Allan K Mishra, MD

My experience with Dr. Mishra and his assistant Paula was excellent. I came to see Dr. Mishra for chronic knee and shoulder problems due to a very active collegiate football career and have since stayed very active, and ultimately that is what led to deterioration of multiple joints. I live in Los Angles and have had previous surgeries with other Orthopedic surgeons and I chose to see Dr. Mishra at the Menlo clinic because I felt he was on the forefront of all the available techniques surgically and non surgically. He has a support staff led by Paula who is extremely accommodating and compassionate and most importantly a team that could come up with a plan that would relieve my pain and allow me to resume a certain active lifestyle. You will see immediately his passion and desire to want to help people. This combined with a genuine concern, and a great ability to listen, helped make my experience a very successful one.
I had a very unique situation, one in which I chose to have 3 arthroscopic surgeries in a 4 month period. This included 2 different knees and a shoulder. One knee was a partial meniscus tear and some chronic cartilage defect which required a microfracture and the other knee had a meniscus tear, synovitis, and scar tissue. The shoulder surgery was for a Labrum tear and subacromial decompression. In each case Dr. Mishra prepared me for a pre and post game plan with a distinctive rehabilitation strategy. We covered many different rehab options, and I have been extremely happy with the procedures and recovery. He has been extremely available throughout this process to see me directly and routinely and answer all my questions. He’s a great Dr and I highly recommend his services to anyone, but I also come away knowing the type a person he is and I have the upmost respect for him because of that.

If you value your mobility and have problems with your knees, I can say from personal experience that he is the doctor you want to see. I had arthroscopic knee surgery about 5 years ago from another doctor who was highly recommended on Unilocal and was actually very good. I had a very successful outcome and was very happy. But when my knees went out this past year, I went to Dr. Mishra since the other doctor had retired. Dr. Mishra’s results were way beyond ‘very successful’ and bordered on miraculous. Now, as they say, your mileage may vary since we all have slightly different medical issues, but comparing the two excellent doctors, Dr. Mishra was beyond excellent. I needed no pain pills after either knee with him (needed a few from the other Dr.) and was able to walk with no crutch or cane after a week. I could have walked sooner, but didn’t want to mess up his work since he wanted me off them for a week. (I really did need two weeks after the first guy before I could walk without a cane.)
Dr. Mishra worked hard to avoid doing surgery. He prescribed exercises that he developed and has up on YouTube. After he had monitored my progress and they weren’t working enough for me, then he said OK, no choice but to operate if I wanted to fix things. So we did operate, one knee at a time. So in two separate knee procedures with him, I had outstanding results. His nurse, Paula, stays in contact with you before and after and is a partner with the Dr. in getting you better. She is very friendly, and yet persistent enough that she keeps you and the Dr. both on track. Office visits are very informative since Dr. Mishra answers any questions you have clearly and understandably. He is so careful about his patients he insists on seeing the actual MRIs and Xrays of you rather than just relying on the radiologist’s report. So before he operates, he’s fully armed with all the information he can get. Like I said, he is truly the Doctor you want to see if you have knee issues. He and Paula will take great care of you.
Now, the only caveats I have are these. He is associated with Stanford, so getting through on the phone to make an appointment can be painful. But don’t give up — its worth it, it just takes a while. And if you are getting operated on, make sure before hand that the anesthesiologist also takes your insurance and is in your network. Most of the operations are done at a day surgery center and most of the anesthesiologists are not part of Stanford. So you can get hit with an out-​of-​network bill if you aren’t careful. When you’re laying on a gurney in a short, backless hospital gown ready to roll into the operating room in 10 minutes and you’re meeting the anesthesiologist for the first time, you’re negotiating position is pretty bad. So check the insurance out up front for the surgery center and the anesthesia.

