ABOUT
What is the PT411?
First of all, thank you for visiting this website and welcome to the Physical Therapy 411, a source of easily accessible information related to health. I am Dr. Mike Matthews, and I’ve been Physical Therapist since 2010. I run all aspects of the website. I started working in the field under physical therapists in a hospital system in 2006. I worked through undergraduate studies, and continued working for therapists while going through Physical Therapy school. I moved to the Fort Worth-Dallas metroplex after graduating, and have worked at a few different clinics since then. Several of those clinics I have served as the PT Director, and am doing so at time of this writing.
I graduated with my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2010. During and after PT school, I received training and mentorship from several therapists of differing certifications, specializations, and backgrounds, being exposed to various schools of thought for treatment processes. I earned certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) through the McKenzie Institute in 2013. I more recently earned certification in Applied Function Science (CAFS). I take pride in staying on top of the current and latest diagnostic and treatment research and options. I’m a lifelong student of health, and strive to always increase my knowledge base and treatment toolbox.
My primary treatment philosophy is enabling patient control over their health and wellness. I strive to help each and every patient achieve independence in managing themselves, both in treating injuries and maintaining a healthy status. The main component in achieving this is through education and understanding. The more one understands how the body works, the more easily they can apply healthy practices. The better one can appreciate what happens during an injury, the better they can deal with, and quicker they can address, the problem.
The Physical Therapy 411 was created to do just that, provide education and information about health and injury. The video series provides short videos that cover a range of common and easily treated and preventable issues. Several other topics about anatomy, diagnostics, topics in healthcare, etc., are covered as well. I started the website to also write articles and discuss/delve into health a little deeper. The blog is also used to highlight other aspects of life and society as it relates to our health. Sprinkled in to the articles from time to time will be motivational information as well.
On a personal level, I have two very young kids at time of writing this (October 2020). My wife is also a Physical Therapist. Yes, that’s how obsessed I am with this field, I had to fall in love with someone in this profession. I enjoy my family time more than anything else. Other interests include outdoorsman activities, household/DIY projects, watching sports, and enjoying movies. A major part of my life is staying healthy by watching my diet (within reason, I love food and don’t want to drive myself crazy), but my main hobby and main channel for remaining healthy is staying active and working out through various exercise means.
The PT411 is dedicated to improving, expanding and creating informative and engaging content. I am always open for new ideas and questions, so don’t hesitate to contact me. Make sure to check back on the website regularly. Also, like/follow/subscribe on social media, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Those sites will be the primary means to notify everyone when new content drops. You can also subscribe on this website to be added to the email list. Again, thanks for visiting the website. Hope you enjoy!
- Dr. Mike Matthews, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, CAFS