Dr. Rowan Paul is the best physician I've ever encountered. He's not only a doctor, but a true healer. Even though I had a great surgeon, I had significant healing complications after a full Achilles repair and was worried I might never dance or run again. I also definitely did not want to go through another surgery. Through a series of hydrodissections, Dr. Paul has helped me avoid surgery--and now I'm back to both dancing and running. What stood out most is how he showed up for me. I felt he was all in--completely dedicated to my outcome and to me as a whole person. I had a lot of fear around the situation, and after several pretty grim consultations with other doctors, he told me, "We are going to get you there--don't let anyone tell you otherwise." While he performed the first hydrodissection, he talked me through everything and kept reminding me, "I'm right here in it with you." He didn't just treat the injury--he treated me as a whole person. I especially appreciated how much he took the nervous system into account. I had done my own deep dive into meditation and nervous system work, and he was always curious and open to learning from me. He told me he's made a commitment to always learn from his patients, which really shows. He's incredibly well-connected to top medical professionals at the forefront of their fields and up to date on the latest research--in fact, he actively participates in and runs his own studies. What truly sets him apart is the combination of off-the-charts technical skill and a genuinely open-minded, compassionate approach. He's thoughtful and expansive in how he looks at treatment--drawing from a range of medical perspectives rather than sticking to a single lane. He brings a broader view that doesn't just treat the injury--it goes beyond it entirely. Also, his team is amazing--Brian, a bodyworker who incorporates a neuro-rewiring and somatic approach, and his office team, Maria, Shaiann, and Hatice. And Dr. Kentaro Onishi, another brilliant compassionate minded physician, just joined the practice. I've honestly never felt that level of warmth, support, and responsiveness from a medical office. read more

Dr. Rowan Paul neglected to give me accurate information about my hips stating I would need a hip replacement by 25 if I gained any more weight. I was 17 and 5'7" and 130lbs and am now 21 and am not any heavier. He then also stated that my hip dysplasia wasn't serious enough to warrant any treatment at all which was extremely contradictory to his previous statement. Because of this inaccurate information I didn't know I could do the physical therapy to prevent further dysplasia and now I have to get hip surgery, not a replacement yet but surgery to prevent further damaging. To summarize he gave me conflicting diagnoses and no practical information about my condition which was if not preventable definitely able to be slowed. He also neglected to give me all of the anesthesia needed for my PRP and didn't listen when I told him I was in pain. read more

They can't keep their story straight and don't honor appointments. I scheduled a phone appointment with me with Vitaly for June 21, 2023. Nobody called for my scheduled appointment. The following week, June 27, I called again to request another appointment. I was scheduled for Thursday, July 13, at 10 AM. She gave me a few options, and I selected that time. While entering the appointment into my calendar, I asked for the phone number, just in case I was running late or something. The receptionist told me the contact number would appear on an appointment card that she would email to me. Two hours later, having not received the appointment card via email, I called to ask her if she'd sent it. The receptionist confirmed that she hadn't. She said she couldn't schedule me because all of the doctors were unavailable. Apparently, she decided the best course of action was to not call me back or email me to let me know I'd been canceled -- to do nothing -- even after she had already scheduled my appointment for July 13, 10:00 AM, as I had entered into my calendar. I asked when the doctors would be available ("Three weeks, six weeks, ..."). She replied that she didn't know. Regen Core: * failed to make an appointment *they* scheduled * Scheduled me for another appointment (no apology or reason given for the first cancellation) * Said they'd send a card with details * Canceled me *again*; and again, without notice * Gave me a fishy story that the doctors were all gone with no scheduled return dates (what?!) Conclusion: I was scheduled and canceled twice. If Rowan Paul wants to clear his name, he can contact me himself and try to fix that. I'm interested in my health, not wasting time on Yelp. Having said that, I don't take kindly to being lied to or having my chain jerked. read more

Please make sure you review all your bills as I have had multiple instances of overbilling and adding of services that I never had. In addition, I was never told to get an x-ray which in the end would have shown that I have an anatomical issue (genetic) and it would have saved me over a year of time, pain and money. read more

