Specialty Shoulder

Outstanding combination of skill and personality! (5 Star Review on Healthgrades)

Dr. Miller has been my shoulder doctor since 1997. Through 4 surgeries and a complicated bone disease, he has been my idea of the perfect surgeon. One who treats you before and after surgeries and takes the time to balance treatments, PT and surgeries. He cares and has built a remarkable organization at ONS in his spare time. A surgeon who other surgeons consult. One of the top shoulder surgeons in the country. Highly recommended.  (5 Star Review on Healthgrades)

I didn’t want to have shoulder replacement surgery.  The pain was so bad that it cut me off from living a normal life. Simple things like driving, turning to my side while sleeping and gardening were so painful that I just didn’t do them. I stopped travelling.  Dr. Miller was wonderful. He was sincere, empathetic and kind. He took the time to explain everything to me in terms I could understand.  Finally, I went ahead and had my right shoulder replaced on March 1, 2018 and my left in November. Now I regret waiting for so long.  For the first time in nearly 2 years I can say that I feel great.  While it’s a two hour drive from Litchfield Country to see Dr. Miller, it’s worth every mile to have the quality of care you get at ONS. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. (Comments from patient D.D.)

I went to see Dr. Miller after putting up with chronic shoulder pain for years. Dr. Miller diagnosed torn Rotator Cuffs and bone spurs in both shoulders. Dr. Miller fixed both shoulders in the span of 10 months. A year and a half later, my shoulders are fully recovered and pain free. The experience throughout couldn’t have been better. Dr Miller is a shoulder expert and a pro (my partially torn RCs were probably a walk in the park compared to the more complex repairs that he does). Regardless, I received the same excellent care. Beyond the surgical expertise, my experience at ONS was always outstanding. I don’t believe that I ever waited more than 10 minutes to see Dr. Miller. At the same time, Dr. Miller always took time to explain things to me and answer all of my questions, such that I never felt hurried. I strongly recommend Dr. Miller and the entire ONS staff. (5 Star Review on Healthgrades)

I still can’t believe this. 4 days ago I walked into Greenwich Hospital to have a total shoulder replacement. Since I came home from the hospital I have zero pain. I have not taken a single pain pill. I am looking forward to start my physical therapy at ONS.  You can believe all the hype you heard about Dr Seth Miller. He really is the best of the best. (5 Star Review on Yelp from A.K., Astoria, NY)

Dr. Seth Miller is the best of the best! Before the surgery during consultation he answers all of your questions thoroughly and clearly and takes all the time that you need to feel comfortable. The surgery went superbly. I was without the pain almost immediately. The follow up visits have been excellent. Highly recommend! (5 Star Review on Yelp from B. W.)

Total shoulder replacement completed 10/31/18. Diagnosed with bone on bone grinding and ostheoarthritis. Had unbearable pain and unable to lift my arm above my shoulder joint. After 12 weeks I have no pain and better than expected range of motion. Was amazed at the lack of pain after the procedure. Used no pain killers whatsoever. Dr. Miller is a gifted surgeon who uses the latest technologies and still maintains a personal touch. Planning on my left shoulder procedure next year. (5 Star Review on Healthgrades from S. in Yorktown Heights, NY)

Dear Dr. Miller. Tomorrow will be exactly one year since my total shoulder replacement. I had been living with worsening arthritis pain in my right shoulder for 10 years before your gentle encouragement convinced me to go forward with the surgery. The outcome seems like a miracle. My new shoulder feels wonderful! When I wake, I must think which shoulder was replaced, as both shoulders feel exactly alike. I have no pain, my strength has returned, my shoulder movement feels normal, my range of motion is better than before surgery, and the scar is nearly invisible. An amazing outcome. Thank you, a thousand times over, for being my doctor and accepting me as a patient. (Letter from K.M.)

