Howard A. Cohen, MD

About 12 years ago I came in to see him due to a very painful torn ligament in one of my knees. He told me after testing and X-​rays that he could repair the tear but not my arthritis. I had not really experience problems from arthritis in my knee before so i was puzzled by this. He did do the surgery and while starting my physical therapy I found out what he was taking about. I have gone though a lot since, but what I did learn is that problems such as one the arthritis gets to bone on bone there are things that can be done. I found out about a doctor about a year or so after this surgery and I was in the bone on bone situat8ion. The doctor I saw suggested I get a knee replacement (I had to do the other knee a year later), but I would say that by the time I saw this new doctor the knee and muscles around it were not doing well and neither was I. Really sad that I had to go that far. I guess this doctor is great for athletic types but if you are not especially if you are not skinny this man seems to have no wish to really do more for you except what is absolutely necessary in his opinion.

I tweaked my knee in yoga and Dr Cohen gave me great advice. What I especially liked about Dr Cohen was that he took a lot of time to understand exactly how I injured my knee and explained at length how I can avoid these injuries in the future. In a world of 5-​min Dr visits, this deserves a 5 star!

Dr. Cohen has fixed both of my rotator cuffs and my left elbow. He is currently working on my right bicep tendon.
While I’d love to say that all these injuries are due to my phenomenal athletic prowess, and that I have several Olympic gold medals to prove my point, Howard has cut to the bone (literally and figuratively) by stating I have crappy muscular-​skeletal genetics.
I have never seen a single doctor as many time as I have seen Dr. Cohen, and frankly, I could not ask for a better orthopedic surgeon. I highly recommend him.
I can say he is not for the faint-of-heart…he has never sugar-​coated anything regarding my health and well-​being. Then again, if that’s what I wanted, I’d probably be going to a fortune teller, not someone who is actually going to fix me.

I went to Dr. Cohen with a badly torn biceps tendon. He was recommended to me by several top physicians in the area and i am so thankful to have gone to him. The surgery has turned out fantastic and he has been extremely helpful in getting me through the re-hab…he is an outstanding physician and his office is extremely professional… i could not recommend him more highly.

I went to see Dr. Cohen for a second opinion last Oct. I was told he was the best shoulder Dr. after doing my research. I never had any shoulder issues before this; and I had a serious injury. He was everything I had heard; and more. The office staff is incredible
too :). I followed his directions; and I am pleased to say I had my last apt. this morning.
I highly recommend Dr. Cohen.

I went to see Dr. Cohen after injuring my shoulder in an Ironman. Dr. Cohen and his staff were excellent every step of the way from my initial visit through surgery and rehab. Recently, after 19 months of PT and training I was finally able to put my shoulder to the test at Ironman Chattanooga, TN. It performed better than new. I cut 2 hours off my pre-​surgery PR. Nice work and thanks a million to you and your staff for helping me get back to the sport I love!

I went to Dr. Cohen for shoulder pain that was persisting a long time after a fall. I knew I needed help, but I was very fearful of surgery (no time for that!). Dr. Cohen listened carefully and was able to diagnose my «frozen shoulder» quickly after testing my range of motion as asking many questions. He gave me a steroid shot to help reduce inflammation and pain so I could benefit from the prescribed physical therapy. The physical therapy location he recommended was less of a spa and more about expertise and experience, which was exactly what I needed. After several weeks, I got my range of motion back without pain and have been fine ever since. Best specialist experience I’ve had. Dr. Cohen really made a difference in my wellbeing — and the whole process was simpler than I expected.

Unfortunately, Dr. Cohen is a poor listener and was not helpful in treating my problem. He made appointments for me every few weeks, but aside from the first visit he did not examine me, did not hear my concerns, and never offered any advice that helped me recover from my injury. In the end, I researched and followed others’ advice which eventually led to my healing. I have never encountered this behavior by one of my physicians before.

Went in for shoulder pain and 5 minutes into the appointment he found out what was wrong, wasn’t even my shoulder! Quick shot later and I’m all better. Really impressed with how quickly he was able to diagnose and treat the problem.

I have been to several surgeons for my shoulders. One even tried to sell me a gluten free meal delivery service which he would get a commission on. Oh and I really wasn’t really interested in the fact that he found Jesus. (Not Dr. COHEN) So inappropriate.
Yesterday I saw Dr. Cohen. Just a straight shooter. A kind man who, in a few minutes, educated me like no one else has ever done. And as a multiple joint replacement patient, I thought I had more knowledge than I did. What came through is a thoroughness and kindness and a genuine concern for me, the patient. Treana, the wonderful woman who welcomed me is the best.

I was looking for a sports medicine physician and when I read that Dr Cohen was a runner called up to make an appointment.
Me: Hi is Dr Cohen accepting new patients?
Dr’s office: Yes. What’s the problem?
Me: Oh I have piriformis syndrome (AKA runners butt pain).
Dr’s office: Oh sorry Dr Cohen is NOT accepting new patients.
???

