As experts at evaluating a person’s condition and administering treatment, a physical therapist helps individuals overcome aches, pains, injuries, and other ailments in order to improve their quality of life.

One such professional is Matthew Kosar, PT, DPT, and board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, who currently provides treatment at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s. Kosar is the facility director of the physical therapy clinic at St. Luke’s Health Center, Fogelsville.

A South Whitehall Township resident, Kosar is a 2011 graduate of Parkland High School.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science from the University of Pittsburgh, along with a Master’s degree in anatomy and clinical health.

He then earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Delaware.

Kosar said his interests in physical therapy, particularly his specializations in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, stem from his father’s therapy practice, along with his fascination with the workings of the human body, and his athletics background.

“My dad was a physical therapist but he’s a home physical therapist,” he said. “I’m also just very interested in exercise, the science and movement of the body, anatomy and muscles, so I figured this was a great fit …

“I also used to play sports. I was an athlete, and I really liked the aspect of getting people back to their daily lives after orthopedic injuries.”

In addition to his doctorate, Kosar completed an orthopedic residency program locally with St. Luke’s after graduation to advance his craft and take his board exam early.

“I chose St. Luke’s because I really liked their program,” Kosar said.

“I wanted to do a residency program to one: further specialize and two: gain more experience at a faster rate and learn from advanced clinicians to broaden my treatment ideas.

“You get to talk to doctors and see what their mindsets are like.”

He has been practicing at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, Fogelsville, since the clinic opened in June 2019.

At the clinic, which offers general physical therapy, joint therapy, spine work, fall prevention and fitness programs, among other services, most of the patients he sees are for orthopedic or sports rehabilitation therapy.

“We get a variety of patients,” Kosar said. “I see a couple patients who have just dizziness issues. Every now and then we get athletes, maybe a Parkland athlete or some little kids.”

Asked about his treatment approach, Kosar said he tries to work one-on-one with patients as much as possible, focusing on individualized evaluations and treatment regimens which could include joint, back or spine mobilizations, soft tissue work, stretches, exercises or activities, both at home and in the clinic.

He says this format is best for creating a customized plan, considering possible impairments or decreased strength and flexibility, and allows a therapist to really know his or her patient.

“That’s one thing I like as a physical therapist; everybody has a different story,” Kosar said. “A lot of people have shoulder pain, but many people don’t share the same reason why they have shoulder pain. You have to go in and figure out what the different causes of that pain are.”

Although most patients he sees come in with a doctor’s prescription, Kosar emphasized that individuals are welcome to schedule a consultation at the Fogelsville clinic, without a prescription, to determine what kind of treatment they may need.

If treatment is necessary, a patient may receive physical therapy for up to 30 days from the evaluation without a physician’s referral through the state’s Direct Access law.

“Direct Access ... that’s huge for physical therapists,” Kosar said.

Howard Knudson, PT, MSPT, board certified clinical specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy, and regional director for Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s, explained how Kosar and the Fogelsville clinic are authorized to provide direct access.

“It’s related to a specific licensure. We have specific licensure through the state of Pennsylvania,” Knudson said. “It’s not facility related, it’s clinician related ...

“If the clinician’s been out of school for a period of time, then he or she is eligible to have this licensure and treat people without a prescription.”

Kosar estimates that, on average, it takes approximately four to six weeks of exercise, stretching, and other treatment to recover from common orthopedic injuries.

He suggested people with persistent discomfort consider seeing a physical therapist like himself to have their condition checked out.

“If you have any general aches and pain in your body that aren’t getting better in a couple days with general rest, then it may be warranted to get physical therapy,” Kosar said.

“I suggest coming in for an evaluation or consultation,” he added.

Looking toward the future, Kosar would like to continue expanding his practice in the area and looks forward to hiring more staff to assist him in seeing patients.

“I really want to grow this, get one or two more clinicians, get a couple more certifications and more experience under my belt,” he said.

Kosar also noted he is interested in pursuing a fellowship, particularly a primary care spine program for physical therapy offered by St. Luke’s, and he hopes to be a part of it in the near future.

“I love it,” Kosar said of his work. “I’m glad I chose it.”

The physical therapy clinic at St. Luke’s Health Center, Fogelsville, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 7-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; and 7-11 a.m. Fridays.