Hands-On Diagnostics Symposium 2026

James brings his over 20 years of experience as a senior-level HR/Recruiter and business development specialist to Hands-On Diagnostics. Most of his professional career has been in the Physical Therapy private practice sector working with ambitious, driven owners and executives who have dreams of going big(ger) and just need the right support, backup, and capacity to see it accomplished.

He has strategically planned and executed programs for clinics that have seen expansion from as few as 4 offices to up to 16 offices across 3 states. Working directly with various owners and their staff throughout the boroughs of NYC and down the Rocky Mountains, he’s hired hundreds of effective and productive therapists, managers and staff, as well as created the training regimens for those people and their staff.

In addition to business expansion acumen, he’s a world-traveler, successful soccer director and a very proud father of 3 amazing beings. His Mantra is “Keep the constant create in life and be surprised by nothing!”

Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos is a Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiology Specialist with over 38 years of clinical experience and more than 30 years in electrodiagnostic testing. He is among a select group of specialists who hold a Doctorate of Science (DSc) in Clinical Electrophysiology Testing, ECS board certification, and laboratory accreditation with exemplary status by ACEWM (Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management)

Dr. Kostopoulos also serves as the Residency Director for Hands-On Diagnostics’ Clinical Electrophysiology program, training the next generation of specialists in advanced diagnostic techniques.

A world-renowned expert and best-selling author in Myofascial Pain and Business Development, Dr. Kostopoulos is the co-founder of Hands-On Companies, established in 1992. The organization has treated over 300,000 patients, performed more than 120,000 diagnostic tests, and educated over 100,000 healthcare professionals worldwide. Dr. Kostopoulos has taught extensively in manual therapy, with a focus on Trigger Point, Myofascial, NeuroFascial Therapy, Manipulation and Diagnostic Testing.

Dr. Kostopoulos holds four doctorate degrees, including a PhD and Master’s from New York University, a Doctorate of Science (DSc) from Rocky Mountain University in Clinical Electrodiagnosis, an MD from UHSA School of Medicine, and a DPT from Evidence in Motion.

He is a past Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, a former member of SACE for the electrophysiology board exam, and a previous Executive Committee member of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management (APTA). Additionally, he has served as Adjunct Faculty at Springfield College, teaching Clinical Electrophysiology.

Dr. Kostopoulos is the Editor of the Diagnostic Section for the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, published by Elsevier, and has authored numerous publications. Recognized with multiple business and humanitarian awards, his work continues to influence both clinical and professional practice globally.

Chicago native, Angie founded Apex Physical Therapy with her husband Joe in 2005. Sharing a love for fitness and sports, the McGilvrey’s believe that exercise is medicine. Together, they share over 22 years of experience in their field.

Dan Brown is a business strategist, entrepreneur, and international speaker who has spent more than 30 years helping professional practices build stronger, more scalable organizations. Since 1992, he has worked with thousands of business owners across more than 20 countries and 100 industries, helping them improve operations, leadership, profitability, and long-term growth through practical management systems.

As the founder and co-owner of multiple technology and consulting companies, Dan combines proven administrative principles with modern AI solutions to help organizations streamline operations, strengthen teams, improve the patient experience, and reduce the administrative burden on owners and clinicians.

Dan also serves as a Senior Service Consultant and Presenter with MGE Management Experts, where he has trained thousands of healthcare professionals in building efficient, sustainable, and growth-oriented practices. His presentations are known for delivering practical strategies that attendees can implement immediately to improve both business performance and quality of care.

Dr. Rizopoulos, PT, DPT, RMSK, APCA, is board certified in Musculoskeletal Sonography. He has over 35 years of clinical experience and also holds a doctoral degree with a focus on business administration, marketing, PR, and management. He co-founded and successfully established and managed the Hands-On Companies, a consortium of companies in the areas of Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Testing, and Education.

During his extensive experience in diagnostic testing and manual therapy, Dr. Rizopoulos has treated more than 150,000 patients over the last 35 years, and performed thousands of ultrasound diagnostic tests.

He has also co-authored several books with Dr. Kostopoulos, and numerous articles for professional journals.

Dr. Neff is currently on the USA Wrestling Medical Staff, giving him the opportunity to treat some of our Olympic wrestlers. He also teaches at the Family Medicine Residency Program at Lancaster General. Neff agrees that teaching the Resident Medical Doctors, “keeps my knowledge base strong and on the cutting edge”.

Neff Physical Therapy specializes in not only athletic injuries but all orthopedic diagnoses as well as low back/neck pain and vertigo. Neff recognizes “If someone is going to travel 2½ hours to see me, they expect results and we work very hard to be the best.” Neff Physical Therapy is a Direct Access clinic where you can schedule an appointment without a referral.

Chicago native, Joe founded Apex Physical Therapy with his wife Angie in 2005. Sharing a love for fitness and sports, the McGilvrey’s believe that exercise is medicine. Together, they share over 22 years of experience in their field.

