Steven S. Liu, M.D.

BOARD-CERTIFIED PAIN MEDICINE PHYSICIANACGME Accredited Fellowship Trained

Dr. Liu is a an ACGME accredited fellowship trained and board certified pain medicine physician and is joining us from the Yale School of Medicine where he was assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and associate director of pain medicine at the Yale Spine Center.

At Yale, Dr. Liu’s practice focused predominantly in the treatment of pain originating from diseases and conditions of the spine and he was instrumental in developing the pain medicine program at the Yale Spine Center. Dr. Liu has extensive training and experience in non-surgical interventional treatments for pain related to spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, facet arthropathy, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. His goal for every patient with spine related pain is to provide as much relief and restore as much function as possible while utilizing the most up to date, low risk, and minimally invasive non-surgical techniques.

Education and Training

Undergraduate: B.S., Penn State University Schreyer Honors College
Medical School: M.D., University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Residency: Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship: Perioperative Management, Stanford University Hospital
Fellowship: Pain Medicine, Tri-Institute Program: Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Caner Center, Hospital for Special Surgery

Additional Information

Dr. Liu recently relocated to the Bay Area with his wife and 2 kids. His wife is a neuro-radiologist and dinner discussions sometimes involve interesting pathologies of the spine; though it is often interrupted by stories from their children of their daily activities. Dr. Liu and his family fell in love with the Bay Area many years ago and they are very excited to once again be able to enjoy everything northern California has to offer. During his limited spare time, Dr. Liu enjoys watching football and soccer and is an avid golfer.

Please note that Dr. Liu does not manage opioid medications and does not accept transfer of opioid management initiated by other providers.

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

Dr. Liu has a great understanding of patient care and how he can improve the patient’s health by providing pain management. I have been working with Dr. Liu for several years now and I feel that he always has great insight into my care. I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Liu treat my back pain.

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2025

Dr. Liu was extremely professionals, listen to my concern and recommend right treatment, he also discussed important information in regard of how to manage my pain what to do and what not to do. I highly recommend Dr. Liu.

rater8 Verified Patient

May-2023

Dr. Luu is phenomenal and I have nothing, but wonderful things to say about him!! I had a CT guided bilateral epidural yesterday and was a little nervous... Dr. Liu helped me relax and even had me laughing in the surgery room. It was the absolute best experience!!! He talked me through every second and my nervousness melted away. I feel extremely blessed to have him on my team of doctors! Thank you Dr. Liu for everything that you do for your patients, it's seen and appreciated so much!!

rater8 Verified Patient

May-2023

He is very complete in his manner. I like that he is right to the point. Gets his ideas and information to you on the spot, does the treatment clean and quickly. I have trust and have great admiration for his profession.

Patient Submitted Review

Sep-2022

Wait Time in room was too long, since I make it a point to take a doctor's time as part of respect. I'm there in time. As far as Dr Liu, well he made up for it. A fine Dr. He listens, asks questions. And is everything you hope for in a doctor.. my experience was wonderful, other than my room wait time.

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2022

Dr. Liu is one of the most professional and compassionate doctors I have ever met. He explained my diagnosis in the most understandable way and prescribed a procedure that got me feeling better almost immediately. I would recommend him to anyone who needs help in his realm of expertise!

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2022

Dr. Lui is very good at what he does. I felt no pain during the procedure, only a few pricks with the numbing. I was awake for the procedure. It took about 1 hour from start to finish. I am about 2 hours out from the procedure, and my neck is more mobile. This is the second time I have had this done by Dr. Lui in a 3 year period. Definitely worth doing.

rater8 Verified Patient

Jul-2021

Dr. Liu is efficient, unusually prompt, and provides professional guidance and care. He seems to understand your situation and does his best to help you feel better. As a nurse, I have worked for many types of doctors in the past, but as a patient, I appreciate his caring and understanding.

rater8 Verified Patient

Jul-2021

Dr. Liu is fantastic, and outstanding surgeon!!! I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for me! He is funny, so courteous, and extremely fast in getting his results to me immediately. I would highly recommend him to my friends and business associates. He is, indeed, a fantastic asset to Tri Valley Orthopedic Specialists!!! Thank you Dr. Liu

Patient Submitted Review

Apr-2021

Upon entering the office the front desk is very friendly and welcoming. Didn’t have to wait to be taken back. Dr. Liu was welcoming and asked and listened to what I had to say. We came up with our next step in treatment plan together. I felt very satisfied when appointment was over. Thanks Dr. Liu.

rater8 Verified Patient

Feb-2021

Dr Liu did a great job! He listen to my concerns and along with me we came up with a treatment plan going forward. He administered the treatment today quickly. He showed concern and overall I was very impressed.

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2021

I have been going toTri Valley Orthopedics for several years now as has my wife. I’ve had three surgeries performed by the doctors there and all three did excellent work and I am very happy with my results. It’s not easy to find good surgeons and I have been impressed with Dr. Bezahdi, Dr. Bugar and Dr Rush. And lately I have seen Dr. Liu for non-surgical procedures and have been impressed with him as well.. They have a great team there.

rater8 Verified Patient

Sep-2020

Dr. Liu is very professional, yet personable and down to earth. He always reviews my case completely and addresses what needs immediate attention and what may need consideration in the future. Scenarios are thoroughly explained and handled promptly.

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2020

Dr. Liu is very professional, caring and attentive. He treats his patients with respect and explains things clearly. I have received two epidural injections from him to reduce back pain. During both procedures he explained every step as he was performing them and checked in with me to be sure I was comfortable and knew what to expect.

Patient Submitted Review

Jul-2020

Dr. Steven Liu is a wonderful doctor. He gave me a lumbar steroid injection. The next day my debilitating pain was completely gone. Dr. Liu is professional and kind. I found all the staff at Hacienda Surgery Center professional, friendly, and caring. Thank you so much, Dr. Liu, for taking me as a patient. I am extremely grateful to you and to your associates. I would highly recommend Dr. Liu, and his assistant, and the nurses at Hacienda Surgery Center in Pleasanton to anyone who needs a lumbar epidural injection to relieve their pain.

rater8 Verified Patient

Apr-2020

Took the time to find out what was going on with me good results another MRI To figure out why I was hurting so much in my back and hips Thank you Dr. Steve Liu For taking the time to find out what was wrong.And he did excellent work. He is a great orthopedic specialist.