stories also speak to clear explanations and compassionate 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
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.
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.
67 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
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 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
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. 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
From moment one I was impressed with the Commons & Dr Eric Milstein due to his professional staff and their expeditious reply to voice mails. I had an incredibly painful shoulder and the staff worked to fit me in to Dr Milstein's busy schedule ASAP ! The Commons office is a very comfortable and inviting space--no hideous straight back chairs lined up in a windowless lobby ! A spacious area with various seating areas and a pleasant front desk staff. Dr Milstein himself is friendly, professional and direct. I have much confidence in his medical assessment and protocol for my very painful shoulder. After years with Kerlan Jobe (now Cedars) the circuitous phone messages to reach a human, the exorbitant wait times to actually see a Dr, the rushed brief visit once an appointment is secured with a doctor, Dr Milstein and his practice are a breath of fresh air !!! Also, very easy parking 100 out of 100 overall score ! P.S. I was even more impressed when the patient prior to me was a world renowned Doctor.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr Millstein is personable, knowledgeable, practical and efficient. He explained the shoulder pain came from bone on bone caused by arthritis. He treated me with a cortisone shot which has made a world of difference. We have a treatment plan for the future and I feel comfortable that he will be a good partner in helping me keep active.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein covered all the necessary bases in regard to my postoperative care needs in his specialty of orthopedic knee surgery. He also carefully examined the x-rays that his technician had just completed, and told me that everything looked good. He also said after he had me bend my knees and do some setup and stand exercises that I had reached the point where I really did not need to continue with physical therapy for my knees on a professional level at this time, unless I wanted to. He did encourage me to keep being physically active. He also referred me to Dr. Eugene Tsai for the arthritis in my hands and left shoulder, believing that Dr. Tsai could prescribe some therapy for those issues. Richard Mast, Los Angeles, CA
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr Millstein is a compassionate, knowledgeable and excellent surgeon. If you have knee or shoulder issues, he’s your man! The offices are sparkling new, offering state of the art technology, snacks and easy parking.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein and staff all were attentive. l appreciate Dr. taking time to listening to my concerns of wild pain and weirdness my shoulder been actively showing. We did find the issue. I will be making another appointment soon at his new office. l am comfortable with him and if surgery is needed l trust him 99% than my own pain management. I am grateful to be and patient of his and staff.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I had a cortisone shot in my shoulder and I’ve no pain since. Thank you Dr Millstein
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr Eric Millstein is the perfect dr. He listens well, set me at ease, has a great sense of humor and did my shoulder cortisone shot very gently and stress-free. It’s like getting medical care from your best friend.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Eric Millstein is awesome! I had a right knee replacement and a right shoulder replacement this year and I would do it again. So happy about my results, and the attention Dr. Millstein gives. His candor helps you to trust what he says and the end results are proof that his word, expertise and experience absolutely can be trusted.. He is the Best.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I visited Dr. Millstein for knee and shoulder problems. He was excellent! He explained everything in an easy-to-understand manner and I never felt rushed. His staff was very organized and kind.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Great doctor, great staff. After dealing with a shoulder issue for months, asking friends and finding that in spite of successful outcomes noone was raving about their physician, I went on Yelp and found Dr. Millstein. I then received a separate recommendation from a nurse in another office - always a good sign. Both got it right. He was knowledgeable, personable, attentive and engaged. In other words excellent bedside manner. I thought I would wait to review him after my follow up appointment. The net net- my second visit was as reassuring as the first visit. It feels great to be in good hands.
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!
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Millstein is my orthopedic surgeon of choice for my own surgery coming up. I’m sure anyone reading this can imagine how important a shoulder surgery would be for me as a surgeon myself. I asked several colleagues for referrals, and all roads led to Dr. Millstein
Eric S. Millstein, MD
A little more understanding
Shoulder
A good discussion separates pain relief, strength, tendon healing and the recovery demands of each option.
Read the guideShoulder
Choosing shoulder replacement involves more than comparing implant names. Ask why a reverse design fits your shoulder, what everyday function is realistic, and how the team will help you manage the recovery.
Read the guide