Dr. Mathew Pifer is a shoulder magician!…read more I had rotator cuff surgery with him, and the results were flawless. As someone who's very active, I feared losing the ability to enjoy my favorite sports--but Dr. Pifer set clear expectations, communicated everything thoroughly, and delivered beyond what I thought was possible. His staff is top-notch and made me feel completely at ease. Post-op, my recovery was incredibly fast. He even provided a detailed step-by-step video and high-res images of his impeccable work using advanced technology. His PT regimen was spot-on. Now, just 90 days later, I'm back to playing pickleball, mountain biking, and golfing. I'm beyond thrilled. Dr. Pifer is the only person I'll ever trust with my shoulder! BC

Had rotator cuff surgery done by Dr. Pifer after injury, and am very happy with the results. He…read moretakes the approach that the patient should generally not be passive about recovery, and we proceeded with movement and PT shortly after surgery. I am still strengthening, but have attained pretty much full range of motion four months later. Dr. Pifer has a friendly cheerful and confident approach, but also no-nonsense. I hope never to need his services again, but would return to him if I have any shoulder issues.

One thing about Dr. Ryu he's a great surgeon, he knows exactly what needs to be done. He is the…read moreonly one i would trust to work on my knee and shoulder. He has years of knowledge, experience and a steady hand.

I had an MRI done in mid-2023 and it showed I had a high-grade bursal-sided partial rotator cuff…read moretear on my left shoulder. This greatly limited the use of my left arm - I could only raise it just above my head. My shoulder become sorer and stiffer every couple of days. I read many on-line reviews of the orthopedic surgeons to familiarize myself with the surgeons in the Santa Barbara area. Fortunately, we are lucky to have some fine surgeons to choose from. From the reviews and ratings that I read, Dr. Richard Ryu was at the on top of the ratings. Due to the critical importance of selecting the right surgeon however, I decided to also personally speak with health care and medical professionals here in town for their recommendations. Dr. Ryu was the name usually mentioned as the best orthopedic surgeon. This made my decision an easy one. I had surgery at the end of Oct 2023. I had MINIMAL PAIN after my surgery. After the fourth day of surgery I no longer needed to take any medication. My left shoulder was however very stiff. I had intensive physical therapy at home 5-7 days a week/5x a day and formal physical therapy at Hayashida PT downtown SB twice a week for approx. 24 weeks. As of May 2024, I now have full range of motion in my left shoulder. - The office of Dr. Ryu is busy but courteous and friendly. - You will be expected to be on time for your appointment! - I experienced NO wait times in the lobby for all of my appointments, and very short wait times in the exam room (approx. 2-5 min - not your typical 15-20 minute wait times or longer). This can only happen if patients are on time. - Dr. Ryu is very thorough and professional. He's very good at explaining the steps needed pre and post-surgery - all of pre and post- surgery steps are written down for you to follow. He will expect you to listen and follow his instructions so you will achieve the best results. - He is on the conservative side of his surgery approach- using documented proven techniques for the bests results. - Dr. Ryu's credentials speak for themselves. I would like to thank everyone at Hayashida physical therapy and a special shout out to my physical therapist, Dr. Carly Shevitz, for her knowledge, enthusiasm and compassion. Dr. Richard Ryu - I cannot thank you enough for your expertise in your vocation. You are an extremely gifted surgeon and many patients have benefited because of it. I couldn't be more pleased with my results!

Dr. James Zmolek replaced my right hip on April 3, 2024. As I recovered I noticed that my hip was…read moreunstable in that it would move out of place moving forward. This would consistently happen when I popped up surfing, in many yoga positions and in the follow through in my golf swing. I just had revision surgery on my right hip on April 14, 2026. At my Post Op meeting with my orthopedic surgeon here in Honolulu, the doctor explained that the cup in my right hip was so anteverted that it was a miracle my right hip had not completely dislocated at some point. But there is more. The stem of the hip was rubbing on the outer rim of the cup releasing metal flakes into the surrounding tissue. This is called Metallosis and it makes the tissue necrotic. In an advanced state, Metallosis is toxic and it would have forced my hand in having my hip replaced. How is it possible that I needed a revision hip surgery only two years after James Zmolek replaced it the first time? I am pursuing this with a Patient Advocate and will report James Zmolek to Sansum Clinic / Sutter Health in Santa Barbara as well as the medical board. Scott Wilson Honolulu, HI May 5, 2026

Since December 2020 I am not healed. It was total negligence leaving me stationary for four days…read moreafter a surgery. To this day, I will never forgive him. Four days not moved except to go to the bathroom and back. I was forgotten shipped off to a non-Orthopedic floor and now I cannot in pain every single day. Negligence total negligence. I will never forgive you. My leg does not bend and I am in excruciating pain 24/7. Actually, if there was less than a that would be my rating.