When shoulder surgeon, Dr. Seth Miller, performed a rotator cuff repair on Penny W’s husband, Bob, little did she know that she would turn to Dr. Miller to repair her severe rotator cuff injury  in just two months’ time.  “I was very impressed with Dr. Miller’s bedside manner,” Penny said.  “He was very generous with his time and answered all of our questions. He was not condescending and never made us feel rushed.  His communication style was clear and his easy ability to interact with us was truly distinguishing.  It was an amazingly great experience.”

Dear Dr. Miller, Tomorrow, December 7th, will be exactly one year since my total shoulder replacement. I had been living with worsening arthritis pain in my right shoulder for 10 years before your gentle encouragement convinced me to go forward with the surgery.  The outcome seems like a miracle. My new shoulder feels wonderful! When I wake, I must think which shoulder was replaced, as both shoulders feel exactly alike. I have no pain, my strength has returned, my shoulder movement feels normal, my range of motion is better than before surgery, and the scar is nearly invisible. An amazing outcome. Thank you, a thousand times over, for being my doctor and accepting me as a patient. Sincerely, K.M. (patient letter)

Working with Dr. Miller on was a fantastic experience. He is knowledgeable, patient, very thorough in his explanations, and sticks with you through the process. The team at ONS are organized, great in their follow up, and very professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Miller, I am very satisfied with the outcome of my rotator cuff surgery. (5 Star review on Healhgrades from G.R. in Fairfield, CT)

Dr. Miller is the BEST!!!! Totally professional, always on time, a direct and thoughtful communicator, and most importantly a very skilled surgeon. I was always made aware of what to expect, was given lots of support if I needed it, was given excellent PT instructions and his office staff were equally competent, professional, thorough and timely. I can’t say enough good things. Dr. Miller has my highest recommendation. (5 Star review on Healthgrades from V.C. in Southport, CT)

Dr Miller is an excellent surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner. He has a way of making you feel like you are his most important patient. He answers all of your questions fully without ever making you feel rushed. He is truly exceptional. I would recommend him to everyone I know! (5 star review on Healthgrades from R. in White Plains, NY

Over years of playing tennis and abusing my shoulder in ways I wasn’t aware of, the cartilage in my shoulder joint wore away and I was living with a painful bone-on-bone condition. I eventually went to have it checked out two years ago, but I didn’t want to go through the ordeal of a shoulder replacement. I stopped playing tennis and more and more the pain interfered with my life.  I finally decided to let Dr. Miller do the surgery and I am so glad I did.  The whole experience was so much better than I could have ever possibly expected.  Dr. Miller has a tremendous amount of humanity and compassion. I don’t know if it’s possible to give a person more credit. Dr. Miller said I could be playing tennis in a month, and even serving the ball the month after.  Knowing what I know now, I should have had this done years ago. (patient S.D.)

I had advanced arthritis in my right shoulder at the age of 55. I had lost most movement and was in constant (albeit endurable) pain. Dr. Miller performed a shoulder replacement just over a year ago. I have no pain and complete mobility. I would recommend him to anyone with shoulder arthritis. (Five star review on Healthgrades from J.G. in Clifton, NJ)

I slipped and fell on the ice two years ago and tore my subscapularis tendon.  I saw four different surgeons who all said the damage was too massive to repair.  Then a friend of mine recommended his surgeon, Dr. Miller.  Dr. Miller thought he could do a series smaller repairs and during surgery, was  in fact was able to salvage some of the subscapularis tendon as well.  He was the only doctor who took the time to fully explain what he saw on my MRI and how he thought he could fix it.  I was impressed with his analysis of my injury and what he thought was possible.  There was one other doctor from a large New York City hospital who thought he could fix it, but I felt like I would just be a number at that place.  I felt like I would get personalized attention from the people at ONS and I did. Everything is healing well and for the first time in a long time I feel optimistic.  BH (Manhattan)

I am very, very pleased with my experience at ONS.  Everyone was terrific —  Dr. Miller, the nurses and the entire staff.  Everything was positive and went smoothly.  I had surgery two weeks ago and I’ve already recommended Dr. Miller to someone.  MR (Repair of rotator cuff and labral tears, bone spur removal).

