Onward Physical Therapy

Fantastic experience: The care I never knew I was missing. I've had back pain and headaches for the past 12 years. As someone who lives with fibromyalgia I figured this was just life. I met with Dr. Jake today and already feel so much better.

Fantastic experience: Matt is excellent at diagnosing muscular/skeletal issues and provides easy to complete exercises which deliver results. I am so pleased to have his services available. Another excellent session with Matt. He has been able to focus on the issues very deliberately and completely.

Fantastic experience: Saw Dan a couple times after tweaking my back. He is clearly very knowledgeable, and the exercises and heuristic strategies he shared with me were very effective! He is also an accomplished climber, and so particularly for climbing injuries he is clearly a great person to call.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience with Jake at Onward Physical Therapy on Monroe St. I was able to get in fast (save day!). He listened and asked great questions to get to a diagnosis and treatment plan. He was able to spend more time with me using a variety of PT techniques. I was able to start on the path of reduced pain and recovery three months sooner than if I had booked through UW Health. If you can afford to pay out-of-pocket, this is the way to go.

Fantastic experience: Met with Dr. Matt for some nagging neck pain after years of CrossFit. He quickly assessed the root cause and had me back pain free in the gym after only a few visits. He didn't push for more treatment to make a quick buck and was open and honest with the plan to get back to doing what I love! Best cervical manipulations in dane county!

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable (definitely knows his stuff), helpful (I felt better after), straightforward (quick, simple exercises, not a chore list). Such a great experience!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Koester was excellent! I went in for a bike fitting for a road bike. He walked through each part of what he was adjusting on the bike and why, trying several different angles/adjustments and cross checking against measured parameters. Since my hands fall asleep (a lot) he also checked my hands to my elbows and recommended an exercise to try to address the symptoms off the bike. I highly recommend Dr. Koester!

Fantastic experience: They come at the issue different than traditional PT. Turns out my chronic (10+ yrs) tennis elbow was actually coming from my neck. I was in PT three times over those 10+ years elsewhere and all they did was look at my elbows. Onward’s therapy has been working!

Fantastic experience: Dr Koester is great to work with. Perfectly tailored some work to get me back to active and better than before.

Fantastic experience: My initial consult with Lauren was as amazing. The space is beautiful and clean, the way she interacted with me from the start was professional and kind. I loved that she focused on my goals, not just relieving pain. The combination of testing movements, manual manipulation, cupping, dry needling, and exercise was incredible. We finally found the source of my pain and a plan to get back to 100%. Can’t recommend Onward and Lauren enough!

Fantastic experience: I was very impressed with Dr. Jake's evaluation of my injury and how much help I got from just one treatment session; I also left with clear instructions on strengthening exercises.

Fantastic experience: In October 2024, I was diagnosed with a hip impingement and labral tear and was told that surgery was the best option to solve the problem. I scheduled surgery for March 10, 2025. After learning more about the surgery and doing my own research, I started to feel like there were alternatives to surgery that I had to explore. That’s when I found Dr. Matt at Onward Physical Therapy. My first session was in late December 2025. After working together just a few months, on March 10th, instead of having surgery, I took an almost 3 mile, pain-free, run! It felt so damn good! I’ve seen quite a few physical therapists for various running injuries, but Matt’s techniques were the best I’ve experienced. He was thoughtful, thorough and responsive. I will never go anywhere else!

Fantastic experience: Matt and his team are simply the best therapists in Madison. Multiple specialties and areas of focus are available. I would recommend them to anyone without hesitation.

Fantastic experience: Dr Koester was very thorough when examining my shoulder. He was also a very good listener, thoughtfully incorporating my experiences into his data points. I left with clear exercises for continuing to strengthen and heal. Grateful!

Fantastic experience: It is always worth the hour drive. After each appointment I feel a lot better. Jake always gives me great guidance and excercises.

Fantastic experience: Matt has me lifting heavier weights than I ever thought I could at 64. After knee surgery and a hip replacement, I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m so grateful. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I had an injury from rock climbing (partial tear of my A1 pulley) and worked with Dan Adderton to rehab my hand. I’m so glad I found him! As a fellow climber, he has extensive knowledge in not only what was needed to get me back on the wall, but also helped me develop a new training regiment to avoid injury in the future. He’s very easy to talk to and was a pleasure to work with. I would definitely work with him again (but hopefully that won’t be necessary).

Fantastic experience: Really appreciate Dr Jake and his ability to hear my concerns and address them. Very easy to communicate with and I always feel improvement after my sessions.

