Get to Know Matthew Oberst, PT, DPT
03.24.2025
At Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, we’re lucky to have an incredible team. One standout member is Matt Oberst, a phenomenal Physical Therapist at our Huntersville location. With his vast knowledge and dedication to patient care, Matt has helped countless individuals regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to active lives. Let’s look closely at what makes Matt such an amazing part of our team!
Why Matt Loves Providing Physical Therapy Care
Matt’s passion for physical therapy comes from a deep understanding of how important the spine is to our everyday lives. "The spine plays a central role in almost everything we do—movement, posture, and even overall well-being," Matt explains. "When someone experiences neck or back pain, it can disrupt every aspect of their life, from simple daily tasks to their ability to work or enjoy hobbies." This realization drew him to specialize in spine care, where he can make a huge difference in his patients' lives. "Seeing patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love makes this work incredibly rewarding."
How Matt Helps His Patients Heal
Matt doesn’t just treat patients; he empowers them to take control of their recovery. One of his most effective techniques is teaching patients to hinge at the hips when bending and lifting properly. "Many people instinctively round their spine when picking up objects, which places excessive strain on the back and can lead to chronic pain or injury. By learning to use a hip hinge movement, patients shift the workload to the stronger hip and leg muscles, reducing stress on the spine," Matt explains. This simple yet powerful technique has helped many patients improve function and reduce pain, especially those struggling with lower back issues.
Matt’s Special Touch with Athletes
Matt has a knack for working with athletes and helping them recover from injuries. One patient who benefited from Matt’s expertise is Elijah, an athlete recovering from an ankle injury and a shoulder issue. With Matt’s personalized approach, Elijah successfully completed his rehab and returned to playing football, which he loves.
“Working with athletes is always fulfilling,” Matt says. “Athletes are driven to get back to what they love, and that determination is something I can really relate to. I focus on helping them recover in a way that ensures they’re not just able to perform, but perform at their best.”
Whether it’s an ankle injury or shoulder rehab, he works with each patient individually to create a plan for their speedy and safe return to active life.
One Patient’s Journey: A Success Story
One of Matt's most inspiring stories is about a patient in his 70s who had spent his life working in construction. When he came to Matt, he was unable to walk and was confined to a wheelchair due to severe pain. Initially, he was skeptical about therapy, but Matt worked to build his trust and get him on the road to recovery.
The patient regained mobility through a combination of exercises, movement retraining, and gradual strength-building. After several weeks, he was back on his feet—and eventually returned to work as a supervisor. "Helping this patient, who had spent years in constant pain, return to a functional and fulfilling life was incredibly rewarding," Matt says. "It really reinforced why I do what I do."
A Simple Yet Powerful Tip: Walk for Your Health
Matt believes in the power of simple activities like walking to improve spine health. “Walking is the easiest, most effective thing you can do to keep your spine healthy and your body moving well,” Matt says. “Walking keeps your back and core muscles engaged, helps with flexibility, and prevents stiffness from setting in—especially for people who sit a lot during the day.” It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in overall wellness.
Why Matt is a Valuable Part of Our Team
What really sets Matt apart is his ability to connect with people. "Most of our patients are appreciative and great to work with, which makes my job really fulfilling," he says. He enjoys the variety of patients he treats—everyone from athletes to seniors, all with different needs and challenges. "No two cases are the same, and that challenge is very rewarding," he adds. His dedication to improving the lives of his patients, combined with his expertise, makes him an invaluable part of our team.
Stepping Up: Matt’s Leadership at CNSA
Matt’s contributions go beyond just treating patients. When a key team member was on maternity leave, he stepped up to ensure everything ran smoothly. He kept the clinic operating efficiently and continued to provide the high level of care our patients expect from CNSA.
His leadership, reliability, and patient-first approach earned him praise from colleagues and patients. We at CNSA are lucky to have Matt, and we look forward to continuing to see the incredible work he does for our patients.
Matt Oberst is the kind of Physical Therapist who truly makes a difference. His ability to connect with patients, his passion for spine health, and his commitment to improving mobility and quality of life make him an invaluable part of our team. Whether you need physical therapy for spine issues or sports injuries, Matt and our team are here to help.
Our on-site physical therapy services are designed to support patient recovery and rehabilitation at our Ballantyne, Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, Matthews, and Rock Hill offices. Our licensed physical therapists collaborate closely with physiatrists and neurosurgeons to track progress, create treatment plans, and ensure the best care. Through personalized, one-on-one sessions, patients receive targeted treatment while also benefiting from education on injury prevention. For added convenience, patients can schedule both physician and physical therapy appointments at the same time and location.
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