I first met with Dr. Mishra two weeks before my trip to Paris this month. My arthritic knee was causing me severe pain and I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy walking in Paris.
He recommended that I follow the exercises outlined in his «
» video.
Key in this program is 30 minutes of exercise using a stationary exercise bike. I didn’t own a bike so I purchased the «Bladez Fitness Fusion GS Bike» from
. (price about $ 300).
I followed Dr. Mishra’s advice and am very pleased with the results. I no longer have any severe knee pain and was able to enjoy many Paris walking tours. I’m continuing to use the
program and feel certain that my knee problems will minimize.
I highly recommend Dr. Mishra.
John English

I saw 5 doctors for my tennis elbow and apparently I was saving the best for last. He was incredibly patient, explained things thoroughly (even drew diagrams :), is clearly passionate about his work, and went out of his way to make sure I was considering things holistically and even just for my general health. He clearly cares about his patients. He also gave me some key advice that no other doctor provided which was a game changer for me. I have utmost confidence in Dr. Mishra.

Dr. Allan Mishra is unquestionably the best orthopedic doctor/​surgeon I have ever used! His approach begins with a thorough understanding and diagnosis of the problem followed by a régime of strengthening to rehabilitate and avoid surgery, if possible. He is always on time and makes sure you leave with any and all questions answered.
If surgery is required, I can recommend Dr. Mishra without reservation. He operated on my knee this year for a meniscus tear, synovitis, scar tissue and chondroplasty. The results exceeded my expectations, given a prior surgery and wear and tear over the years. Dr. Mishra was extremely clear in explaining my condition and the surgical procedure. He took the time to explain how I should prepare and then rehabilitate, post surgery.
I find Dr. Mishra very attentive to any questions, issues or concerns. He has many practical suggestions and exercises for strengthening joints, muscles, bones, etc. to ensure a return to normal activities and to avoid surgery in the future.
Dr. Mishra is very ably assisted by James who makes the office runs efficiently and sees that patient’s needs are well addressed. James is also a well-​trained medical assisitant who inspires confidence whether he is drawing blood or removing stitches.
I have seen Dr. Mishra for a number of orthopedic issues over the past four years. He has been one of the pioneers in Platlet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. I came to him with medial epicondylitis of my elbow (commonly known as golfer’s elbow) and was considering surgery. Through his attentive care and the PRP procedure, I was able to avoid surgery entirely and had a complete recovery.
I highly recommend Dr. Mishra for any orthopedic issues and procedures.

After consistently following Dr. Mishra’s recommended exercise program for my knees (isometric exercises, stretches and stationary bike), I have been able to return to the activities I enjoy: walking, gardening and traveling. Dr. Mishra’s positive and supportive approach is very reassuring. On my first appointment, I expected to hear I would need surgery, but instead I received the tools to manage my arthritis and remain active with easy-​to-​follow exercises.

Dr Mishra is an amazing orthopedist. He is passionate about what he does and about helping his patients on the road to recovery. His passion is evident in how he is always involved in or aware of the latest science that could help his patients and his genuine interest in his patients progress.
I have been seeing Dr Mishra for almost 4 years since he performed arthroscopic surgery for a meniscal tear (my second). He and his assistant James are truly a «dream team» — they made sure that I was taken care of as quickly as possible, and as easily as possible, as I needed surgery right away. It was such a relief after being so stressed about tearing my knee again. Since the surgery Dr Mishra has encouraged and motivated me in order to keep me progressing forward. He is always so friendly and willing to answer my questions after all this time. I would not see any other orthopedist.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Mishra for my severe knee injury for almost 11 years, and he still has fresh ideas on each visit. He is constantly refining my knee strengthening regimen, and each time I visit he updates me on the latest research in cartilage restoration.
Dr. Mishra also looks at the big picture. Early on, he gave me tips to improve my posture, and he recently recommended a bone density test that ended up revealing a non-​orthopedic issue which he promptly relayed to my primary care doctor. And to think I just went to see him for my knee!
After all this time, Dr. Mishra is still enthusiastic and motivated during each appointment. It’s clear that he truly loves what he does.

