Dr. Mathew Pifer is a shoulder magician! 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 read more

Had rotator cuff surgery done by Dr. Pifer after injury, and am very happy with the results. He takes 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. read more

Dr. Pifer is caring, professional, and invested in his patients' success. He is responsive and will go the extra mile for his patients. I'm grateful our community has a doctor of his caliber. read more

I broken humorous bone a couple of years ago. I went ER, and they recommended to me see Dr Pifer that took over Dr Tacolelli's patients who was retiring. Dr Taconelli is a great and caring physician so I decided to went to Dr Pifer because I thought he may be good as the previous doctor. That was the worst experience ever I had in my entire life. Called into his office to make an urgent appointment because ER physician told me I needed an urgent evaluation with a surgeon for a needed surgery. I was begging his staff & to Dr Pifer to see me prior the a week because I was not able to wait for a week because I was in so much pain. I had broken bone left arm without cask only with a splints, and finally after 6 days Dr Pifer checked my arm and confirmed that I need surgery. I asked him if they could changed my splint because my arm was very swallow and the splint moved from the original way ER placed. One of the Dr Pifer placed a new splint and placed a partial cask on my arm. As soon I got home, I noticed that my arm was getting more swallow because the new splint and cask was too tight that I couldn't bear the pain. Everything went so wrong. I asked another physician to please change the splint and cask and it was finally great to be able to wait until surgery. Dr Pifer did my surgery, and he prescribe opioid pain medications as usual after surgery, but he forgot to prescribe medication to helps me to prevent constipation which I had. I called to his office many times, for many days to please send a order to my pharmacy for a medication. Dr Pifer office took six long days to finally faxed over the new order for the pills to the pharmacy. Not to mention the horrible scar on my arm. I don't suffer from Keloid and my wound looks like I have keloid. After surgery, the bruises on my arm lasted more than a year to disappear. My experience from start to finish was extremely terrible with Dr Pifer, and I do not recommended his service to anybody. read more

Back in 2020, I was referred by the ER to Dr Pifer. I was seen the next morning, was given excellent care by Dr Pifer and his caring staff.

Dr.Pifer does AMAZING work and is always looking to help his patients in any accommodations. I wouldn't go to another doctor after my experience at his office, all the staff were very helpful especially Tejoni. I have a tattoo on my shoulder that he had to go through and you can't even see the scar, thank you so much Dr.Pifer and staff!! read more

Matthew Pifer, MD - Shoulder - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I would not recommend Dr. Pifer. He recommended doing my meniscus attachment surgery, which he performed, but I needed a knee replacement. In my opinion, he is a more 'Beverly Hill' doctor. Big advertising nice clothing doesn't make him a good doctor. read more

My rotator cuff was torn when a cab driver pulled in front of my bike in September. I was referred to Dr. Pifer for his analysis and diagnosis. From the first visit, he and his entire staff were friendly, professional and compassionate. His assistant, Tejoni, was incredible about following up and keeping me informed. Dr. Pifer spent time to fully explain what would happen during and after surgery. He knew how much pain I was in but always stayed upbeat, confident and reassuring that the surgery world go well. It went perfectly. I began PT immediately and saw him regularly as well as receiving follow up by phone and email. Dr. P and his team are as good as it gets. I recommend him with enthusiasm. In fact, if I could rate him at 6 stars, I'd do it without hesitation. read more

Dr Pifer is very experienced, responsive and is very easy to talk with. I didn't have good luck with my first orthopedist. Couldn't figure out the plan. Dr Pifer made it all easy to understand. I highly recommend Dr Pifer and his practice. read more

I have had 3 opportunities to work with Dr. Pifer. The first was a sore knee that did not require surgery, so I appreciated his recommending other options. The second was a metal implant that needed to be removed from my arm due to infection, and the third was an arthroscopic repair to my right rotator cuff. In every instance, Dr. Pifer demonstrated very thorough knowledge and expertise about my condition, explained my options clearly and patiently, and delivered exceptional care and service. In each case, I have achieved a full recovery. His staff is professional, friendly, and efficient. I would highly recommend him to family and friends. read more

Dr. Pifer is the Best on the coast he did both of my knees and I was up and going after surgery and I feel much better now. Thank you so much Dr. Pifer and his staff is the best to they are very friendly and helpful and caring people. read more

Dr. Pifer was fantastic! ... He came highly recommended from several Dr.'s here in Santa Barbara. I was absolutely thrilled with his professionalism, knowledge, and overall bedside manner. The surgery he performed (torn meniscus) was seamless as well as the stem cell treatment, I was back running, biking, and lifting within 2 weeks. I would highly recommend Dr. Pifer. read more