A fully functioning shoulder joint rotates 360 degrees. When I arrived at ONS, my range of motion was only a fraction of that. With the skilled hands and intelligent mind of Dr. Seth Miller, my significant rotator cuff tear has been successfully repaired and I can fly again! (comment from RateMD)

I was in excruciating pain, waking up three times a night with a stabbing pain in my right shoulder that would not go away. I was fortunate to have Dr. Miller repair and make my shoulder better than new with a rotator cuff surgery . Best of all, I am totally pain free. My range of motion and strength are perfect. Dr. Miller is personable and is very empathetic. His surgical skills are of the highest caliber. ONS experience from pre op to full recovery was flawless. Thank You Dr. Miller. (comment from Health Grades)

Dr. Miller has performed two reverse shoulder replacements for me over a two & a half year period. Both  were extremely successful with no pain and a great range of motion. There is nothing I wish to physically do that I cannot. He is to be lauded for his competence, professionalism, warmth and superb patient skills. (comment from Health Grades)

I recently underwent shoulder replacement surgery with Dr. Seth Miller. As a plastic surgeon, my whole career depended on successful results. Being in practice for many years, I had access to the credentials of many top surgeons. Based on my research, the referral of several other doctors, and three people I knew who had successful shoulder replacements by him, I was very confident in my choice of Dr. Miller. My surgery went smoothly. I was back to performing surgery in two months and playing golf in four months! Dr. Miller is an extremely competent and well regarded shoulder surgeon. His staff was most polite, helpful and professional. Greenwich Hospital is like a four star hotel. The ONS rehab facility was excellent, especially my therapist Tanya who was most knowledgeable, effective and friendly. I whole heartedly recommend Dr. Seth Miller for shoulder surgery, especially shoulder replacement.  (RateMD)

ONS is the best! My family and I would not go anywhere else. Dr. Sethi and Dr. Miller are top shelf. I refer everyone to go to ONS. (Patient Survey)

My continued thank you to Dr. Miller for the excellent work he performed on me. I will be eternally grateful. (Patient Survey)

Dr. Miller has been truly amazing! (Patient Survey)

If I had to rate Dr. Seth Miller on a scale of 1 – 10, I would give him an 11. He is a fine human being and a superb surgeon. He is unusual in the degree of his expertise, his manner and clarity in explaining a situation, and his empathy with patients. For an old timer like me, having all these qualities when you are putting your life in someone’s hands is of critical importance. (JH)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to express the positive experience I had with ONS. From the front desk to Dr. Miller there was only the most professional attitude on everyones’ part. The fact that there was no waiting in the examining room was certainly refreshing.   Again I reiterate the experience was A-One. (CS)

Arthritis had taken its toll on my shoulders. I was in constant pain. Sleeping was difficult and the activities I love, like kayaking, were difficult. Two friends with similar shoulder issues referred me to Dr. Miller at ONS.  When I met him, I immediately knew he was the doctor I wanted to care for me. He was thorough, thoughtful and patient. He has a great bedside manner and took the time to completely answer all my questions. (more…)

Dear Dr. Miller – Today is the one year anniversary of the surgery you did on my right shoulder and I wanted to write you a note to express my gratitude for your wonderful work. I am swimming with the strength that I had before my injury and I don’t detect that I have any limitations.  Thank you again and I wish you all the best! (MP)

Dr. Miller is phenomenal. He is knowledgeable and thorough. He properly set my expectations and was patient with me as I asked a multitude of questions. The staff does a phenomenal job of scheduling appointments. I was always taken into the exam room early or on time.  I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my rotator cuff repair! The care I was received was first rate!!!! Thank you Dr. Miller for fixing my broken wing! – (D.M.)