Dr. Paul is the finest ortho surgeon I've ever encountered, and I've encountered many having done sports all my life. There's a very specific reason why Dr. Paul is the best, aside from the fact that he is an impressively experienced surgeon who has a wonderful bedside manner. The reason why Dr. Paul is so good is that he underwent specialized training in the use of ultrasound in clinical applications. So when Dr. Paul gives you a dextrose and lidocaine shot, he doesn't just stick a needle in and hope he hits the right spot - he uses an ultrasound machine to "visualize" where he is injecting the medications. This allows him to hit the target tissue with exceptional accuracy. It also allows him to use less medication, yet be more effective. I will never go to another ortho surgeon. Use one like Dr. Paul that uses an ultrasound machine in real time to visualize inside your body. read more

Rowan Paul, MD - Dr. Paul uses an ultrasound machine to visualize where he's injecting for maximal precision. This requires specialized training - Sports Medicine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I came into SF today from out of town to see this doctor. I rearranged my schedule and paid sitters to help with my kids. I waited an hour in the waiting room. When I asked why, they said that Dr. Paul just returned from being gone for 2 weeks so they had to squeeze people in. I waited another 45 minutes in the waiting room before I left. So I can't comment on how he is as a doctor, but I wouldn't want a doctor who made me wait almost 2 hours. In addition, his assistant told him I needed to go to another appointment and he said not to worry that he'd get me out in time...which meant he would be rushing my appointment. I am disappointed. read more

1.5 hour wait, 6 minute appt, wrong diagnosis on referral form, invented maladies on visit summary If Yelp had a "negative 5 star" function, this experience would qualify. I waited more than an hour and a half for a 6-minute appointment with Dr. Paul. His assistant apologized for the delay; he did not. Apparently good manners are delegated at this office. During those six minutes with the doctor, he roughly manipulated my knee (Relax! he demanded, when I tensed up to protect my joint), told the young doctor shadowing him to feel my knee, then let lose with an avalanche of technical terms that I guess was supposed to pass for communication. I asked him to slow down; he seemed surprised that the knee in question had a person attached to it, and that that person could speak. He spoke mostly with what I assume was a junior doctor learning the ropes, rather than to me. (That junior doctor was really sweet; he shook my hand and looked me in the eye, which Dr. Paul failed to do. If the young doctor remembers to not emulate his mentor, he'll go far.) Friends who've had similar knee problems told me he'd probably order an MRI so he could see what was going on in the joint. He didn't order an MRI. He's apparently such an amazing doc that he needs no diagnostic tools beyond his own assumptions. He doesn't need to see the affected area, either. I asked if I should remove my pants; he said there was no need. After he breezed out of the exam room and was in the hallway, I heard him say, 1 down, 2 to go. I thought I'd be able to see his notes online, make some sense of what he'd been spewing, but I'd forgotten that he's not part of the Sutter Health system, which gives me online access to visit summaries. So basically I had nothing in the way of a diagnosis. The kicker? He referred me to Physical Therapy, but the problem listed on the referral form was wrong. I'd come in for my knee; he listed the problem area as my back. I called to get it corrected; Irma said she'd take care of it, but didn't. I called back several days later and got help from Chelsea, who was great, and I got the referral form corrected and faxed to a Physical Therapist. She also sent me to Kevin in the records dept, who got me a copy of the visit summary. But on that summary, the back was still listed as the primary problem, and they'd listed other problems that I don't have: (Acute upper respiratory infection, cough variant asthma, flushing) and added to my list of current meds "Symbicort inhalant aerosol." I have none of these problems, never have, and have never used an inhaler. What the hell are these people about? This is dangerous incompetence. I paid a $25 co-pay. Dr. Paul charged my insurance the usual crazy amount. How many dollars a minute did I pay for his arrogant ineptitude? The office is decorated with signed photos of minor sports stars and a young Pat Benatar. Perhaps if I were a sports guy or an 80s pop star, I would have gotten better treatment. Steer clear of this clown. read more