David Brier is a globally recognized branding strategist, rebranding specialist, and bestselling author with over 40 years of experience and more than $9 billion in brand value created for clients worldwide. Google’s #1 ranked rebranding expert, David is the recipient of over 330 international awards and the Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship medallion.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Adweek, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and the New York Times. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller Brand Intervention: 33 Steps to Transform the Brand You Have into the Brand You Need, with a foreword by Shark Tank’s Daymond John, who calls David’s work “brilliant.” His programs have helped hundreds of companies — from startups to global organizations — build unforgettable identities, sharpen their positioning, and drive measurable growth.

Dr. Charles Stevens attended Misericordia University for his doctorate degree in physical therapy. Has worked in varying settings including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilitates, and outpatient therapy. Dr. Stevens founded his practice Mobile Therapy Services in 2016 when he noticed a gap in the continuum of care for older adults requiring therapy at home.

​Dr. Stevens has a passion for diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and has done extensive in person training with mentor Jeannine Noble PT, RMSK from the WCUI School Of Medical Imaging. Also, in August 2022 he trained with world renowned leading expert in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound Dr. Jon Jacobson MD, RMSK at the Gulf Coast Ultrasound Institute in Florida. In June 2023, Dr. Stevens will be training with Sonoskills for a 4 day training in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Additionally, Dr. Stevens passed the RMSK exam in November 2022 earning the RMSK credential which is the highest certification of proficiency in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound. As of March 2023, Dr. Stevens became a faculty member at Gulf Coast Ultrasound Institute In Florida and assists teaching on site in St. Petersburg Florida at courses.

In February 2023, Mobile Therapy Services and Dr. Stevens held world renowned London Osteopath Dr. David Lintonbon DO in their Dallas PA clinic. From February 3-5th Dr. Lintonbon DO instructed Dr. Stevens on further training on osteopathic assessment and treatment of the spine and peripheral joints.

In December 2022 Dr. Stevens earned the AIB- VAM certification from the American Institute of Balance. This certification in vestibular assessment and management will allow Dr. Stevens the ability to assess and treat the dizzy patient.

As of summer 2023 Dr. Stevens earned Titleist Level 1 and Titleist Level 2 Medical certifications to better assist golfers improve their game and get out pain.

​In 2024, Dr. Stevens earned the credential of D-EDX which is a Diplomat in Clinical Electrodiagnosis from Hands On Diagnostics in Astoria, New York.

​In 2025 Dr. Stevens completed his EMG and Nerve conduction study residency program in Astoria, New York with Hands On Diagnostics. This program is one of two residency programs in the country approved by the American Board of Physical Therapy and Residency Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). He has to date completed > 315 studies and currently performs studies from his Dallas office and for physician specialties in primary care, physiatry, and neurosurgery in Pennsylvania and New York.

Josh graduated in 2000 from California State University at Fresno with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. He has pursued manual therapy and completed a long term manual therapy course in Fresno. He is owner of Vance Physical Therapy and Wellness since 2007 and began the journey of diagnostics in 2019.

Korry Wheeler was born and raised in Western Wyoming, where he continues to live with his wife and three children. His father was the first physical therapist in the area and built a thriving practice that allowed Korry to be an active part of the profession from his youth. Korry served a religious mission with his church in Fresno, California before attending and graduating from Utah State University in Biology. Korry worked his way through college by managing a local golf course before receiving his pro status where he taught others how to love and play the game. While managing his father’s physical therapy practice, Korry was accepted to Rocky Mountain University of Health Sciences. He graduated with a DPT in 2014. . He was able to return to his hometown to practice. He has worked in inpatient for 5 years and outpatient for 5 years. Shortly after graduating, Korry began performing EMG/NCS testing and eventually graduated from the HODS/AACE residency before becoming a board-certified clinic electrophysiology specialist in 2022. He has recently joined HODS/AACE as a mentor and faculty for EMG/NCS certification and residency students and is assistant program director.

Korry currently works with Mountain West Orthopedics, providing EMG/NCS testing for patients in Star Valley, Wyoming and throughout Southwestern Wyoming. He played a significant role in helping to ensure that physical therapists were able to continue providing EMG/NCS testing in Wyoming. He advocates for advancing the autonomy of the physical therapy profession and has served on the 2022 practice analysis task force and an item writer for the FSBPT. He is currently serving as vice chairman of the electrodiagnostic special interest group in the academy of clinical electrophysiology and wound management in the APTA.

In his spare time, Korry enjoys fishing, golfing, and teaching.

Justin Elliott is vice president of government affairs at APTA, where he has led the association’s legislative, public policy, and political efforts on Capitol Hill since 2015. He has held several positions at APTA since joining the association in 2002, serving as APTA’s director of state government affairs and associate director of state government affairs. Prior to joining APTA, he worked at KM Strategies, a government affairs and issues management firm. He was the communications director for Fairfax County Supervisor Penelope A. Gross and also served as an advisor on her successful reelection campaign. He got his start on Capitol Hill serving as an intern in the offices of Sen. Charles Robb and Rep. Tom Davis, both of Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications and minor in political science from Virginia Tech. He is a member of the Public Affairs Council and American Society of Association Executives.

