Matthew A Pifer, MD
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Matthew A Pifer, MD
If you have access to a computer, tablet, or cellphone, then you can be evaluated from anywhere with a secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom-based platform. Services include consultations, visual exams, imagining reviews (like XRays or CTs), or surgery discussion. The platform allows for family members or needed friends to be part of the experience from anywhere as well.

Call or request a Telemedicine appointment online!. Matthew Pifer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving patients in the community of Santa Barbara, California, and beyond. Dr. Pifer brings a wealth of training and experience to his practice and has earned a reputation for excellence in the region.
Services
Matthew Pifer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving patients in the community of Santa Barbara, California, and beyond. Dr. Pifer brings a wealth of training and experience to his practice and has earned a reputation for excellence in the region. A lifelong learner, Dr. Pifer began his post-secondary education at Ashland University in Ohio.
Except in the case of emergencies, it is not our policy to see patients without an appointment. Dr. Pifer fills these schedules well in advance with, in some cases, people who have waited months to make an appointment.

We understand that it is tempting to bring someone with you in hopes that they can be seen as well during your appointment time, but in fairness to those who have waited, we are not able to see anyone without a scheduled appointment.We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment for registration and to fill in a health questionnaire.
The most flexible joint in your body, your shoulder is also subject to extensive wear and tear, and shoulder surgery is sometimes the best possible treatment option. For residents of Santa Barbara, California, Matthew Pifer, MD, has the skills and experience needed to perform numerous shoulder procedures that can help you regain normal joint mobility and function.
When a knee injury can't heal properly, or significant joint degeneration has occurred, knee surgery provides a path to relief. Matthew Pifer, MD, has completed hundreds of surgical procedures for residents of Santa Barbara, California, and beyond. He understands the techniques required to repair joint damage and restore pain-free joint function.
A sports medicine specialist, Matthew Pifer, MD, is honored to play a role in improving the health, performance, and fitness of the men and women in Santa Barbara, California, who entrust him with their care. Trained in the latest orthopedic techniques and procedures, Dr. Pifer offers outstanding sports medicine diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care.
Reviews (9)
Robert O'Brien
Robert O'Brien
Jan 24, 2022
Report
In March of 2020 I was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street at a crosswalk. Dr. Pifer was the master surgeon who repaired my severely damaged shoulder resulting from that accident. From my first consult with Dr. Pifer he inspired confidence that everything was going to be alright. I have nothing but praise for him and his team at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and am thankful that he was there when I needed him!
Kathy Yuill
Kathy Yuill
Nov 26, 2021
Report
Tejoni, Dr. Pifer’s assistant, is spectacular in her competence and responsiveness. Couple that with a surgeon with a great bedside manner and obvious expertise, my rotator cuff surgical repair was pretty darn smooth, considering all the many warnings from others.I highly recommend Dr. Pifer.
Heather Copp
Heather Copp
May 19, 2021
Report
Dr. Pifer always has a smile on his face and a warm demeanor. He is a highly skilled surgeon who fixed my shoulder after years of pain! I felt at ease and completely confident in his skills, he is also up to date on all of the current stem cell innovations in surgery which I took full advantage of. I'm extremely happy with his practice and his team members and have recommended him to friends in pain. I will be forever grateful to him for giving me back pain free mobility in my arm that I thought I had lost.
Robert Skinner
Robert Skinner
Mar 19, 2021
Report
Dr Pifer repaired a torn bicep tendon in my right shoulder. He explained my options clearly, and answered my questions. He did a great job surgically. I am now pain free with fully restored range of motion. Highly recommend him!
Bradley McLure
Bradley McLure
Mar 17, 2021
Report
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!
Ronald Baldonado
Ronald Baldonado
Feb 17, 2021
Report
Dr. Matthew Pifer in my experience with him is highly qualified his level of confidence in My opinion ranks right up there with oxygen, and that’s what’s needed. I had a rotator full thickness tear & bicep other multiple problems . During the examination Dr. Pifer walked me through all the steps of surgery and what would be needed from rehabilitation. I could tell right away My shoulder make a full recovery as I started rehab. The staff working with Dr.Pifer were very helpful and polite. My name is Ronald Baldonado and I approve of this message.
Al Todd
Al Todd
Aug 09, 2020
Report
Very friendly and professional staff. All the pre-operative steps were handled efficiently and questions answered by Dr, Pifer about what to expect. The operation was successful (torn bicep tendon and repair to rotator cuff) and Dr. Pifer was able to correct a couple of minor problems in my shoulder at the same time (these were the result of a previous shoulder surgery 18 years ago). Dr. Pifer monitored my post-operation physical therapy and I had a couple of in-office visits to inspect my progress. I opted to have Dr. Pifer inject Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentration
Leslie Lund
Leslie Lund
Jul 12, 2020
Report
Dr Pifer is just great!! He and his staff made my huge and detailed shoulder surgery so manageable. He listens and provides you all the options, so you can choose what works best for your life style and living arrangements. They checked in almost everyday to make sure my recovery was going well. It’s only been 3 months and I’m still in physical therapy, but I feel fantastic!! The constant pain is gone. Thank you Dr Pifer!!
Karen Giuffre
Karen Giuffre
Jun 04, 2020
Report
Dr. Pifer is simply amazing! I had shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff as well as three other issues. Everything about this procedure was flawless. The staff and doctor communicated with me at all times.. My shoulder had very little pain during the recovery. I experience no pain now. I have full range of motion. Thank you so much, Dr Pifer!