Ronald P. Karzel, MD

Emeritus

The following are reviews from patients of Dr. Karzel.
  • “Dr. Karzel is one of the most caring, kind, and amazing doctor I have ever had.”
    – Sybil R.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “I have seen Dr. Karzel several times. He and his staff are also courteous, kind and efficient. It is always a pleasure.”
    – Julie R.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “Karzel and Burns are awesome!”
    – Gwenner
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “Great caring, knowledgeable and skilled doctor and staff. – Tom W. ”
    – Tom
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “My hats off to Dr. Karzel, he saved my hike of a lifetime. I was a thru hiker on the PCT, (Pacific Crest Trail, Mexico to Canada) and suffered severe pain on the outside of my left knee. Basically unable to walk. I had to take a pain pill to walk eight miles to the highway to get to the ER in Lancaster on a Saturday. At the ER my left leg was completely immobilized and I was put on crutches and referred to SCOI. On Monday I showed up at SCOI, did the paperwork and because of my situation, (homeless as I was hiking) I was able to see a PA. I told him this appointment basically would determine my fate as to whether or not I would be able to continue my hike to Canada. I was given an MRI and seen by Dr. Karzel who explained my condition and it was determined my new orthodics were the problem. The right one had a lift in it which put pressure on the left leg. I was given an injection in the left knee and two weeks later was back on the trail. Awesome experience. Thanks Dr. Karzel and SCOI.”
    – Calvin T.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “Best in the business.”
    – Jason G.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “What more can I say - it is very rare that you meet a doctor than not only comes with humor but also with kindness. I had no idea what I did to my arm and after the X-rays he came in and said there is absolutely nothing wrong with your arm, with a huge grin. I said OK and was getting ready to leave when he quickly said actually you have a torn rotator cuff and will need surgery. I laughed so hard because I actually thought it must be in my head and then relieved to hear it was for real. He was very kind through the whole process and I will be grateful for the rest of my life for the talent and expert hands he has to put me back together. He has a gift and those that are fortunate enough to be helped by him will be able to turn a very stressful and painful experience back into a life without pain.”
    – Carolyn W.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “I am a 52-year-old male. I spent the majority of my 40s as an electrician laborer, using many impact power tools. Impact power tools can transfer many stresses from the hand to the upper extremity elbow and shoulder joints. I used these tools repetitively for many years. I endured right shoulder pain for approximately the last 5 years. This pain was experienced as a sharpness that occurred during certain ranges of arm motion that involved, in particular, overhead reaching or lifting. After the work day, the pain was intensified during sleep time wherein I would typically awaken 4 to 5 times a night due to discomfort in the right shoulder joint. I am also a competitive Jump Rope participant. The shoulder pain was an impediment to my workouts and was clearly interfering with the success of my Jump Rope routines.  About a year before my surgery, I started treatment under the care of a massage therapist who worked at a chiropractic clinic. While the massage therapy effectively improved my right shoulder flexibility and range of motion, it failed to address the root cause of the sharp pain that I continued to experience. After 1 year of massage therapy, the chiropractor referred me to SCOI where I would be under the care of Dr. Ronald Karzel.  At SCOI, through x-ray and MRI diagnostics, it was determined that I had a large sub acromial bone spur that likely caused impingement upon my rotator cuff and bicep tendons. The MRI clearly showed a large tear in the supraspinatus tendon. This is the tendon associated with the motion that involves raising the arm. Being diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff tendon, at first, seemed like an alarming or even scary experience, but I intuitively went with Dr. Karzel's recommendation to proceed with a rotator cuff repair surgery - this was determined to be the best course of action for my particular situation. The surgery experience was very positive, and was completed in 1 afternoon at the Van Nuys facility. The Van Nuys staff was competent, kind, professional, and respectful of my personal dignity. I elected to have a nerve block which eased and facilitated the pain management after surgery.  I am 3 months out of surgery as of this writing. For me, the recovery process has been very positive. I was fortunate that I only required 1 day of pain meds, however I did maintain regular use of ice packs on the surgical site for at least 2 1/2 weeks with occasional use every few days since then.   The recovery process involved daily follow up with the SCOI office via emails until the first 4-week post op office visit.  I actually returned to my desk job after 2 1/2 weeks post-op, maintaining my arm in the arm sling and performing only simple desktop computer work. I became an expert at using the mouse with my left hand. After 2 months, I began physical therapy at the SCOI Valencia Office. The physical therapy has challenged me to  increase my flexibility and range of motion. The physical therapy is performed in a comfortable, gym-like environment, and the staff is cheerful, competent and qualified - I can honestly say I have daily measurable improvement in range of motion.  The physical therapy process will continue as I approach month 3 of my recovery and will move into more strengthening exercises. Overall, I will say the entire diagnostic / surgical / recovery / rehabilitation process has been successful, continues to be successful, and has exceeded my every expectation. I have even been able to resume my jump rope activities. I am very satisfied with Dr. Karzel and the SCOI team, and I gratefully endorse their services.”
    – Mike V.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “From the first day of my injury observation, Dr. Karzel and staff was very thorough in explaining what to expect. Each appointment prepared me for the next step. My recovery is doing well. – Prentis E. ”
    – Prentis
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD
  • “Dr. Karzel and his team are ROCK STARS...  Nothing but wonderful experiences with Dr. Karzel and SCOI.”
    – Michael W.
    Patient Rating:
    5
    Treating Doctor: Ronald P. Karzel, MD

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