Michael Matlack joined APTA in 1999. He oversees the Congressional Affairs Department, which includes advancing the association’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill through federal lobbying, grassroots, and political action. Before joining the association, he was manager of congressional relations for the National Society of Professional Engineers, in charge of its political action committee, grassroots programs, and lobbying on education and research issues. He also worked at Pearson & Pipkin Inc., a small consulting firm, the Republican National Committee, and as an intern for former Rep. Richard Pombo.

Known as “The Health Engineer,” Garrett has taken his training in Engineering and Neuroscience and used it to create NeuFit. He first became passionate about the human body during his time as a hockey player, when he had numerous injuries and was frustrated with the traditional ways of addressing them.

After he was introduced to functional neurology and used that to help himself avoid a surgery, he was elated to know that there was a better way and felt called to share this neurology-based approach with the world.

By combining next-generation electrical stimulation and protocols from functional neurology, NeuFit has helped people accelerate recovery from all sorts of injuries and surgeries and help people reach their fitness goals faster than they ever thought possible. The work has helped everyone from professional athletes looking to get back on the field to paralyzed people working to move again.

Now practitioners all over the country are adding the technology into their medical practices, physical therapy clinics, and fitness facilities. He is also the best selling author of the book “The NeuFit Method.”

Lisa Griffin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. Her research interests are in the area of neuromuscular control. Current studies involve investigating neuromuscular changes during fatigue, aging, subacromial shoulder pain and peripheral neuropathy. She has expertise in single motor unit recording with intramuscular fine-wire electrodes and in the design of functional electrical stimulation systems. Dr. Griffin is the Editor-in-Chief for the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (TJACSM), Associate Editor-in-Chief for Applied Sciences for Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (MSSE) and has reviewed grants for the DoD and NIH for 10 years.

Dr. Ingber has been practicing for the past 40 years treating orthopedic and pain patients using skills acquired as a trained and board certified Physiatrist and later in Pain Medicine.

The aim in treating patients is to use physical treatments complimented with pain medications. Ultimately, the physical home maintenance optimizes long term improvement. Years of experience has shown that the best way to rehabilitate an injured joint (spine being a more complex joint), is through Myofascial treatments.

Dr Ingber has been published in several Peer review journals on trigger point treatment for a few different skeletal conditions using a unique approach to orthopedic rehabilitation.

Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2009 following undergraduate work in Exercise Science.

He continued post-doctoral education by completing an orthopedic residency and obtaining specialty certification through the national PT board, a designation fewer than 8% of physical therapists in the US hold. He has completed advanced training programs in manual therapy and trigger point dry needling, achieving certifications in both.

In 2017, he was recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy; 1 of 80 in Illinois. Dr. Johnson has vast experience in treating people with neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and foot pain. This includes sports injuries, post-surgical rehab, and wear-and-tear type pain.

He has worked with adults of all ages and fitness levels; from weekend warriors to collegiate and professional athletes. A large portion of his patient population includes endurance athletes and marathon runners. He also enjoys working with golfers and fitness enthusiasts such as CrossFit athletes. He holds certifications through the Titleist Performance Institute and Institute of Clinical Excellence to treat this population. If you have muscle or joint pain, he can help you. He realizes each individual is unique and therefore has particular needs and goals in mind. He chose continued education and training to be able to address these unique needs.

Dr. Johnson is passionate about his profession and the opportunity to help people achieve their goals through the ever-changing field of healthcare. He is dedicated to life-long learning and believes he can provide the BEST care for his patients by blending the art & evidence of physical therapy.

Neil Trickett, CEO of Practice Promotions, is a physical therapist with over 27 years of clinical experience, a former private practice owner for eight years, and a practice marketing expert for the past 16 years. He has worked with nearly 2,000 physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics across the U.S. and Canada, from solo practitioners to organizations with 200+ locations, helping them implement proven marketing strategies that drive sustainable growth.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital and healthcare landscape, Neil focuses on empowering practice owners to leverage AI-powered search to win both new patient acquisition and top-tier professional talent.

Kristian Srica is a growth-minded business professional who built a key portion of his career at Justworks, the leading HR technology platform for small businesses.

Throughout his tenure at Justworks, Kristian focused on helping growing businesses simplify complex operations, from international expansion, workforce management and benefits administration, to payroll optimization and compliance. Leveraging deep industry knowledge and a customer-first mindset, Kristian played an integral role in driving efficiency, fostering client retention, and advancing his mission to empower small businesses.

Driven by a passion for operational excellence and strategic execution, Kristian brings a disciplined, solutions-oriented approach to scaling workplace technology and optimizing business performance.