Fantastic experience: "Dr. Koester is friendly and a great listener. He did a thorough exam, diagnosed the problem with my hip and prescribed homework exercises that I learned while I was there. I have gone to him before and he was a great help with my knee and shoulder problems. I trust his informed care will help me again this time!

Fantastic experience: Jake is great. I appreciate his knowledge and friendly demeanor. It is a friendly place and I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my comfort and mobility.

Fantastic experience: I can't express how thankful I am for Dr. Matt and his staff. I have had appointments with them numerous times and they have solved every issue I have had thus far. Could not recommend them any more than I already do. Best PTs around

Fantastic experience: Hands down the best PT I've ever been to. They've helped me avoid injuries through some crazy training blocks and make every session fun!

Fantastic experience: As an avid cyclist and triathlete, I’ve had my fair share of aches and pains. Dr. Matt has been so helpful in preparing me for my upcoming Ironman and helping get rid of my persistent neck pain! Dr. Matt not only helped me recover but also provided me with exercises and techniques to prevent future injuries and make me more comfortable on my bike. His knowledge of sports-related injuries is impressive, and he truly understand the demands of cycling. The personalized treatment plan was tailored to my needs, and I appreciated the focus on both recovery and performance enhancement. The facility is clean, has great vibes overall, and the other staff members I've interacted with are friendly and professional. The parking situation right out front is easy and convenient, and as a plus, their Monroe Street location is right next to the best bakery - Bloom Bake Shop and across the street from Trader Joes. :) Highly recommend Dr. Matt an Onward Physical Therapy to anyone - but especially those involved in CrossFit, Cycling/Triathlon.

Fantastic experience: I met with Dr. Matt as part of my introductory on-ramp period for CrossFit Adept. He was very approachable and professional during our meeting; we discussed which classes would be most advantageous for meeting my specific wants and was very knowledgeable about how to scale exercises for my previous injuries/physical limitations. I would highly recommend him as a resource for those starting CrossFit, but also those with general questions and concerns regarding physical therapy.

Fantastic experience: Jake helped me with shoulder and knee issues that I had for a year or two that other physical therapists were not able to fix. It is very quick and easy to schedule appointments here unlike going to a physical therapist through your insurance.

Fantastic experience: Great PT awesome doctors to work with highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Onward has helped me get back on my feet! I broke my back this winter and had to get a spinal fusion. Dr. Jake has helped me from square one! He has slowly reintroduced me to all kinds of movements to help me with everyday living and also to get me back into CrossFit and lifting weights! I am amazed by my recovery, and I am so grateful for Dr. Jake and Onward!

Fantastic experience: I went to see Jake H in the middle of competition season for some nagging shoulder pain. By the end of our first session, he had already developed a recovery plan that would allow me to continue my sport while simultaneously rehabbing my shoulder. He provided adaptations to movements that I do everyday, as well as drills to help perfect my muscle up (which was the culprit in the first place). After only two sessions of treatment (dry needling) and rehab, I have found significant relief in my shoulders and no longer have pain throughout my day. Onward Madison’s team of PTs truly are a special bunch. Whether you are an athlete coming back from an injury or you are simply looking to strengthen weaknesses in your everyday life, there is a place for you at Onward.

Fantastic experience: Took the time to fully understand the problem. Had great advice about the physical and mental part of recovery from my injury. Like the app that has videos of me doing the exercises we talked about with clear instructions.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Jake has done an excelled job helping me with 2 injuries. He has been able to treat these injuries in multiple ways and also help strengthen these areas. He is knowledgeable in his job, professional and easy to talk too. I would recommend him to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Outstanding option for PT! Matt and his team are uniquely trained and able to manage a variety of conditions for people. I definitely recommend reaching out to them if you need anything on the rehab side.

Fantastic experience: I should have come here sooner! Dan was knowledgeable and personal. I feel confident in my custom rehab plan and I'm excited to see some progress already!

Fantastic experience: I have had chronic daily lower back pain since high school and working with Jake for the past 5 months I can go days to weeks without any pain at all. He is also helping me on form to strengthen my lifts. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience at Onward Madison!

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience with a physical therapy initial evaluation and treatment. Dr. Jake is very knowledgeable and made me comfortable throughout the entire visit. I definitely recommend Onward Physical Therapy.

Fantastic experience: Dr.Matt has been an outstanding PT. Each visit he attentively listens to where I am at. Administers protocol that keeps my progress forward or should I say"Onward" He keeps it at a pace and simplicity that works for where I am at in mindset and shows me exercises that adapt to my constant changing daily physical routines and locations. I have had a hip injury for 3 years before coming to see Dr.Matt. I was feeling very discouraged with my little and slow progress before I saw him. I have great enthusiasm as I see my strength and walking gate return to normal. I also truly enjoy his conduct and company too.