Dr. Miller – I just wanted to take a moment to thank you. In June of 2010, you gave me a full left shoulder joint replacement.  Prior to surgery, my severely arthritic shoulder was painful 24 hours a day.  I had a very hard time sleeping or doing anything with my left arm.  After the replacement and a reasonable recovery period, the new shoulder was pain free and fully functional, quickly getting to the point where I could do anything I would normally contemplate without giving it a second thought. Today, five years after the fact, I realize that your work was life-altering for me.  On a regular basis I think about what life over these past years would have been had I not found my way to your door. I’m sure you have 100s of patients that feel exactly the same way. If I were you, I’d feel pretty good about what I’d accomplished in life! Thanks again. (CH)

Dr. Miller – I went to see another surgeon who I was not comfortable with. Two other individuals with the same shoulder issues told me they had been to Dr. Miller and were happy with him. I met with Dr. Miller and was very comfortable, he is an amazing person. He spent 4-5 minutes was very thorough and complete about what I needed to know. He gave time for questions and has a great bedside manner and he makes things happen quickly.

I had my shoulders replaced, the first in January 2013 and the second in January 2014. After surgery they had me doing exercises within one day and doing exercises at home within 1 week and physical therapy after this which worked out very well. Both surgeries went well and I notice a very tremendous difference. No pain sleeping and activities are now pain free. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week and I still do my shoulder exercises. Before the surgery, I had to take Advil after kayaking and couldn’t get the kayaks up on top of the car. Now, I can load the kayaks over my head onto the car and I don’t need Advil after. (DH)

3 months ago Dr. Miller did surgery on my shoulder. Before the surgery I had terrible pain and couldn’t sleep well at night, certain movements were gone or limited. I am very pleased with Dr. Miler and how the shoulder operation went. He is efficient, organized, helpful and wonderful. I would highly recommend Dr. Miller and ONS for the quality of care, everyone is first rate. It has been three months since my surgery and I have no pain. For a few more months I will still go to physical therapy to completely improve certain movements. I’m back to yoga and the gym and can sleep at night without pain. (JP)

Dr. Miller – Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking such good care of A… You made (her) smile again and that means the world to us! (T&W)

Dr. Miller– Just to let you know that I am grateful for the excellent surgery you performed on my left shoulder. I feel like I have completely recovered after seven months. Thanks so much for giving me back the use of my shoulder. Looking forward to playing golf again in the spring. (G.D.)

Dr. Miller– Thank you Dr. Miller for fixing my broken wing! (DM)

L.S. of Greenwich is an athletic 51-year-old mother of two, who has enjoyed sailing, skiing, golf and other sports over the course of her life. Two years ago she developed painful tendinitis in her left elbow. Her elbow became so painful that even picking up a glass of water was excruciating. The following June, Dr. Seth Miller gave her a cortisone injection into the joint which brought her initial relief. Unfortunately, the benefit wore off after about eight weeks. When she returned to Dr. Miller, he suggested she try a new treatment option called PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Although not FDA approved, the treatment is increasingly being used by orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists to treat soft tissue problems such as tennis elbow, hamstring strains, MCL strains and patellar tendonitis. At ONS, PRP is administered by physiatrist Dr. Jeffery Heftler, who explained the procedure, “First, 10 milliliters of blood was drawn from Lynn’s arm and then spun in a centrifuge for five minutes. This separates out the platelets from the rest of the blood. Then two to four milliliters of the separated blood is drawn out and injected it back into the injury site.” The theory behind the treatment is the platelets release growth factors which stimulate a healing response. Unlike a steroid injection, it can take up to six weeks to notice the full benefit of the injection. However, PRP seems to be effective in cases where steroids have failed. L.S. was instructed not to use her arm for anything strenuous for two weeks but by the third week, she could tell it was feeling better. She started physical therapy to help get back the strength in her arm and by three months she was entirely pain free. L.S. says, “I am a big fan of PRP. I am now free of pain and back to doing all my normal activities.”