Simply put, Dr. Rowan Paul is the best. I have had knee pain for more than 2 years. Physical therapy helped to a point and then didn't work. A friend recommended Dr. Paul, who gave me two shots of PRP combined with hyaluronic acid and within a month my knee is at about 98% of where it used to be and pretty much pain free. Besides that, Dr. Paul takes time with his patients, answers all the questions and does it with grace and empathy. PRP works and Dr. Paul has done more than 15,000 of these procedures with great success. Highest recommendation! read more

We live in SF and decided to go to see dr Rowan for my moms hand and shoulder Dr Rowan met us on first visit and pretty quickly made a decision that he can help my mom with stem cell procedure Due to her older age we asked several times will procedure work on her will it be easy to recover and he said he can definitely do it and that there will be results He did not say how unbearable pain will be right after procedure as he prescribed painkillers only after and we had to rush to get them as my mom was in horrible pain He did not do much follow up on procedure and misrepresented that it will help Mom has suffered a lot and instead of her hand getting better. Now she barely can raise it and also one of the nerves was damaged. He has no heart to his patients. And lied about the result I would not recommend him to anyone Please think twice before making appointment to him read more

I live to run. After fracturing my knee and then running intermittently with pain for 11 years, including seeing a variety of unhelpful orthopedists, I had a series of consults with Dr. Paul. With his PRP treatments along with his caring, conscientious guidance, he has me back to long-distance running with no pain. A miracle and my wildest dreams realized! I am as thankful and appreciative as I can be. read more

Dr. Paul is an amazing physician. His bedside manner is wonderful. He seriously should teach classes in bedside manner. Every time I go in he is sooooo patient. He explains everything. He explains the risks. He explains what might happen. He explains what might not happen. And he explains the after-effects. One disadvantage of Dr. Paul is that, like any successful practitioner, he is exceptionally busy. A first appointment can take some time. And follow-up appointments can book out quite a ways. If you need a procedure, that will book out even farther. However, I would not let this scare you away. I'd rather go to a busy doctor anyday - there is a reason why he is busy! read more

It's hard to overstate how good my experience has been with Dr. Paul. I fell a year and a half ago and was told I had an MCL sprain that would take 3 weeks to heal. It didn't heal. Over the next 8 months, I saw 2 primary care providers, a sports medicine specialist, 2 knee orthopedic knee surgeons, and 3 physical therapists who either told me I was fine or couldn't figure out what was wrong. One even suggested the pain was psychogenic and suggested I try antidepressants. I finally saw Dr. Paul at the advice of my 3rd physical therapist. He immediately diagnosed me with laxity in several ligaments that had stretched when I fell. 5 things have set Dr. Paul apart and resulted in a nearly full recovery. 1. Diagnostic ultrasound: Dr. Paul does diagnostic ultrasound, which in my case showed things that weren't visible in the MRI. We could actually see bone hitting bone when the knee moved and scar tissue that was causing pain. 2. PRP injections: Platelet rich plasma injections helped shrink a couple ligaments and reduce excessive movement in the knee. While he was doing PRP, Dr. Paul also broke up some scar tissue. The whole procedure took about an hour and had a ~6 week recovery. 3. Dextrose prolotherapy injections: Finally, he did this type of injection to further stiffen one of the ligaments. It took about 20 minutes and had a weeklong recovery. 4. Detailed recommendations for PT: Throughout the process, Dr. Paul has provided specific recommendations for exercises, even pulling up YouTube videos to show exactly what he means. 5. Thoughtfulness: Sometimes it feels like doctors have a mental checklist and they're just going down a list. With Dr. Paul, it's always felt like his whole brain is engaged. He's connected the dots between the knee injury some other things going on, and in one case even provided advice for a different issue (he was right about that too). I've recommended him to others and will certainly go back should I have the need. read more