Fantastic experience: Dr Matt has always been helpful in all sessions I have had. I would highly recommend his services!

Fantastic experience: I was referred to Dr. Matt by a friend for an ongoing foot injury. He was very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. He was able to quickly assess the problem and we began working on it immediately. I can already feel my foot strengthening and relief from pain that has beem bothering me on and off for over a year and I've only gone once! Looking forward to my next visit and correcting this issue once and for all!

Fantastic experience: If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Both Dr. Jake and Dr. Matt are the most caring, down to earth Physical Therapists! Not only do they genuinely care about you as a patient, they care about making sure you are comfortable and all your concerns are met.

Fantastic experience: I had such a a great experience with Dr. Dan Aderton! I've been lifting for years and finally had a low back tweak that set me back, making me question whether I'd be able to continue lifting. Dan not only helped me gain the confidence to get back in the gym and start moving again, he helped me reduce pain in other areas (not just my back). He provided me with solid advice and new movement patterns to fix issues I was experiencing. Best of all, you won't find any pushy sales tactics here. My experience has been that everyone at Onward is genuinely interested in helping clients get better, not selling you on any "latest 10 step plan to recovery" bs. Super professional, down to earth, and highly effective. Onward is great.

Fantastic experience: Awesome service and knowledge! I always walk out of here feeling better and more in control of my fitness. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at Onward PT working with Dr. Dan. I injured my shoulder while rock climbing and it was really valuable for me to get a professional’s opinion on my injury and have that person understand that I wasn’t just going to stop climbing. I felt that Dr. Dan really listened to me and put together a great plan for me to rehab my shoulder! Thank you Onward and Dr. Dan!

Fantastic experience: Took the time to thoroughly evaluate and treat my shoulder. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!

Fantastic experience: The best experience I've ever had with chiro/PT. I was really impressed with the depth of his knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic techniques. He's also a sharp listener and asks all the right questions when diagnosing and assessing the effectiveness of treatments. After getting several bad diagnoses and poor treatment plans from other medical professionals over the course of a year, Dan was the first one to get to the root of a serious lower back injury. It was causing a lot of pain and anxiety, and was limiting my ability to work and remain physically active. Dan's thoughtful approach got me on the road to recovery and kept me motivated through the rougher stretches of that journey.

Fantastic experience: I was referred to Dr. Jake after a back injury and felt nearly good as new after just one session! He was able to help me figure out what was causing my pain (rather than throw meds at me like urgent care did ) and gave me immediate relief plus exercises to help keep healing and strengthen to help prevent future injuries. I look forward to me next few sessions and finally being able to move normally again!

Fantastic experience: I was very nervous going into my appointment that they would find something serious with my lower back pain. Almost immediately Dr. Jake put my mind at ease about how many injuries are actually treatable with PT. He was able to isolate my issue and gave me stretches to do at home. AND gave me videos of the stretches for reference! The all-inclusive appointment was awesome too and I got dry needles for the first time and that was so cool. Within HOURS of my 1st session I already felt improvement and more within the week! I would recommend Onward to ANYONE whether it’s chronic issues or acute. They got you!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Jake took the time to discuss my concerns and my goals and worked with me to create a plan and treatment to get me where I want to be.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been working with Dr Matt at Onward for two years. As a distance runner, I’ve had my fair share of injuries and sought his expertise for a new approach to my training. The goal is to prevent injuries before they occur and this approach has been very successful. Dr Matt listens to concerns, is knowledgeable and cares. His cupping and dry needling skills are superb and effective. I highly recommend Dr Matt and the team at Onward.

Fantastic experience: I am an avid rock climber and have been struggling with lower back pain as well as tendonitis in my left arm for a while now. I decided to try physical therapy for the first time about a year ago at a different facility I was referred to by my general doctor and was disappointed with the essentially "don't climb anymore if it is causing these issues" treatment. I felt I received a "one size fits all" treatment course and I stopped after only two sessions. My symptoms have continued to hold me back, so I decided to give PT one more shot, and I am so happy that I did! I have been working with Dr. Dan Aderton, and I could not be happier with the experience. Dan is also a rock climber, so he was instantly able to identify with my desire to get better without giving up the sport that I love. Dan was very thorough in evaluating me and my symptoms and addressing each concern that I raised. He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to identify some surprising root causes of my issues! This inspired a lot of confidence and trust in him as a therapist. I felt listened to and valued as a patient and the treatment I received was tailored specifically for me. I have seen fantastic results after just a couple of sessions and have completely changed my opinion on physical therapy. One last side note, the Onward facilities are very nice and clean, and very different from the typical hospital environment. Thanks Dan and Onward for helping me get on track for recovering while continuing to do the things I love!

