DIRECTORS OF REHABILITATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION Rockville Office
Joshua P. Costa, PT, DPT, CMTPT
Joshua Costa started with Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services in 2006 as the Director of the Rockville clinic and became an Executive Director of the rehabilitation department in 2020. He received his B.A. degree in 2002 from Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key and Sigma Beta honor societies and graduated with Magnum Cum Laude honors. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Stony Brook University School of Health Technology and Management in 2005. He received the community service award from the physical therapy department at Stony Brook University and has been the recipient of the excellence in teaching Adaptive Aquatics and community service awards from the aquatics program. He has over 5 years’ experience in the area of Adaptive Aquatics.
Dr. Costa’s experience as a physical therapist includes the treatment of individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, herniated discs, rotator cuff injuries, total joint replacements, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a variety of other musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, as well as geriatrics. He earned his Dry Needling certification from the highly reputable Myopain Seminars. He utilizes a variety of treatment modalities in the care of his patients, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, dry needling, and patient education, and integrates appropriate strategies into an individualized plan of care for each patient. He is committed to providing excellence in patient care with goals of relieving pain, maximizing function, and improving patient safety and independence.
When not working as a physical therapist, he enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, swing and ballroom dancing, and spending time with his family.
Josh is a very fine physical therapist. He is professional, knowledgeable and a good listener, and is encouraging. I worked with him about 18 months ago, to work on my core and posture. I knew when this new problem with my shoulder occurred that I wanted to work with him again. It has helped and it is easier to get dressed
Gail (Patient)
For the past year, my balance (in walking and standing) has become worse. Working with Josh with use of a cane, weights and other balance exercises has improved my balance. I anticipate doing the prescribed exercises at home. My balance has improved, as well as my stiffness and bone discomfort.
Patricia (Patient)
Severe knee problem with improvement. Josh is one of the BEST medical professionals I have ever met in my 79 years of life! He gives me – HOPE, COURAGE, & CONFIDENCE! The entire staff is EXCELLENT!
P.G. (Patient)
I am a music teacher who besides working with teaching the piano, works with toddlers in a music program that requires a lot of moving around and kneeling on the floor to be at the kids level. The walking on my knees caused stress on the knee joints and acute pain at times. Through ARA’s PT program I have learned to do stretching exercises and using weights to do leg movement, which have helped increase my mobility and strengthen the muscles. This is an awesome team of therapists!
Regina A. (Patient)
After 10 sessions with Josh and Rebecca, I have greatly increased my mobility. They are the best therapists I have ever worked with in my years of having psoriatic arthritis. Everyone was kind and considerate while pushing me to my limits.
Sam T. (Patient)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION Washington DC Office
Matthew P. Reed, PT, MPT, CMTPT
Matthew Reed completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD in 1999. He studied in the Honors Program, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. Mr. Reed earned a Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2001. During his graduate studies, he partnered in research investigating the acute effects of resistance training on cardiovascular and respiratory function in patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program. The study, entitled The Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Heavy Resistance Exercise on Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants, was distinguished by acceptance for presentation among peers at the national conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in 2001.
Mr. Reed began practicing physical therapy in 2001 at an outpatient rehabilitation facility. There, he specialized in industrial rehabilitation, evaluation of functional capacity, ergonomic assessment, aquatic therapy, and manual treatment of musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and neurologic conditions. He served as Clinic Manager of that facility from 2002 until joining Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) in the Wheaton, MD location in 2007.
In August 2009, ARTS opened a new facility in the Washington, DC office location and Mr. Reed became its Director of Rehabilitation. He continues to serve in this capacity in the Washington, DC office and, in 2020, he became an Executive Director of the ARTS department. Mr. Reed’s approach to patient care places emphasis on patient education and treatment that is individualized to meet the specific needs and goals of the patient. Having studied extensively, over the years, a variety of treatment methods and philosophies, including in the areas of orthopedics and neurodynamics, and earned Dry Needling certification from the reputable Myopain Seminars, Mr. Reed employs principles of manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and dry needling, customized to need, in his treatment of patients with various musculoskeletal, myofascial, sensitization, neurologic, and chronic pain diagnoses and conditions, with goals of symptom relief and improved function.
