Meet Our Therapists

Every therapist has a story about a life experience that brought them to the field.  Read below to learn about our therapists. 

Matthew C. Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT

My Story…..

“My first experience in PT was when I injured my right knee while running in high school.  I worked with my coach to try to alter my workouts but failed to make any progress.  I went to a PT who diagnosed me as having Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome – a condition where a tendon rubs along the outside of the knee due to a number of musculoskeletal imbalances.  At my first visit she started me on a program of stretching and strength training.  I saw meaningful improvement in the first few days and was back to training with my team after 1 week.  With a little more work I was back to unrestricted competition and nearly pain free in 2 weeks.    My PT got me from being barely able to work the gas and brake pedal of my car to running at an elite level with only a few simple exercises.  My only regret is that I didn’t get help sooner.”

My Education and Expertise…..

• University at Buffalo – B.S. in Physical Therapy
• Daemen College – Doctorate in Physical Therapy
• American Physical Therapy Association – Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
• Impact Trained Physical Therapist in the treatment of concussions
• McKenzie Institute, USA – Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of disorders involving the spine and extremities
• Comprehensive Post Graduate Training in Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation
• Guest Lecturer on Orthopedics and Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Spinal Manipulation Institute – Completing training in Thrust Manipulation of the Spine
• Clinical Instructor for University at Buffalo and Daemen College
• Owner, Buffalo Back & Neck Physical Therapy P.C. 

My Interests and Hobbies…..

“I am active all year round.  In the winters I love skiing with my wife, kids, and our friends.  When there is no longer any snow on the ground you can often find me around the baseball and softball diamonds of WNY coaching or watching my son and daughter.  Chances are that if you can’t find me outside I am probably in my basement or working on my next home improvement project.  I am also a huge Bills fan.”

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Jason Rackmil, PT, DPT

My Story…..

“Since high school I was interested in exercising, fitness, and how the human body worked.  My freshman year of college, my mom had spinal cord compression at her lower thoracic spine. She had to undergo emergency surgery to decompress her spinal cord or she would have been paralyzed.  A week later she had to have a second surgery to remove bone fragments that were compressing her spine. I took my Mom to her physical therapy appointments for several months after her surgery.  I watched her progress from getting around in a wheel chair to walking with a walker, then eventually walking independently.  At that time I knew I wanted to be a PT.” 

My Education and Expertise…..

• University at Buffalo – Doctorate in Physical Therapy, (DPT)
• University of St Augustine – Completing Manual Therapy Certification
• International Spine and Pain Institute – Completing training in Spinal Thrust Manipulation
• McKenzie Institute, USA – Completing Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of Disorders of Spine and Extremities
• Completed several continuing education courses on treating spinal instability
• Clinical Instructor for Nazareth College

My Interests and Hobbies…..

“I enjoy regular exercise, weight lifting and recently began running. This past May I completed my first half marathon.  What I enjoy most, is hangout out with my amazing wife and my adorable sons Luke and Jaxon (one year apart). I enjoy playing “pirates” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with them and watching them laugh and entertain each other.  On weekend nights you can find me enjoying a good micro-brew and either playing board games with friends or getting caught up on my T.V. shows: “Gotham”, “Agents of Shield”, and “So you think you can Dance” (my wife’s favorite).”