I have seen Dr. Pifer for two issues: painful knee trauma treatment and a wrist fracture. I found him very professional as well as personable. His expertise was evident and really appreciated as I was dealing with a lot of pain. He successfully resolved the issues with my knee and was just great getting me through the wrist fracture. He was focused on my concerns, ready to answer any questions that I had. He and his staff were very supportive and positive. I felt confident in the treatment I was given as well as receiving good recovery instructions in both cases that left me feeling confident for my recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Pifer. read more

I had Dr Pifer attend to my broken wrist. It was a very painful break but within a very short time it was much better. I now how full mobility. Takes his time and is very thorough. read more

A few months ago I tore my right pectoral muscle and labrum. Thankfully I was referred to Dr. Pifer by the office receptionist. Dr. Pifer and his assistant, Katie, were extremely helpful during my recovery. They responded to my needs in a timely manner and they pointed me in all the right directions to a speedy recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Pifer's expertise, particularly if you experience a sports related injury. Thank you Dr. Pifer, Katie, and team. read more

We had a terrible experience with this doctor. Husband had a botched surgery from this doctor and he wouldn't take any responsibility for it. We had to go to another doctor to clean up his mess. It's been well over a year and my husband still has ongoing pain and disability. We have a friend who had a similar experience that we learned about after the fact. Beware... read more

I tore my meniscus in my left knee. Dr. Pifer cleaned and repaired everything. It was like a new knee right away. No P.T. needed. He also repaired my wife's rotator cuff (full tear) a year ago. She proudly holds her arm straight up in the air now to show she is fully healed. read more

Dr. Pifer conducted a Latarjet surgery on my left shoulder with Dr. Romero and did an amazing job. My recovery was quick and I had almost full mobility after just four weeks with no pain. This is unique for the major shoulder operation that he conducted. Dr. Pifer did a great job explaining problems and solutions before surgery too. I did have major issues with his staff and scheduling, but not with Dr. Pifer himself. Overall, I recommend all to stop on by and give Dr. Pifer a try. read more

I went to Dr.Pifer for an ER follow-up having fractured my leg in two places in a fall at work. I reported that the injury occurred at work. His personal assistant advised me to sign up for workman's compensation asap. In fact she declared that I would not be able to be treated after the initial visit, i.e. follow-up, PT etc etc without it. My employer filed the claim within the week and notified the office of the claim #. When I arrived punctually for my follow up appointment 4 weeks later I was told by Dr.Pifer that he would not treat me further. He said he does Not take WC claim patients and coldly showed me the door! But not before letting me know a number of times that this was a free visit. Oh Wow, you mean your not going to charge me for telling me your refusing me further care?! How incredibly generous of you! This occurred 2 days after I had had a 1 hr. conversation with his office manager concerning my wc claim ; who raved about how lucky I was to be with Dr. Pifer for my WC case, as well as over sharing with me horror story after horror story concerning her husbands WC woes. (highly unprofessional). At first glance the practice comes across as very well organized. How pray tell does one account for this total lack of communication between Dr. assistant and office manager? Why was I strung along for 3 weeks, during which time I had multiple calls to his personal assistant concerning my further treatments on the pending wc claim? I feel that my time was wasted, that I was disrespected, and my well being totally ignored by the Dr. and his staff. The five words I would use to describe him are ; cocky, poor listener, salesman, arrogant, impatient. Closing recommendations: Have the radiologist practice steering a wheelchair! She drove my injuries leg/foot into the wall. No apology! She " Oh I was trying to make it there". ( pointing to the exam bed) Me "Yeah well let's try to get me through the doorway first in one piece." Dr.Pifer needs to cut back on touching his female patients. I counted 8 times he touched my shoulder, hand or arm in an attempt to be comforting. It made me feel very uncomfortable. Once would have sufficed. read more

Dr Pifer performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery on me to repair two complete rotator tears. From the first initial exam following a bad fall, through the subsequent MRI and recommendation for surgical repair (I was anxious about results and possible surgery), Dr Pifer was professional, patient and informative about my situation. The day of surgery he was a dream. Calming and pleasant and all went very well. I've had very little pain and the physical therapy is moving along well as he said it would. My post surgical care was super - the staff at his office are excellent from day one. Beautiful office with little wait time and well run. I highly recommend Dr Pifer - he is a talented professional that I'm grateful to for a job well done. Santa Barbara is lucky to have him! read more