Dr Howard Cohen really fixed my shoulder! I am completely satisfied.
I had a detached rotator cuff muscle x-​rayed and misdiagnosed over 10 years ago.
In the belief that it was a minor injury I gradually adapted to my loss of strength until I couldn’t use that shoulder and arm any longer. Eighteen months ago I had an MRI of the shoulder and was told of the severity of the old injury. One surgeon told me he couldn’t reattach the muscle, but would open the shoulder and reconfigure the remaining muscles. This sounded risky to me.
I sought a second opinion and Dr. Cohen was recommend by friends I trust in medical matters. In November, 2012, Dr. Cohen reviewed my case and said he could reattach the detached muscle arthroscopically (without opening the shoulder). He also promised to repair several other damaged bits that he recognized in the MRI. A date for the surgery was found within the next month. Dr. Cohen explained the necessity of a month’s post-​operative inactivity for the shoulder, followed by as many as six months of physical therapy. He also wanted monthly visits with me to check on the recovery process.
That was a year ago. The surgery was a complete success mechanically and there was no surgery-​related infection. The several points of skin penetration were small and pain free and they healed quickly. My shoulder has regained 99% of its prior mobility, I have regained much of the strength of a decade ago, and finally, It is pain free. My life is normal again, after a long time.
Dr. Cohen is friendly and focused in his personal manner. He is extremely interested in the success of his surgery; and to this end he is dedicated to post-​surgery follow-​though and consultation. During my many sessions of physical therapy I encountered a number of Dr. Cohen’s other shoulder patients. They were also satisfied with his medical competence and his post-​surgery care and attention during recovery.

Dr. Cohen is THE BEST! My daughter and I have been a patient of his since relocating to the bay area some 16 years ago. I trust him completely. Every solution he has recommended has been spot on, from treating a sore shoulder and elbow, to major shoulder surgery. I agree with Jacqui, Dr. Cohen has a great sense of humor coupled with compassion and understanding from the patients point of view. Wish there were more doctors like Dr. Howard Cohen!

I tolerated chronic pain in my right shoulder for many years. The condition worsened, curtailing many of the routine physical activities I enjoyed in my daily life. Surgery was the only option as some of the ligaments /​tendons were stretched and partially torn. My Primary Care Physician highly recommended Dr. Howard Cohen.
Dr. Cohen was very thorough in every regard. He took time to explain the diagnosis, surgical procedure and what was entailed in the recovery process. Dr. Cohen was very responsive to my many questions and I never felt rushed. I should add that I never waited more than 10 minutes in his office during visits. Dr. Cohen works closely with Sports Therapy Associates (STA) in Burlingame. I feel the long term partnership and coordination between Dr. Cohen and STA was beneficial in my recovery.
Dr. Cohen provided sound advise and tips on getting through the recovery process. His blend of professionalism, skill as a surgeon and tempered sense of humor made for a pleasant experience. It has been six months since surgery. I would characterize my recovery to date as excellent.

Knee pain is a drag! When I hurt my knee, I saw Dr. Cohen based on my Internist’s advice and recommendations from my co-​workers. He is honestly one the best doctor’s that I have ever encountered– not only is he highly accredited with multiple honors and years of experience, he takes time to talk with you and creates plans based on your goals. And… he has a great sense of humor! Something that helps get your mind off your issue for a minute, especially when you are in pain! He moved a few years ago from a larger practice and I followed him to his solo practice in Burlingame… even better. His office staff is helpful and friendly too!

Docter Cohen is an excellent clinician. He takes the time to obtain a thorough history and conducts a careful physical examination. After viewing films (x-​rays, CT scan or MRI), he explains treatment options in a clear and concise manner along with his recommendations. I like the fact that in his treatment of my low back and left hip conditions, he favored conservative modalities of treatment before considering surgical intervention. I’ve also appreciated his candor and the cooperation of his staff in setting up a very prompt appointment.
In treating most recently my acute left hip pain, he immediately after reviewing my x-​rays taken only 20 minutes earlier and conducting a physical examination, diagnosed a bursitus condition for which he gave me a cortisone injection greatly relieving my pain as well as well as my anxiety that I might have to undergo a hip replacement.

I had surgery October, 2011 for a completely torn rotator cuff (shoulder). I was very nervous about the whole thing because several people, who had the surgery with different physicians, told me horror stories about the post-​operative pain and the limited outcome. Dr. Cohen assured me that if I followed his protocol, pain would not be a significant issue and I would get most, if not all, of my range of motion returned. He was a man of his word. I followed his instructions carefully. To be honest, the sling was miserably uncomfortable and the first 3-​weeks were hell because I had to sleep practically sitting-up…which, I struggled with and ended-​up being quite sleep deprived and miserable. However, pain was not a significant factor. Physical therapy was a challenge and something you’ve just got to suck-​up and deal with. I had P.T. for 6-​months. After 6-​months, my arm felt great, no more of the discomfort that I had prior to the surgery. I probably have 98% of my range-​of-​motion/​function back. Dr. Cohen was confident in his skills, and now I am a fan! I highly recommend him.

I have been going to Dr. Cohen for 20 years. Not because he hasn’t healed the problems, I just keep creating new ones. I have had a Dislocated shoulder, Broken arm, Bursitis, need go on…
He is a very caring Dr. and also helped my Mother with many of her problems.
Trust that he will fix you up as new as possible with all the care he can give a patient.
He is through, patient, and will recommend another Dr. if he cannot help you.
You will be very impressed with Dr. Cohen’s knowledgeable aspect of his profession.

What an excellent doctor. Don’t be alarmed when you first meet him in case he gives you the wrong impression. He cares but does not like to show it. He will make sure the job gets done right. You will be in good hand.

So when I was 16 I had two bad ski accidents. I had two surgeries and over a year of physical therapy for my stupid knee. This guy is awesome. I work with expert Doctors all day in trial
1. I was young at the time and he did this surgery for the first time it had been done with orthoscopic.
2. He also stayed on my with making SURE I had the proper after care and would check to see if i went to physical therapy.
He is direct and sarcastic (don’t hold it against him) But from all the many injuries I have come across in my line of business he is the best. He should be an expert. Humm maybe he is… At anyrate Hi Dr. Cohen if you see this thanks for not scaring up my leg!!! My leg is better know than it was before.