Dr. Mishra is a straight forward no nonsense and yet very personable Orthopedist.
After the usual x-​ray and MRI, he said we are not doing any cutting. Music to my ears!
Basically, the prescription was self induced physical therapy, use of a stationary bike.
After using it twice a week, along with swimming three times a week, for a couple of
months or so, I was back to easy walking and hiking.
With the efficiency and personality of Dr. Mishra and his upbeat assistant, James, a
visit is close to having fun!

Sorry, but don’t put yourself into the referral pool if you aren’t willing (or able) to provide proper care. Working off of a referral from within Menlo Medical Clinic, I reached out the Dr.‘s office to be seen for an acute, highly painful knee condition (water on the knee).
«Sorry, sir, his first appointment is at the end of August»
Me: «But I have severe pain — does Dr. Mishra not see anyone new with urgent needs?»
«Sorry sir, his first appointment is at the end of August»
Me: «So should I let me Dr. know not to refer anyone with urgent care needs?»
«It’s up to you sir.» [click]

It’s simple– Dr. Mishra provides a very high level of response in regard to all your needs, issues, questions, concerns, etc. both before and after your surgery. Thoughtful, caring, and real world solutions offered for your situation during all phases, including rehab. Great bedside manner and terrific staff. Total stud!

I was recommended to Dr. Mishra via a friend who is a former NFL athlete.
I was seen within a week of my initial call and was very impressed with the team’s attention to detail and concern. After X-​ray an appointment within a few days. Then off to MRI for more necessary detail.
Mishear was straight forward with the diagnosis and gave me several alternatives. Although each option was surgery, he gave me ideas on how to manage through my schedule and gave consideration for recovery time.
The Meniscus surgery went well… he found some tissue damage on the ACL and cleaned that up as well. 2 for 1 special…
What I also appreciated was that Mishra wanted to manage the first phase of my recovery. He believes in PT, but feels that he is the only one that has even the inside of my knee. So for 6 weeks, I followed his prescribed regimen with a couple of follow appointments in between. Then a successful hand off to Agile.
Since then, I have developed a shoulder problem and he has been helping me avoid surgery by working through mobility exercises and additional PT sessions.
Want to also mention that his assistant James Cox is a real gem. A former Army Ranger Medic… he is the real deal… responsive and funny.
Highly recommend.

After 2 knee surgeries (both meniscus tear from running on uneven surfaces), I would not go anywhere other than Dr. Mishra’s office — the first case was just a walk in the park as I was fully functional within a month after it, and the second was much more complex and took more than 1.5 years of close supervision and follow-​up visits after the surgery to fully recover, but I’m fully functional again — something I was afraid I’d never be able to enjoy again.
Dr. Mishra and his assistant James are both absolutely fantastic. I was referred to this office years ago by another doctor I respected a great deal and never regretted going there and trusting them with my knees.

I went to Dr. Mishra for pain in my shoulder. I had been to a physical therapist, but the therapy made the pain much worse. Dr. Mishra figured out what was wrong and gave me the right exercises that were targeted to the problem. My shoulder got much better under his care. I would highly recommend him. He is knowledgible and fixed my shoulder.

Dr. Mishra operated on me years ago for a torn meniscus. However, he did not completely repair the knee. In fact, he overlooked the severity of the meniscal tear. As a result, I will be headed back for surgery #2 9 years later. When I explained to him that my symptom/​problem was still present 4 months after the surgery and was activated when I bend my knee past 90 degrees, his reply was, «Well, don’t do that.» As an athlete and a human, I find that impossible. Needless to say, I won’t ever see him again, and I’d highly recommend getting a 2^nd opinion/​diagnosis before going under the knife. I’d never refer friends or familyLesson learned the hard way.