After Greenwich resident and Brunswick Academy teacher T.S. seriously injured his shoulder, he sought relief from the disabling pain and loss of mobility from leading shoulder specialist Dr. Seth Miller. “I’d been taking lots of anti-inflammatory medication,” said T.S. who enjoys recreational softball and kayaking adventures with his students. “I kept trying to work through the problem but eventually realized I was losing strength in my arm.” Dr. Miller determined that his patient had torn a tendon of his rotator cuff, but an arthroscopic surgical procedure could repair the damage and end his pain. By using the latest arthroscopic technique, the tendons heal at about the same rate as in traditional surgery, but the less-invasive procedure has several big advantages. Arthroscopy is a same-day surgery and can be performed with local anesthesia. Patients experience substantially less pain after arthroscopy, which allows them to get back to their normal routine quicker. “Almost all rotator cuff tears can be repaired with arthroscopy and there are clear benefits,” says Dr. Miller. “T.S. had same day surgery and returned to his classroom the following day with his arm in a sling. Two months after surgery, he had regained complete range of motion and had full use of his shoulder. He was able to resume all his normal activities and even went on a rafting trip with his students.”

Dr. Miller– I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the excellent job you did repairing my torn bicep. The surgery and recovery went remarkably well, and I have probably recovered 95% of my strength at this time.  Your entire staff, from your office to Greenwich Hospital, provided nothing but the best of care and service.  Moreover, it was very much appreciated to be able to make a doctor’s appointment and actually be taken on time. I would not hesitate to recommend your practice to anyone. Thanks for everything. (AG)

Dr. Miller: At 73, Wilton resident E.S. still missed his sport, skeet and trap shooting. He had been a serious competitor in skeet and trap shooting tournaments until twelve years earlier when he noticed his left shoulder “catching” as he followed his target. It didn’t sweep in the smooth arc that he was accustomed to. Before long, the problem became painful and also began affecting other activities including putting on shoes and even driving a car.

After consulting an orthopaedic surgeon, he learned that years of wear and tear had resulted in a torn rotator cuff. A year later, after losing much of his arm’s mobility and living with increasing pain, he underwent surgery to repair the tear. The result was only modestly successful and over the next nine years, he underwent two more surgeries. His condition continued to deteriorate, eventually forcing him to retire from his work as a plumbing contractor.

After the failure of his third surgery, E.S. was referred to Dr. Seth Miller, who was successfully using a brand new procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Approved by the FDA in 2004, reverse shoulder replacement has been performed in Europe for nearly 20 years. The surgery uses a metal and plastic implant that works the opposite of a normal shoulder by placing the ball onto the shoulder blade and the socket onto the top of the upper arm bone. The reversed position of the ball and socket alters the mechanics of the shoulder, changing the center of the shoulder’s rotation. The strength needed to move the arm is shifted away from the damaged rotator cuff muscles, allowing the deltoid muscle to take over.

A reverse shoulder replacement is a breakthrough for patients with a rotator cuff that has degenerated to the point it no longer functions and cannot be repaired. “Many of these patients are unable to raise their arm more than a few inches and a traditional shoulder replacement is not an option because the tendons aren’t healthy enough to hold the shoulder ball into the socket,” explains Dr. Miller. “Until the reverse shoulder replacement was invented, there was no solution for a patient with such a badly damaged shoulder.”

Dr. Miller performed the surgery and E.S. remained in the hospital for three days. Soon after, he began a home exercise program to strengthen and train the deltoid muscle for its new job. In only a few weeks, he began to regain the ability to lift his arm and within two months, he was able to raise his arm well over his head, something he hadn’t been able to do for years. (E.S.)

Dr. Miller– I had a shoulder replacement and the whole process was made as easy as possible for me from the doctor to the administrators and followup. The Physical Therapy Department is the absolute best. It is my belief that my progress is mostly due to an excellent surgeon and a brilliant, gentle physical therapist. (Anonymous)