In late 2016, the pain in my lower back resulted in an emergency room visit where doctors could not figure out the cause. A rheumatologist later referred me to this practice hoping physical therapy would alleviate my symptoms. I had never tried physical therapy before and did not know what to expect. Now, I no longer feel the initial pain and on top of that, I have learned exercises, breathing techniques, and correct posture in order to control and treat any chronic pain that may arise. This experience, thanks to Matt Reed and the team, has truly enabled me to live fully again without worrying about injuring my body or having to avoid my daily activities. Due to the care and attention I received at this practice, I no longer feel restricted and in pain. I feel empowered in knowing the techniques and tools to feel my best. Matt Reed is everything a patient could ask for, and the Washington D.C. area is lucky to have him! Allison (Patient)
I came here upon recommendation of Dr. Angus Worthing after injuring the C4 part of my spine. I was facing surgery, which would be complicated by my lupus. Matt Reed addressed the muscles from my first P.T. appointment and I immediately began to experience some relief after 4 months at level 10 pain, and really no range of motion in left arm and neck. It’s been a painful but productive process and I’m now at level 1 pain with near complete range of motion with NO SURGERY on the horizon. Kim (Patient)
I have enjoyed working with everybody, but Matt made all the difference. Aside from being technically quite skilled, he is so friendly and inspiring, and life-changing! Thank you! I’m basically out of pain for the first time in over 30 years and I didn’t think it was possible. Felicia (Patient)
My pain started when I was 8 years old (currently 21). It got progressively worse. When Dr Peng first recommend PT, I was skeptical. I finally had my first session with Matt and he put my anxiety at ease and reassured me that what I was feeling was very real. This made me feel better and I never felt pushed into something. The care I have received gave me tools to use in my daily life to decrease my pain and increase my mobility. Thank you Matt! Hannah L. (Patient)
I couldn’t stand for any length of time and the pain in my left leg was so severe that I was no longer enjoying my 18 holes of golf. As a last resort, Dr Borenstein recommended Matt. After two months, twice a week of therapy, those symptoms had disappeared. I can now stand more than 20 minutes. I can shop for groceries. The thoroughness and expertise of Matt’s evaluation and rehabilitation therapy was the most valuable part of my experience at this center. What sets this center apart from others is the encouragement given to help you stay on task with the therapy. Thank you! Jean S. (Patient)
DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION Chevy Chase Office
Tara Cameron, PT, DPT, CMTPT
Tara Cameron completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. After an extensive career in home building and commercial construction, she pursued a career change by returning to school to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Cameron joined Arthritis & Rehabilitation Therapy Services as a physical therapist in 2013. She started her career alternating practice between the Wheaton and Rockville locations and then transitioned to the Rockville location full time in late 2014, where she established and grew her practice as a manual physical therapist and diagnostician. She was promoted to Director of Rehabilitation of the Chevy Chase clinic in March 2018.
Dr. Cameron excels in one-on-one work with patients and especially enjoys educating her patients about their diagnoses and strategies to manage symptoms and improve function. She uses a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to physical therapy with each patient, incorporating extensive education, therapeutic exercises prescription, and manual treatment techniques, along with appropriate treatment modalities, to achieve the best possible outcomes with regard to symptom relief and improved functional capabilities. She earned Dry Needling Certification from Myopain Seminars in 2016, and strategically incorporates this modality into her treatments when warranted. She provides care to patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, with a special interest in educating and caring for patients with conditions of hypermobility.
Tara Cameron, PT was thorough in her explanations, objectives and outcomes. She motivates me to pursue regular exercise and sets realistic goals. Thanks to the entire staff; Tara, Alexis and Nelli for their professionalism and attentive practice. Margaret (Patient)
I had a stroke many years ago. I never recovered full function of my right arm and leg. I managed, but as I age, I have less mobility and strength, and I am at a greater risk of falls. Dr. Kaiser recommended physical therapy. This is my second year of ARTS for a few weeks of therapy. I am learning to re-train my weak muscles in the correct way and have gained strength and confidence under the excellent guidance of Tara and her assistants; Nelli and Alexi. I have had no falls for a year!! Graciela (Patient)
Tara Cameron, my physical therapist made my life and body more comfortable and relaxed after the treatment sessions. She responded to my specific needs with care and sensitivity. Very cheerful personality to match her skills and professionalism. Ronald (Patient)
Entire staff is very professional and very nice. Tara is wonderful and caring. She has the magic touch – pain is melting away!