Dr. Pifer repaired an anterior labral tear in my shoulder, an injury that I've had for a long time and never fixed. The operation was quick and the recovery was not that much longer. The strength and functionality of my shoulder has never in my life been this good. The scars from the surgery are so small that people never notice them. The outcome of my surgery far exceeded my expectations in every way. If your shoulder doesn't work, Dr. Pifer can put it back together. read more

I went to Dr. Pifer because I had frozen shoulder and I found him to be one of the best doctors I have seen in Santa Barbara in the last eleven years that I have lived here. This happened during the time of the mudslide and he was taking the train to Oxnard to see patients... As I was on the Ventura side of the slide, I really appreciated that he took the train down so I didn't have to take a train up to SB and then find a way to get to the office. Personally, I found his care to be incredibly detailed and his bedside manner incredible. I would send my child to this man, he is that engaging and funny. I highly recommend Dr. Pifer. read more

I chose Dr. Pifer because of his rave reviews and the fact he really gets athletes. I had double shoulder and double knee issues. He took ample time with me, diagnosed the problems without any pushes to surgery, was pain-free with the normally painful joint injections, and his staff was super friendly and helpful. I'm pain-free today and looking forward to a nice recovery. Cannot recommend Dr. Pifer highly enough. read more

I have been lucky enough to be a patient of Dr. Pifer. I am a runner who unfortunately stepped in a gopher hole. I am happy to say that after knee surgery I am back running with zero pain! Thank you for giving me my sport back! read more

I tore my meniscus a little while back and was referred to Dr. Pifer by my physician. He did an amazing job on the surgery and was very clear about everything he did and what I needed to do to recover properly. He was super nice every visit along with the rest of the staff from my experience. Very grateful to be getting back to certain things I love. Would highly recommend! read more

Dr Pifer is awesome. I did expensive damage to my right shoulder, horse related, July 1, 2021. At the emergency room, we did not know the extent of the injury, so I rec'd a pain shot, a referral to the doc on call, a foot specialist, and went home. Next day, Friday before the 4th starting calling around to local docs in Santa Ynez, and no one could even see me until mid August. Whattttt? So I called my previous ortho doc for a thumb reattachment, Dr Behrman, who took me in for a consult first thing Tues am. He let me know the extent of the injuries, and that I needed a trauma surgeon, and got me set up with Dr. Pifer. I was in Pifer's office on Friday, and surgery the following week. Everything went as I was told, and the detailed information given is amazing. He had me start PT at 2 weeks, which made a huge difference, earlier than most other people I know who had some sort of should surgury. At 10 weeks I was back on my bike, and maybe 4 months later basically full movement. My PT guy could not believe how well done the surgury was to result in very little discomfort for a rebuilt surgery...which is why I was able to progress so quickly I suspect. TY Dr Pifer. read more

Successful knee surgery. However, what's very appreciated is this: I'm an OLD guy and most physicians only see the "old." Dr. Pifer saw me as another guy, and not "just another old knee." Pifer is soon-to-be the "go to" ortho surgeon in Santa Barbara. Thanks Matt! read more

A small town like Santa Barbara is lucky to have such an amazing talent available to them, because Dr. Pifer is the best in his field. I have various orthopedic injuries and complaints and he's managed to keep me out of surgery by treating them conservatively. If I do have to go under the knife one day, there is no doubt I'd choose him to operate on me. I've referred my boyfriend and family to him as well- and if that doesn't say something I don't know what does. He's an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner. He even told me that he's working with an orthopedic hardware company to develop new surgical technology to improve the surgical experience and lessen recovery time- how cool is that? When I'm 60 and need shoulder replacements he can not only do my surgery but maybe even say that he invented the equipment he used to operate on me. Amazing! Don't go anywhere else if you live within driving distance to Oxnard, Santa Barbara, or Santa Maria! read more

Dr Pifer and the entire team at the office (secretary, xray tech, Dr Pifers assistant/nurse) were spectacular. They were kind, efficient and alway on time (none of that waiting for 30 minutes in the waiting room and then waiting even longer in the back). Dr Pifer set my left wrist fracture and placed a water proof cast on it. I couldnt be happier with my experience. If i should be unlucky enough to break another bone, im going back to dr pifer to fix it. read more

My regular doctor was not in so I saw Dr. Pifer. What a disappointment. I felt like he did not listen to anything I said and his bedside manner is something he really needs to work on. I also waited for over an hour to be seen in this practice, and he was not apologetic. Normally, the wait is 15 to 30 minutes. The other doctors in this practice are really wonderful and I will know in the future not to ask for Dr. Pifer. read more