The medical system is mostly broken and inefficient, but with occasional bright spots. Dr. Paul is one of those rare bright spots. Dr. Paul was the -- let me count -- 8th health professional I consulted on my seven month journey dealing with a soccer injury to my hip and groin muscles. I'm finally on a non-surgical treatment plan involving PRP prolotherapy. The results are still far from certain, but it's the first plan that's made any sense to me. Most doctors are understandably fixated on medical outcomes, but they don't realize that their patients are equally fixated on how well doctors communicate and answer questions, whether they are compassionate, whether they give their full attention, and whether they respect their patients' time. Dr. Paul scores five stars across each of those measures, and it's not a coincidence that people rave about him on Yelp. I trust that the medical results will follow, but even if they don't, I know that I got a reasonably focused, compassionate, and efficient shake at things. If you have questions about PRP, feel free to private message me. ---- UPDATE: I still get tons of private messages from people curious about my PRP story, so the quick update a couple years later is: - Yes, I'm much improved from where I was (80-90% healed) - I had three PRP injections, which tells you that it wasn't a quick fix - It cost about $1,000 an injection, which tells you it ain't cheap - It's not clear to me PRP healed me, but I'm willing to give it half the credit. The remaining half goes to a mixture of time/rest and targeted exercises designed to improve blood flow to the injured region. - I'd still recommend Dr. Paul. read more

This is my first yelp review as I feel compelled to share my experience. To make a very long story short, I have battled a chronic pain nightmare related to a grade 5 AC shoulder joint separation surgery for 8 years. About 18 months ago I did cortisol in my AC joint for the first time, and the relief I felt from this steroid led me to believe that the injured joint was the source of disfunction throughout the right side of my body. I was referred to Dr. Rowan Paul by a health care professional who I was working with, and did bone marrow stem cell and PRP in the injured joint with Dr. Paul. The improvement I've seen in the last 9 months is remarkable. I still have discomfort and need to stay diligent about PT, posture, etc. to feel good, but it's clear my joint feels a lot stronger and healthier and the rest of my body has responded. If you have a joint issue and are on the fence about stem cell therapy, go. It's little downside, massive upside. read more

Dr. Paul is an extraordinary doctor. His expertise extends beyond the traditional treatments. I am grateful to Dr. Paul for helping me with a variety of injuries. Some on which were chronic and dated back to 14 years ago. He first helped with a knee injury about five years ago. Recently I went to ask fir his help because of my torne hamstring. It turned out, because my hamstring injury had remained undiagnosed and untreated for years, I had developed major scar tissue which had led to sciatic nerve entrapment and major pain. Through protein rich plasma (PRP) injection, Dr. Paul removed the scar tissue and not only freed the sciatic nerve but helped me get my life back! Now I can assume my daily activities pain free, and ho on long walks with my dog again. What was impressive was that while I was receiving treatment and doing follow-up shuck wave therapy Dr. Paul was able to help remove another scar tissue that was preventing my ankle to rotate properly due to a twisted ankle injury that had occurred 14 years ago. I had asked several other well known doctors with no success so I had learned "to live with it"! Thanks to Dr. Paul my ankle is straight again, and my hamstring and knee are healed without surgery. Dr. Paul has my highest recommendation and my deepest gratitude. Laleh Shahideh PS: although unfortunately the insurance may not cover some of these innovative treatments yet, but this was the greatest money I even spent. What better reason to invest money on one's health and quality of life. read more

If you want a knowledgeable, detailed, attentive, understanding doctor, I highly highly recommend Dr. Paul. He's a physician who specializes in sports medicine. First of all, he's very approachable and easy to talk to. Didn't make me feel like I was just another number in an assembly line. He really took the time to hear what my concerns were, and then proceeded to ask me detailed questions. You can tell he cares about and loves what he does. I had a knee injury I was really worried about, and he really took the time to inspect it thoroughly and gave me a very detailed breakdown of what might be going on inside. I don't know any medical terms, so he translated to me using simple words and analogies to help me understand. LOL. My next concern was the consequences. My job is very physical and I was worried about not being able to work (I am also my own employer, so no workers comp!) and the possibility of surgery. I mentioned this to Dr. Paul, and he taught me all the possible ways I can help my knee to recover faster and better, and what do you know...I healed really well and didn't need surgery after all! In fact, about a month later, I went to see a podiatrist and he told me that I was like the "perfect patient" because I did everything I was supposed to in my early stages of injury...all thanks to Dr. Paul. I am immensely grateful because my job is my livelihood, and when you're a small business owner, you can't take any leave of absences. Thanks so much Dr. Paul!!! read more