I came to the clinic without any hope, as I have had experienced with other clinics. But I am so happy I came to ARA with the kind and helpful staff. Rebecca, Tara, and Angela I felt that I have more flexibility and movement. I have less pain and do some of the exercises at home too. Helping to do exercises at home was very valuable. The staff was very organized, the center wasn’t crowded, and they care about the individual. I appreciate all their help very much!! Malihe M. (Patient)
I had chronic discomfort in my left buttock and bursitis in my hip and IT band. My therapists Tara, Rebecca and Angela were all great! They educated me and made me more aware and disciplined for home exercise treatment. The one-on-one expert treatment was the most valuable aspect of my care . I would definitely recommend them to family or friends because they are patient and knowledgable. Everything was excellent! Leander B. (Patient)
Tara and Rebecca have been patient, helpful, and friendly. The exercises have relieved some of my pain. What sets ARA from other places is the good atmosphere.
Maria C. (Patient)
DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION Wheaton MD Office
Henry Francis, PT, DPT, CMTPT
Henry Francis obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2010 and later earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013 from Howard University in Washington, DC. It was there that Henry developed a passion to work with patients in the geriatric, chronic pain, and orthopedic populations. During his physical therapy studies, his research project, “Survey of Mississippi National Medical Association and the Jackson, Mississippi General Public’s Knowledge and Perception of the Scope of Physical Therapy Practice”, analyzed physician and public perception of physical therapy. Henry became familiar with Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, P.C. (ARA) while working as a student physical therapist under the mentorship of a physical therapist with the company in Summer 2013. Upon graduation, he received the Lynne Suzonne McClain Memorial Award, an award for students who exemplified excellent professional development. Henry also competed athletically in track and field at his alma mater, Howard University, where he developed an understanding of the proper biomechanics of running.
Henry began his physical therapy career with ARA in Fall 2017 as a staff physical therapist at the Shady Grove location and, in Fall 2020, he became Director of Rehabilitation at the Wheaton location. Throughout his physical therapy career at ARA, Henry has enjoyed the opportunity to serve a multitude of patient populations, including those with orthopedic, arthritic, geriatric, neurological, cardiac, chronic pain, and sports-related conditions. He earned Dry Needling certification from the highly reputable, Myopain Seminars, providing specialized treatment of myofascial and sensitization conditions. He has also continued his education through study of various other treatment methods, including treatment of the sacroiliac joint, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, kinesiology taping, Fu Subcutaneous Needling, and Graston technique. As a staff physical therapist and as Director of Rehabilitation at the Wheaton location, he has practiced and encouraged among staff innovation in the care of patients, utilizing a variety of treatment approaches. In his time outside the office, Henry enjoys spending time with his family, playing recreational tennis, and completing yard work.
Henry, my physical therapist, has helped me a great deal, although I am not without pain or some difficulties getting around. When I came in, I was using a cane and I could not bend my left knee. I am now walking without a cane, and bending both knees. I did have a setback during my therapy, but Henry got me through this and answered my many questions. I do think having only one therapist for every session helped me.
Patricia (Patient)
Ski injury in 2001, ACL tear – repaired. Two meniscus tears after; two additional surgeries. Released from that P.T. w/o sufficient treatment. Subsequent injuries to right knee; very stiff, with half the range of motion. This current physical therapy seems to be helping tremendously with pain, stiffness and range of motion. Also, much improvement after dry needling with Henry. The staff is knowledgeable and the treatment helps a great deal.
Theresa (Patient)
Henry is very thorough. He is actually listening to me. His approach during the session is varied; including exercises, manipulation of the pressure points and other techniques. During falre-ups, I am able to apply the techniques he has taught me to manage the pain. The staff is also thoughtful, professional and caring.
A.R. (Patient)