I went in for an evaluation for my tennis elbow and the appropriateness of PRP. My medical insurance is through Kaiser Permanente so I told them clearly that I was paying myself and that I needed to know in advance what the fees were. They did not and sent me a bill for $ 530. This is for 20 minutes with two bumbling buffoons who claimed to be doctors, no real assessment, no write up, no report. I tried to resolve amicably over the phone and they put this in collection. I ended up paying in full but I thought I would warn the general public about my experience in the hopes that you can avoid getting fleeced.

I found Dr. Mishra through online research while looking for alternatives to surgery in treating my severe case of tennis elbow. A cortisone shot precipitated my case of tennis elbow causing major fat atrophy and weakening of tendon (I will never get another cortisone shot, and recommend the same to everyone who asks)
Before coming to Dr. Mishra, I went through months of physical therapy, saw an acupuncturist, an herbalist and had massage therapy. All of this brought my pain level from an 8 out of 10 down to maybe a 7 out of 10 while doing normal daily living activities.
My search eventually led to Dr. Mishra, and I am so happy it did. Dr. Mishra is a pioneering Dr. with the use of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) to treat tennis elbow and other orthopedic injuries. I was more than happy to try this as a last resort before surgery.
As far as doctors go, Dr. Mishra is the best I have ever seen. He is forthright, personal, confident and highly skilled. His integrity is beyond reproach. He was always respectful of my opinion and always took my input seriously when we were deciding on next steps. For all of this, I am so thankful that I found him. He always spoke to me honestly about my progress and my prognosis. He NEVER RUSHED me, and even took the time to DRAW GRAPHS of the tendon that I had injured. In the end he said I knew as much about this injury as most doctors!
He spoke frankly to me about my injury and what would happen if the PRP did not cure me (next step was surgery) In the end, I had 3 PRP injections which helped immensely to build back the thickness of my skin and fat covering the outer forearm tendon. But I was not completely healed and still had a minor tear in the tendon that would not heal. So, surgery it was. Dr. Mishra called in backup and brought in Dr. Jeffery Yao to perform the elbow surgery while Dr. Mishra performed the PRP procedure in tandem.
I feel like I was treated like a professional athlete or movie star throughout this whole process. I had two surgeons associated with Stanford performing what, to them, is a very simple surgery. Not one, but TWO highly skilled surgeons. I believe Dr. Mishra treats all his patients this way, which is an incredibly valuable (and rare) trait to find in a doctor. If you are unfortunate enough to need an orthopedic surgeon, I strongly advise you to see Dr. Mishra.
I am very happy to report that the PRP and surgery was a success and I am no longer in pain after a swift recovery.

Dr Mishra is world-​renowned for his experience in the treatment of tendinopathies (i.e. tendinitis and tendinosis), so I felt fortunate to reside in the Bay Area near his services and care. I have consulted Dr Mishra a few times over the past three years and I have always appreciated his attention and detailed explanations of my ailments. It may not seem like he performs all the fundamental clinical tests, but he asks excellent leading questions that uncover the same information.
Appointments can be tough to come by, but be persistent and call a few times, as cancellations/​rescheduling are common. As of March, Dr Mishra holds clinic two days a week.
Navigating to the Menlo Clinic takes some time (and a GPS), but the effort is undoubtedly worth it!
Many thanks also to his helpful and responsive medical assistant, James.

Dr Mishra and his assistant were great to me (back and knee), my cousin (knee) and wife (shoulder).
Thankfully for me, I didn’t require surgery, but they helped diagnose what the situation was and sent me on my way to PT. For my cousin, he blew out his knee, they diagnosed, did surgery etc. My wife was shoulder, so diagnosis and surgery.
As the odd thing is with specialists, getting an appointment shoudln’t necessarily be easy (not busy? why not?), and here is no exception. The staff is friendly, the experience is clear and informative, and I always knew what was going on, timelines that needed to be met etc.
If you are getting an MRI… go through your specialist instead of through Stanford or something… Stanford only uses their own MRI facilities and it could take 2 – 3 weeks, going through a private practice outsources to specialized houses and you can usually schedule them in pretty good time.