I have never had as great an experience with a doctor as I have with Dr. Paul. I had hip pain for about a year, and after a couple visits to my PCP I had received very little help besides take some NSAIDs. I took it upon myself to just request a referral to see Dr. Paul based on these Yelp reviews, and I couldn't be happier. It turned out I have a very minor labral tear, where the most common treatment is a fairly new and not long-term approved surgery. Dr. Paul specializes in non-operative treatments and talked me into trying a Platelet Rich Plasma shot and now I am almost entirely pain free. That would be the story of what makes him a good doctor. What makes him the best doctor I have ever seen personally is that he really cares. I managed to hurt something else between follow up appointments, following another terribly lame experience with my PCP two days prior, Dr. Paul ran a whole bunch of quick tests, ordered some lab work, and referred me to another specialist. All of my appointments have been like this as well. Every PCP I have had (3 over the last 5 years) has followed a wait and see approach, but if I am at the doctor, that means I already waited and saw that I wasn't getting any better. I want a proactive doctor, and that is exactly how I would describe Dr. Paul. Both he and his assistant Roman are friendly and most importantly helpful, explaining everything and talking with me as much as I needed. I have never even had a problem getting an appointment within a week or two. I would, and have, recommended Dr. Paul to everyone who has a sports related injury. read more

Dr. Paul is a great Dr. I have seen him for knee issues and not once have I felt rushed like I have with others. I am in the middle of getting back to running after 8 years. An injury kept me away and when I finally decided it was time to jump back on the saddle... there came the pain... Not willing to take no for an answer to my dreams of running again, I asked my general practitioner for a recommendation. He had nothing but great things to say about Dr. Paul and he was right about him. He is very bright, attentive and you can tell he really loves what he does. I came in the first time with all of my running gear (shoes, insoles, etc.) and I highly recommend you do this too. If anything, I think it helps to see how you wear down a shoe. As part of my treatment he has not suggested surgery... YES! I actually was told that I could have surgery by another Dr. to clean up the area. I for one thought that was just too much (that was 8 years ago!) I know my knee is not in the best shape, but I also know I can wait longer and Dr. Paul agrees. He has explained my choices for treatment and I am confident in that all that he has recommended will be a good choice for me in the long run. One thing that I have experienced with other Dr.'s that see athletes is that sometimes the little folks like me that run for the pure enjoyment of doing it... not because I want to beat anyone's time or be an elite runner (far from it)... treat you like you aren't worthy of their time. Dr. Paul actually commended me for returning to running and has been cheering me along the whole way. I highly recommend him! read more

Dr. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable & diligent orthopedist; probably one of the best in the Bay Area. Super professional and a great guy!

Dr. Paul is truly the nicest doctor I have ever met. He is caring, compassionate, supportive, and extremely knowledgable. He has extensive experiences with dancers and athletes, and as a dancer myself, I trust him fully and feel safe in his care. He has given me several PRP shots that have helped me tremendously in my recovery. I have referred a few of my dancer friends to him and they have been equally pleased by his treatment and care. His kindness and expertise sets him apart from the rest. I highly recommend Dr. Paul! read more

Great doctor, very knowledgeable, extremely thorough. He's very eager to learn more about what's going on, and explains everything as he goes through the motions. Excellent bedside manner - a really great doctor to have. read more

I have seen Dr. Paul twice over the past 3 years and he has provided great care. However every single time he has been at least 45 minutes late for our appointment. Today I was seeing Dr. Paul for preventive care but left because once again he was 45+ minutes late for my appointment. As a result, it is hard to recommend him when he consistently shows a lack of respect for his patients time. read more

A physician who really wants to heal patients. I was misdiagnosed, and subsequently, given the wrong treatment plan by two ortho specialists. The pain in my left foot and ankle was so intense I was in a walking boot for nearly three months. Then I listen to my colleague's advice, go see Dr Paul. He treated my teenage daughter and was wonderful. So I did. Dr Paul was attentive, explanatory, and had excellent patient skills. Turns out I had tarsal tunnel pain. Tarsal what? Exactly. He diagnosed and treated me with the right diagnostic procedure and the right treatment. He broke the nerve pain cycle in my left ankle and foot by giving two injections while in his office. The practice runs like a corporation. Would not be surprised if patients were scheduled every 15 minutes. Like that actually is adequate time. So be prepared to wait and don't be discouraged by this. Dr Paul truly listens and acts on patients' pain. I trust his clinical judgment and will go back to him for my ankle ligament issue. read more

