I initially visited Albert Reff because I had a lot of shoulder weakness and some pain in my neck and right shoulder. When I got to his office, the staff was incredibly kind and helpful, so I was hopeful for a successful visit.
Once I was brought to a room and the doctor arrived, I informed him of my medical history and that I already knew I had a reverse curve in my neck that could be causing some of the tension and pain. I stated that I was worried about my shoulder and the fact that it was so much weaker than my other arm and it is, in fact, my dominant arm. I also tried to tell him about the activities (pole, lyra hoop, aerial silks...Cirque style activities) that I do on a daily basis and that it was evident during those activities that there was something wrong in my shoulder.
The doctor did some shoulder strength and flexibility tests, after which he stated that I did not show any signs of weakness in the shoulders. I tried telling him that I will most likely not show obvious signs of weakness in my shoulders, as I am an aerialist and even with the weakness, can do much more difficult things than that, before the weakness becomes evident. He then sent me to get x-rays of my neck in their office right then and there, which I agreed to since it had been a while since I checked the reverse curve (which I have been rehabbing for some time now). However, once I got back to the room to go over the x-rays, he told me there was nothing I could do about the reverse curve and tried sending me on my way. First of all, that is not true at all and I have already shown improvement since seeing a physical therapist and chiropractor for my neck. Second, I went in to get my shoulder checked on and he brushed it off by saying the reverse curve was causing the shoulder pain that only occurred on the right side.
I ended up having to beg for an MRI on my shoulder and he succumbed. After he ordered the MRI, I scheduled my appointments and went on my way. That same day I made an appointment with another ortho for a second opinion, as I did not feel Albert Reff was committed to helping me with my evident injury. I also made a follow-up appointment with Dr. Reff, as he was the ordering doctor.
Fast forward to my post-MRI appointment with Dr. Reff, and contrary to what the MRI report stated, he told me he saw absolutely nothing wrong and that I was fine. I asked him what I could do about the pain and weakness and he told me to maybe consider activities that don't use the right shoulder at all. I also asked what could possibly be causing such weakness in my dominant shoulder and he told me that sometimes when something hurts, people become sedentary. To me, that was a red flag that he said that, as it shows he paid no attention at all to all of the vital information I tried providing for him to make a proper diagnosis. I left his office feeling pretty confused as to why I had the weakness and pain in my right shoulder if nothing was wrong. I was also very confused how he interpreted the MRI as showing no injuries, even though the report stated tendinosis of the supraspinatus tendon.
Luckily, I had my second opinion appointment the following week and I was glad I made it! After seeing the new doctor, I was disappointed because I ACTUALLY AM VERY INJURED, but relieved to get started on my recovery. After reading the EXACT SAME MRI, the new doctor found excessive inflammation, a significant tear in the supraspinatus tendon (rotator cuff), and evidence of a SLAP tear. I was extremely taken aback when I found out I may need surgery if PT and shots don't do anything for me.
I am seriously considering reporting Albert Reff to the Medical Board of California, especially after seeing some of the other poor reviews. Not only did he grossly misdiagnose me, but I am an aerialist that relies on her shoulders not to give out while upside down and 10-20ft in the air. I went for a second opinion because my activities are fun and a great workout, but my safety and health comes first. I am honestly really confused with all of the 5-star reviews. They must be friends of Dr. Reff or fake reviews because my experience with him was quite the opposite... I hope this helps anyone looking for a good ortho. read more