Fantastic experience: I saw Dr. Dan with several long term issues, and feel that the work I did with him was hugely productive. I am experiencing less discomfort on a daily basis, and I feel stronger and healthier. His knowledge of the specific stains climbing puts on your body is so valuable from a PT perspective. Thanks Dan.

Fantastic experience: I have nothing but good things to say about Onward PT Madison. I had been struggling with a couple nagging injuries for a while that had been hindering my ability to perform daily activities and to perform in my CrossFit gym - specifically overhead movements. My intro and initial session with Jake was phenomenal. He took great care to make me feel welcome and comfortable (the space itself is also incredibly inviting); then dived into assessments and some corrections before re-testing my initial assessments. To my astonishment, I was able to lift overhead without any pain and with full range of motion. Besides the quick fix, Jake gave me exercises to take with me that would help rehab and prehab. A couple weeks later and I have been able to lift weights overhead at the gym and I’m able to perform daily activities without discomfort. I’ll definitely be going back! And I’ll definitely be attending more of their mobility sessions that they do in gyms around town - as I’ve learned so much from Matt each time he puts on one of those awesome seminars. Can’t thank you enough, Onward team!

Fantastic experience: I've gone to Dr. Koester for quite a few tweaks and injuries over the last few years, and I never hesitate to recommend him to anyone I know who may need PT. He's incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and professional, always managing to get me back into lifting pain-free faster than I expect. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Matt and Dr. Hurlbutt are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and caring. They are excellent at pinpointing the exact issue with the problem area. Both are also impressively great at explaining the specific issues associated with the each specific injury. Their approach to treatment and exercises absolutely work. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Matt has been absolutely incredible to work with! His knowledge and expertise have given me the confidence to move forward with long-term fitness goals that for many years have seemed out of reach. He has truly become my "one stop specialist" where in the past I would have seen a physical therapist, chiropractor and dietitian separately.

Fantastic experience: I am SO happy with my experience at Onward Madison Physical Therapy and with Dr. Matt. I was suffering from low back/hip pain that took me to Urgent Care. They referred me for PT but the soonest I could get an appointment would be at least a month. I was recommended Dr. Matt by friends and decided to give him a try. I walked in nervous and unsure of what would happen. Dr. Matt made me feel comfortable, knew immediately what was likely the problem and helped me go from barely being able to touch my knees to almost touching my toes in 1 hour. He sent me videos of exercises to work on and explained how they were helping me relieve the inflammation. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Fantastic experience: Jake and team is fantastic. They work with you to get you back and running. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: I met with Dr. Matt yesterday in Madison at his new clinic. He was wonderful. He is very knowledgable and put me at ease immediately. After a very thorough exam he showed me some simple exercises and after the hour I could feel relief from the hip pain I have been experiencing.

Fantastic experience: Matt was wonderful! He knows what he’s doing and is super knowledgeable. I saw him during the crossfit games and he helped me stay healthy and ready to go!

Fantastic experience: Matt and the Onward crew are top notch clinicians. Absolutely beautiful space that has everything you need to get back to or keep doing what you love.

Fantastic experience: I came to Dr. Matt after starting at CrossFit Adept and dealing with shoulder issues. After an initial diagnosis, Dr. Matt has put together an amazing treatment plan including: dry needling, massage, electro treatments, workouts and more. He is extremely knowledgeable, but explains in an easy to understand way. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.

Fantastic experience: I went into my first visit with Dr. Koester with a very sore shoulder. From the moment he started gathering information I knew he was someone I could work comfortably with. He explained all of the steps of his examination, did dry needle therapy which helped alot even after just one visit! Dr. Koester even video taped me doing the exercise he perscribed while explaining how to do it properly. I had the video in my email in-box within seconds! I am confident my shoulder and work outs will be back to normal after a few more visits, along with doing my "homework" of the exercise he prescribed. Five stars for sure!

Fantastic experience: I met with Dr Matt today for an initial consultation and a very thorough exam. He explained the cause of the issues I was having in terms I could understand and provided the treatment plan and desired stimulus I should achieve. I appreciated the time he spent in identifying the underlying issue of my pain and thoughtfully answering the myriad of questions I had.

Fantastic experience: Did a bike fitting with Dr. Matt Koester. It is evident he knows what he is doing and is very professional. After the fitting, I immediately notice improvement in the way my bike rides during my 30 minute trip home. Expect this to be very helpful during RAGBRAI this year.