Dr. Paul is the best of the best. If you are sick & tired of orthopedic surgeons telling you to operate, replace your knee, or doomsday prognosis - stop here. Go see Dr. Paul for your personal healing. He isn't like any physician on the planet. He doesn't do surgery; however, he is real, and if you need surgery, then he will tell you. For years & years, I have been told to replace my knee. Yeah, the meniscus is torn. But my knee is great. Dr. Paul has done stem-cell therapy with PRP and I'm walking the dream. I have been swimming too. I love to swim, and I couldn't do it before my man, Dr. Paul. I don't go on long walks but I can stand around for hours & hours & work at my desk and work in the garden, etc. Dr. Paul is going to do bone-marrow extraction from my own hip bone vis-a-vis stem-cell therapy. Because my immune system is good, he believes it will be a success. I am going for it. Dr. Paul is worth the time. Book your appointment if you have any joint issue. You will be amazed with what he can do. His medical assistant, Kelly is fantastic. They are the kind of people who enjoy helping others. read more

Dr Paul's expert diagnosis and seven point treatment plan worked magic on fixing my achilles tendon injury.. Six weeks after I came to Dr Paul with this serious injury, I was able to successfully run the Machu Picchu marathon, the world's most difficult marathon which climbs over three mountains and ascends 10,000-feet of total elevation (topping out at an altitude of 14,000-feet) -- pain free! Magic I tell you. For proof you can watch this video: https://youtu.be/4gu6PUt9iog read more

I've only had one session with him but I understand why he gets such good reviews. - Office runs like clockwork - appointments on time, xrays in house (and digitized/immediately available), friendly staff, etc - Dr Paul has an awesome bedside manner - Best back doctor I've seen (seen 3 others) read more

Dr Paul was recommended by my primary physician, who said he is an excellent sports doctor (and I'm sure he is). I live in Sonoma County PT during the week and in the city on the weekend. I had to reschedule a lot of regular scheduled tasks to be in the city on this particular Tuesday for an appt made with Dr Paul almost 6 weeks ago. I arrived about 10 minutes early and checked in. I sat close to the door into the offices, reading my kindle like a good patient, expecting to wait for 30 minutes or so. An hour came and went, I asked the receptionist, who then went in the back to check, and came back and said I was up next. OK, I thought, finally! I was shown to the examination room, his assistant (I assume) came in to ask a few questions (which were already answered in the form that was filled out when I was in the waiting room), told me to get changed, and then left me in the room. I sat there for 30 minutes, and decided that was enough. I walked over to his assistant's desk and told her I was running out of time and patience. She shrugged and said "just go back to the receptionist and tell them to check you out", and then she said, "yeah, Dr Paul is having a particularly complicated day." Well, apparently my day of a special drive from Sonoma just to see the doctor was not as complicated. At the receptionist checked me out, they were slightly more apologetic (they did say sorry), and said they would cancel the appt with no charge. They did not ask if I wanted another appointment (which I would have said no), nor did they offer an alternative option to provide service to me (another doctor referred, etc.?) They simply canceled and said goodbye. I finally left at close to 5 p.m., I had been there for almost 2 hours, and never saw the doctor. No one there seemed particularly surprised, or disturbed that they had to have a patient wait 2 hours and not see a doctor! Moral to the story..., apparently Dr Paul and/or his scheduler thinks his time is a lot more valuable than his patients'. I have news for them, if they keep this up, and if every fed-up patient would walk out, and write a review on Yelp, no matter how great a physician he is, people will find other options. Orthopedic surgeons are simply commodities, maybe he's got a good reputation with his ultrasound "real time" diagnostic tools, it does not make him indispensable. Don't book more patients than your calendar can handle, and call your patients to cancel if you have "complications" that day. It really is that simple! Not rocket science! read more

