Physical Therapy Spotlight: Matt Pitton, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC

At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, we are honored to have some of the most talented and highly respected orthopedic specialists provide top-quality care to our patients. Physical therapy is one of the many vital orthopedic specialties we provide, and our physical therapists have trained to help you recover from orthopedic injuries and conditions. 

One of our qualified and reputable physical therapists is Matt Pitton, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC. Dr. Pitton has earned his highly esteemed reputation over his 10+ years of experience working as a physical therapist in orthopedics. 

A Background of Hands-On Experience

Pitton first discovered physical therapy began after he sustained shoulder and ankle injuries while playing basketball as a student-athlete.   

“My parents have a family friend who is a physical therapist, and I went for treatment,” Pitton said. “I had a good experience, and it allowed me to return to playing sports.” 

His interest in both sports and science led him to become interested in seeking a physical therapy education. After graduating high school, Pitton enrolled in Marquette University’s undergraduate program for athletic training. He then stayed at Marquette to obtain his doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Throughout his education, Pitton accomplished several hands-on experiences that allowed him to develop and grow as a clinician, as well as on a personal level. 

During his experience as an athletic training major, he worked with multiple university sports teams on the field and in the training room. Working directly with athletes, Pitton began to develop his skills in orthopedics. He also had the unique opportunity to travel with the women’s soccer team. Pitton also assisted the men’s basketball team for a season. 

One summer, Pitton had the opportunity to work in a physical therapy research lab. At this time, he discovered his preferred passion for working in an outpatient clinical setting versus research in a lab. 

“I had clinical rotations in orthopedics, neurology, and a general hospital setting, and found I was drawn more towards the outpatient orthopedic clinic setting,” Pitton said. 

After graduating, Pitton began his career at West Allis Memorial hospital, working with inpatient orthopedics, general acute care, and an outpatient neurological population. This experience allowed him to confirm that his passion for physical therapy resided in outpatient orthopedics. 

“I think my inpatient experience allowed me to see how patients feel right after surgery,” Pitton explained. “Now I can relate when patients come into the clinic after they get released from the hospital.”

Bringing Expert Care to OHOW

Today, Pitton works at OHOW’s main hospital physical therapy clinic in Glendale. Not only do his notable educational experiences make him a valuable member of the OHOW physical therapy team, but he also has an impressive series of certifications and specialties that allow him to bring the best treatment methods to his patients. 

Among his impressive accolades, Pitton is a certified athletic trainer and an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Additionally, he is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), a highly-esteemed accolade in the physical therapy field. This distinction offers him new insights and ways to serve patients, extending additional high-quality care that the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin is known for. 

Additionally, Pitton is a certified orthopedic manual therapist. Using a manual therapy approach means he spends some of each treatment performing soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, or manual stretching to help decrease pain and increase movement. 

Philosophy of Care

Pitton’s overarching goal in his work as a physical therapist is to help people. While every day, he helps OHOW patients on their journey to recovery from surgery, an injury, or treat an existing orthopedic condition, he also has experience helping people across the globe. 

“I have been on two physical therapy mission trips, to Chimbote, Peru, and Zacapa, Guatemala,” Pitton explained. “The gratitude of people I worked with who had minimal access to health care was amazing.”

In large-part, Pitton helps patients by ensuring they are informed on the treatment programs that are the best for their specific goals. Based on a patient’s needs and abilities, Pitton creates a personalized physical therapy program that works best for them. Throughout the treatment process, he works with his patients to monitor their progress and goals and optimize their recovery.

“Some patients want detailed explanations while others simply want to feel better,” Pitton said. “I try to educate each patient so they have a better understanding of their bodies and their potential.”

We are proud to have Dr. Pitton as a part of the OHOW team, and we are grateful for the work he does on a daily basis to care for his patients. To work with Dr. Pitton, make an appointment today by visiting his physical therapy profile on our website.