Matthew Hastreiter, physical therapist in Menomonie, Wisconsin, specializes in injuries, degenerative problems and post-surgical therapy.
A passion for solving problems and helping people drew Matthew Hastreiter to healthcare.
A passion for healing and keeping the human body in motion by optimizing movement drew him to physical therapy.
Hastreiter received his medical degree from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 2019. He then accepted a job as a travel physical therapist where he worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments.
"It facilitated my growth as a therapist, and I learned so much in different settings," he said. "This has helped me to have a more comprehensive perspective to bring to the table for each unique patient I see."
Helping people get stronger is one of the things Hastreiter enjoys most about physical therapy.
"People should not have to worry about their shoulder aching if they're raking leaves or their knee giving them fits if they climb the stairs to their bedroom," he said. "'I haven't been able to do this in years' and 'I can move better now' are some of my favorite things to hear from patients."
He believes listening and thorough examination guide his problem-solving to figure out what could be causing pain, discomfort or functional problems in patients.
When providing treatment or therapy, Hastreiter said patients will feel challenged, but exercises or techniques should feel appropriate.
"I strongly disagree with, 'no pain, no gain,'" Hastreiter said. "If a patient is miserable attending sessions with me, then we're likely not approaching care correctly…My purpose is to help the patient grow and adapt to the challenges they face in their daily life."
Hastreiter lives a busy and active lifestyle outside of work. He's an avid Packers, Badgers and Bucks fan. He also enjoys pick-up basketball, tennis, running, skiing, hiking, reading, playing chess and board games and involving himself with his church. His wife also works in healthcare as a nurse.