Legit doctor here. Great office, phenomenal doctor. A great mix of new school techniques mixed with someone who understands how to TREAT a patient. He treated me for a herniated disc, I wouldn't dream of going to another doctor for things like this. read more

Dr. Rowan is the finest doctor I've ever been to. Considerate, warm, and knows his stuff. I have had radial tunnel syndrome (like carpel tunnel but much rarer) for many years. The surgery options for my condition do not have good success rates. Dr. Rowan gave me three shots of Platelet Rich Plasma in my elbow, and my pain has greatly subsided. Not only that, he prepped me for these injections and to get the best result by putting me on a specific diet, having me take certain supplements, etc. Unlike most doctors, he told me that there is also a risk with Platelet Rich Plasma, and he wanted to make sure that before I take part in it, I'd be in the best condition for it to work. Well, it took months, but it seemed to work! Thank you Dr. Rowan! read more

Dr Paul is at the front of the field in regenerative medicine and has done wonders for my knees with stem cell procedures. I have now been walking normally without a knee brace for 12 months after wearing one for 7 years and being told that my only option was a knee replacement. read more

Great experience with Dr. Paul and Damian. I was referred to him by my PT after we were unable to obtain significant improvement in bilateral gluteal tendinopathy (no longer inflammatory as in tendonitis) and related trochanter bursitis. The problem had been acute at the end of a trip with heavy walking in less than great shoes and then settled in to a less painful but chronic condition. I couldn't seem to get rid of it. Over a period of months in PT, we had tried specific exercises to strengthen the glutes, electric stimulation, iontophoresis, and deep tissue massage. I also tried non-ultrasound guided cortisone injections administered by a rheumatologist. My PT at Presidio Sports Medicine thought that PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatment might be helpful and referred me to Dr. Paul. In discussion with Dr. Paul, we decided to first try an ultrasound guided cortisone shot on one side. It would be covered by insurance, and because it was ultrasound guided might be more effective than the previous non-guided injection. It did help but the effect didn't last. Even though my insurance wouldn't cover PRP (some do; some don't), I decided to go ahead and try it on one side. I did not find the procedure itself too painful, though I did feel like I had been kicked in the upper thigh for a day or two. The idea is to re-inflame the area by debriding it while simultaneously injecting a higher than normal concentration of your own healing platelets (spun off from a small amount of your own blood that is drawn at that same appt) to the area. I had to lay off of certain activities for a time. The improvement was gradual yet continuous over a course of a few weeks, to the point that I did the other side a month or two later. Best decision ever, as it's relatively non-invasive, all done in the office in one visit, and was very effective for my condition. I would see Dr. Paul for a consultation on virtually any neuromuscular or orthopedic problem before doing anything else. He's very kind, doesn't pressure you to make a decision, and is really on the forefront of restorative medicine. He really should be tooting his own horn more about the type of treatments that are his specialty. Alas, he is also incredibly humble. It can take awhile to get a first appointment, but less so if you have a referral, as I did. Thereafter, it was not difficult, though there is sometimes a wait in the office. Frankly, I don't mind waiting when the results are so worthwhile, and I remind myself that he is taking his time with other patients who may have similarly intractable issues. It's nothing compared to the time spent recovering from surgery or the feeling of giving up on ever being pain free and fully functional. read more

I was impressed with Dr. Paul from our first meeting. He suggested I not have surgery on my shoulder (which a surgeon had strongly recommended). His suggestion was rehab and strengthening, and the shoulder is doing perfectly. Based on this, when I tore my patellar tendon, I went to Dr. Paul. Once again, he did not recommend surgery, and instead urged stem cell therapy and PRP (enriched red blood cell therapy). These are not conventional remedies for torn tendons. Most docs think there is "not enough evidence of efficacy." I went with Dr. Paul and I'm thrilled that I did. It took about 6 months to heal, but the knee feels great, and I can see, based on many ultrasounds in his office, that the tendon has filled in with new growth. It's healed itself. I'm back to playing hockey four times a week, no pain. I should also add that Dr. Paul has a wonderful bedside manner is very skilled with the difficult injections needed for the procedure. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