I just had a hip replacement operation at the Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara with Dr…read moreGallivan and the great staff and I am already walking perfectly in just over a week after the surgery was completed. The entire procedure was a breeze with very little pain in my case. The Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara is very high tech with a very comfortable waiting area and the wait times are very quick. And Dr Gallivan and the entire staff are very kind and caring. I really have a new lease on life with the hip replacement surgery Dr Gallivan performed and I am able to do more every day with the help of the physical therapists Dr Gallivan recommended. I highly recommend Dr Gallivan and the staff at Orthopedic Institute Of Santa Barbara

Doctor Gallivan is a great doctor, and an excellent surgeon, office wait times are forever. Every…read moretime.

Caring, smiling, and laughing is a great atmosphere for any patient. Dr. Kupperman has a great…read morebedside manner. He provided clear explanations and took the time to address my concerns. I was totally satisfied with the staff as well. The office was clean modern and well managed. I am grateful that we have these quality providers so near to home. Thanks for being there. Robyn Pursell

I was referred to this doctor by an associate of his. I have chondromalacia, torn meniscus, and…read moresprained MCL. I was sent to him for an chondroplasty and/or knee replacement. Without even looking at me, he said I was too old for the chondroplasty and too young for a knee replacement. I'm 60 and rescue horses. Not only was he rude and abrupt, he didn't offer me any help. With multiple autoimmune issues, I've seen a lot of doctors. He is by far the worst. If you don't care about people, you shouldn't be in the medical profession, Dr. Kupperman.

Efficient staff. On time appointment. Dr. Kahmann first asked me to tell him about my symptoms. I…read moreappreciated that he wanted to hear from me what brought me there, then we looked at the X-rays. He clearly explained what they showed, what he recommended, and answered my questions. I'm glad he was recommended to me.

Dr Kahmann and every member of his staff were very kind & caring. Dr Kahmann asked pertinent…read morequestions and actually listened to the replies. He listened to my concerns, and after the test results came back, he explained the results in a way that was easy to understand. Thank you Dr Kahmann.

Amazing service and results. Could not recommend more highly. Really saved me when I was in a bind…read more So glad he was able to squeeze me in while I was in SB. Best dry needling I've had by a mile.

I used to live in SB for a few years and was back in town for a wedding (that I was officiating). I…read morefound myself with some pain that had been re-occuring for quite some time under my right shoulder blade, and having visited a few acupuncturists in New York, I figured I'd give SB a chance. My wife is a big proponent of Chinese Medicine but I have not been too happy with my NYC experiences which were rushed, difficulty communicating with the practitioner, exorbitantly expensive. Gallina Acupuncture was none of these things. When Mario stepped in, I was immediately put at ease. Mario took time to listen to me and asked probing questions, discussing some of the other afflictions I suffered from. Chinese Medicine can be a bit confusing for some, but Dr. Gallina had a very comforting, precise explanation for any questions I threw his way. He explained what he was doing step-by-step to help me understand why, and his bed-side manner was great.  The acupuncture itself was amazing and I can honestly say that I have not been that relaxed in years. My mind had time to wander and center itself and the treatment was very effective. I walked out with a bit of muscle soreness similar to the kind you get after a good workout, but the next day, I was ready to perform a wedding and felt relaxed and focused. I might just move back to SB just to continue treatments with this practitioner. He knows what he's doing. Useful 1

Dr. Danielle Thomas operated on both of my feet on two different occasions two years ago. Her work…read moreis superb! I had immediate results with zero complications. She provided me with excellent, caring, and skilled care both before and after surgery. The office staff is respectful and polite. I completely trust and recommend Danielle Thomas!

I accompanied my family member to an appointment with Dr Thomas. His foot injuries were severe and…read morewould impair his ability to walk if not treated effectively. From the moment Dr Thomas walked in the exam room, she seemed very rushed. She even got short with me for asking questions, for example questioning her plan to delay surgery (beyond what I had read was the recommended time period) ... or why would she recommend to bear weight on an injured food in excruciating pain. In addition, she is opposed to a humane level of pain management. Considering the advice Dr Thomas gave, it was apparent that she hadn't carefully reviewed the imaging done or read the reports. If my family member had followed her advice, his injuries would have been permanently disabling. I'm so glad we decided to seek a second opinion. The foot specialist near Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Dr Harrison, was a breath of fresh air. Like night and day.