Fantastic experience: Onward Madison is great! With movement and "getting you back out there" as a top priority, they are the go to place for all your physical therapy needs.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Matt was so helpful during CrossFit Games week. He provided immediate relief where I needed it and increased range of motion extensively! Super happy I was introduced to Onward!

Fantastic experience: Dr Matt is always spot on in his treatments and care! He is very knowledgeable and confident in the care he provides! Very easy to work with, makes you feel comfortable!

Fantastic experience: As a lifelong “athlete” I’ve had my share of injuries and as I’ve grown older, I have resigned myself to aches and pains. But these aches and pains stopped me from doing what I love! So with a healthy dose of cynicism, but a glimmer of hope, I met with Dr Matt. When Dr Matt looked at my Achilles injury (which had been nagging for nearly two years!) and said “This may be an old and cold injury, but we can be you running again”, I teared up immediately. Through needling, unique strength exercises, homework that was trackable/accountable on an app, to gait analysis, I am pain free for the first time in years. The best part of Dr Matt’s appointments was when he gave clear instructions and guidelines…and never with judgement when I pushed too hard or too fast. Lastly, Dr Matt is an athlete himself, so he understands the mindset and the mechanics. You’re never too old or too injured!!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Matt is intelligent, intuitive, and professional. He has helped me to recover from several injuries over the past couple of years and I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Not only does Matt develop a treatment plan, but he prescribes a course of action that ensures the site of the injury is even stronger than before. I have referred several people to Matt and they have been as pleased as I am with his work.

Fantastic experience: I went to Matt after tweaking my lower back while powerlifting. I had struggled with low back discomfort and pain for over six months before seeing him and after an initial consultation Matt was quickly able to diagnose the source of my pain and create a treatment plan. Within a couple months my pain had completely cleared up and I was back to lifting pain free. I have continued to see Matt to address shortcomings and weaknesses in my movement patterns to prevent future injury. Each session has been very beneficial and he is keeping me moving forward to help me reach my goals. Highly recommend, especially for anyone doing barbell training.

Fantastic experience: I just had a bike fitting with Dr. Matt and can say that it was a super positive experience on every level. I've been a serious cyclist for nearly 4 decades and as I age, my goal is to stay healthy and strong, not only to enjoy cycling to it's fullest but also in all aspects of my active life. Matt made some small but significant changes to my position and I am feeling better already in only two rides. He is certainly a knowledgeable expert but listens just as well as he informs. This approach not only made me feel confident in his abilities but also comfortable during the entire procedure. He addressed one of my longstanding issues, one that is not just an old injury I suffered while racing in college, but one that has progressively become worse with age. Thanks to Matt's adjustments and input, it feels like the clock has been turned back and I am feeling not only less pain and discomfort but increased power on the bike. I want to say a huge thanks to Matt! I highly recommend his services, and their new space on Monroe Street is terrific as well.

Fantastic experience: Holistic. Knowledgeable. Caring. If I could sum up what it's like being cared for by Dr. Matt, those adjectives would suffice. He's not treating just an injury or an imbalance, he's treating you as a patient and that can't be said for many practitioners out there. I've brought Dr. Matt a host of maladies from tendonitis in my ankle and elbow to a badly injured shoulder and mid back and with great patience, he's helped me not just build back, but get stronger in the process. Dr. Matt is as close to a miracle worker as you're going to get.

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Dr. Matt regularly for the past six months, both for relief of the daily "tweaks" that occur from training, as well as more intense PT for a long nagging injury. His knowledge of how the body works, and the strategic approaches he takes to target specific problems is second to none when compared to my experiences with injuries over the past several years. He is well versed in a variety of rehab and prevention techniques, and regularly cites scholarly articles and studies as a reference for treatments. His personable approach and check ins post treatment make working with Dr. Matt easy and effective for session to session transitions.10/10 would recommend!

Fantastic experience: When I first met with Dr. Koester my shoulder was completely numb with no strength. In just a few visits my feeling was back and I was able to resume exercise. The methods and techniques used are highly effective! I would recommend Dr. Koester to anyone I know, in fact, I have and will continue to do so. Thank you for giving me my arm back Doc! Don't waste your money, go see DocMatt!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Matt is truly talented in merging rehab with fitness, with success in intense and effective training. His skills as a personal trainer and a Physical therapist make your work outs very balanced,specific and safely challenge you at whatever level you are at. He provides intense fitness coaching that leads to stronger and more agile functional movements while staying safe and injury free . I would highly recommend him for personal training, nutrition counseling, fitness coach ,Rehab or Prehab. His knowledge and passion have really helped me and others see amazing ( and unbelievable) results!