Very nice doctor who understand the mindset of the athlete, as he is one himself. He returns my calls and takes the time to listen to my needs and woes. He's willing to go the extra mile and do research and talk to colleagues when he's not sure. He is thorough and represents the new generation of doctor's who are patient centered and out to improve quality of care. read more

I came to see Dr Paul from Oregon as I could not find a doctor in my state with his expertise! It was a great decision- Dr Paul is at the top in his field! (and I am a Physician so I speak with experience) His wonderful "bedside manner" and thoroughness immediately puts one at ease and confident of his competence. I had been treated for chronic knee Osteoarthritis with every treatment known , except for total knee replacement. I came to see Dr Paul hoping that he could offer me the latest in medical care and indeed he did!- I cannot rate him any higher than "As good as it gets" I look forward to returning to see him for my follow up read more

This practice sucks. They won't see you until you've done physical therapy for 6 weeks. So they want you to self diagnose, pick a crack pot phyiscal therapist, hope the therapy you've done will help, rather than harm your problem, and then they will see you. THEY are what's wrong with medicine. Direct patients down the wrong path, make your problem worse, then deign to see you. Get out of medicine if you don't want to help people. read more

Love him. He knows his stuff (I'm a Physical Therapist) and he's got SUCH a nice bedside manner. I never felt rushed during either of my consultations; I felt very much attended to. I can usually 'diagnose' and treat my own musculoskeletal problems, but in this case, i was truly stumped. He had a hunch, got the MRI and he was right. Only con: He's VERY hard to get a hold of - lots of gate keepers in the office - and the call backs take WAY too long in my opinion (maybe i'm spoiled because i'm in the medical profession and can get a hold of other professionals fairly easily), but it doesn't deter me; i'd still go back because I think he's great at what he does and he is so nice to work with. :) read more

Dr. Paul is awesome! He is the one who figured out what was going on in my foot and gave me several options for dealing with it. After his cutting edge treatment I am happy to say I'm hiking again, pain free! I highly recommend Dr. Paul. read more

I have seen Dr. Paul for a variety of foot ailments over the past few years. He is an excellent doctor: he is completely present and eager to listen to me explain whatever problem I am having. He takes his time to make an assessment and then will explain his diagnosis clearly. He is patient and willing to answer any questions or concerns. I will keep seeing him whenever needed and I highly recommend him as an ortho doc. read more

Dr Paul is awesome. I went back in today for a second visit after seeing Dr Paul for issues related to my spine, shoulder and elbow. All of these came from years of extreme use in athletics and weight training earlier in my 20s and early 30s. Dr Paul accurately identified all of the issues and was extremely thorough in explaining what was going on with each of my injuries and what the proper course of treatment should be. Today he showed me exactly what was going on with my shoulder and the bone spurs that developed on my elbow. I highly recommend Dr Paul for anyone with sports related injuries or issues. Even after I moved away from San Francisco, I will still drive up the peninsula to see Dr Paul. read more

Just got back from a follow up apt with Dr. Rowan Paul. Working with Dr. Paul was a pleasure. This is the kind of physician and the kind of medical care we deserve and should expect, and yet, unfortunately many times don't get. So to find this level of care I feel I found with Dr. Paul, one can only be grateful. When our bodies are in pain in ways new and unfamiliar to us it is scary and emotional, so finding a compassionate, knowledgeable, attentive doctor means everything. I never felt rushed during my appointment. I felt heard and that he was genuinely interested in helping me. What a boon to find a doctor both compassionate and able to give clear and current medical support and information. I'm so glad that through referrals on NextDoor and these YELP reviews I made the decision to see him. His support staff, Kelly and Nikki were equally supportive and wonderfully thorough in handling the follow-up instructions Dr. Paul suggested to me. Dealing with everyone at California Pacific Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine was positive from making the appointment on the phone, the front desk staff, Dr. Paul's assistants, and Dr. Paul's wonderful care and follow-up. I'm happy to recommend him to anyone looking for this kind of experience and level of care. read more