The people behind your care

His clinical experience includes extensive outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation as well as post-acute rehabilitation, where he worked with patients with a variety of neurological conditions. His areas of clinical strength include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, exercise prescription, neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation, patient education, and developing individualized plans of care focused on improving functional outcomes.

Ryan has completed McKenzie Method/Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) training in Parts A, B, and C, with an emphasis on the lumbar and cervical spine. He is committed to continuing his professional development and applying evidence-based principles to each patient's individual needs.

Throughout his career, Ryan has also taken on leadership and mentorship responsibilities, training and supervising numerous Physical Therapist Assistants. He previously managed a post-physical-therapy fitness center designed to help patients maintain and build upon the benefits they gained through formal rehabilitation, with an emphasis on long-term independence and continued physical function.

Ryan has also participated in research and professional education. In November 2023, he and five University of Findlay classmates presented their research project, Comparison of Lower Extremity Muscles During Balance in Adults 30–70 Years, at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) 100th Annual Conference in Atlanta.

Ryan's philosophy of physical therapy begins with getting to know each patient as a person—not simply focusing on a diagnosis. He takes the time to understand what is currently bothering the patient and how their condition is limiting their functional abilities. From there, he develops an individualized plan of care using evidence-based interventions, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and functional activities. His goal is to empower patients to become as independent as possible and return to the activities they enjoy.

Ryan is currently a co-founder of First State Home Physical Therapy, where he and his partners are focused on bringing personalized, high-quality physical therapy directly into the home. His clinical experience, leadership background, and patient-centered philosophy have shaped his commitment to providing care that is both individualized and meaningful.

Outside of physical therapy, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Juliana, and their two children. Together, they enjoy traveling, attending Philadelphia Phillies games, and spending time at the beach.

Earlier in his career, Howard served as an owner, business operations manager, and sales professional for Home Wellness, Inc., where he was involved in the sales of urological and pain-management devices and worked directly with physicians to develop referrals and client relationships. He also oversaw office personnel, operational processes, reporting, and compliance with local, state, federal, and accreditation requirements.

His experience also includes owning and operating multiple Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa locations, where he managed staff, customer service, financial reporting, and the day-to-day operations of a wellness-focused healthcare-related business.

At First State Home PT, Howard oversees the business and administrative operations, including financial management, business development, compliance, processes, and the systems that support the clinical team. His goal is to ensure that the administrative side of the practice operates efficiently so that the clinicians can remain focused on what matters most — providing exceptional care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Howard holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rider University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.