During undergrad I first heard of IASTM, from a friend and former classmate that was attending chiropractic college; he talked about Gua Sha, Graston and SASTM.  He went into their use and cost (how he was going to try to even pay for it).  He sparked my curiosity and I started to look into IASTM, particularly the major marketers (Graston, SASTM, and ASTYM) and how it was theorized to work.  Also, during my extremities orthopedic class in DPT, an adjunct clinical professor showed us a tool that he had been using.  This was my first hands on exposure to an instrument.  He also talked about some of the IASTM tools on the market.  Most of us were interested in the tools but not the price.  I joked to a couple of classmates that day in class that I could make them less expensively and they said they would buy one if I could pull it off.

I started talking with the Machine Shop staff in the Engineering Department at the University at Buffalo.  Since I was a student I had access to the university’s facilities to do the project at a substantial savings.  I learned to use CAD software to save money by doing the designing and prototyping myself.  Once I had the design, I also figured out the whole machining process and related costs.  It was pitched to my current and former classmates getting enough interest to move forward.  About 75% of the class pre-ordered to fund the project and the first run of Fibroblasters was made in late Fall ’09 (entire project was not-for-profit).

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As with all good stories, I have to give a shout out for my mom.  She went online to be the first to purchase a Fibroblaster from the website, at retail price no less.  She proudly displays it next to the clay knickknacks that were made in elementary school.  For the financially strapped graduate student, there is a student discount for those willing to supply me with their advisor’s name, email, contact number, school name and grad date.  Once status is verified, they receive a discount via email.  Since the start sales have been steady and there has been lot of positive feedback from those who have purchased.  The goal of Fibroblaster is to make a quality soft tissue mobilization instrument without the high price tag that is associated with other stainless steel IASTM tools on the market.

Dr. Koh is a sports and orthopedic physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. He earned his B.S. degree in Physiological Sciences from the University of California at Los Angeles, as well as his Master and Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. In doing so, Dr. Koh became the youngest graduate ever to earn an advanced Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in USC’s history. While at USC, Dr. Koh served on the faculty as a Teaching Assistant in Orthopedics. In 2007, Dr. Koh earned a Master in Business Administration from USC’s Marshall School of Business.  Owner of KOH Physical Therapy Lab, an outpatient sport and orthopedic clinic in Irvine, CA.

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Dr. Koh’s career began as a staff physical therapist at UCLA Medical Center specializing in orthopedics, cardiac and neuro-rehabilitation. He was then accepted to Kaiser Permanente Orthopedic Residency Program which he completed in 2000. Dr. Koh is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a worldwide organization and leading authority on sports conditioning. Dr. Koh served as the State and Regional Director for the NSCA, overseeing more than 6,000 members in multiple states. Dr. Koh was the first physical therapist certified in Active Release Techniques and Graston Techniques in Orange County and is currently the only Masters level Active Release Techniques physical therapist. He is also a Lead Instructor for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques with Fibroblaster, Inc. In addition, Dr. Koh is one of very few physical therapists certified as a Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) and is one of 14 PT’s certified in Fascial Manipulation Techniques in the U.S. His extensive training over the years has included studying different treatment techniques originating from Russia, Norway, France, Great Britain, Italy and Australia.

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Dr. Koh has been invited as a guest speaker for various organizations including the University of California- Irvine Dept. of Sports Medicine, USC School of Physical Therapy, Sacred Heart University School of Physical Therapy, California Physical Therapy Association, New York Knicks NBA Team, New York Liberty WNBA Team, Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Team, multiple NSCA State Conferences, Naval Special Warfare PT Department, and medical/nursing schools overseas. Topics have focused on his expertise in shoulder, back, hip & knee injuries, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) techniques, stretches, and in business development for clinicians. Dr. Koh has been invited as a representative and expert consultant for Kinesiology taping companies at events such as the NBA Head Trainer’s annual meeting and at conferences for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, Elite Sports and Spine Expo, and COPA World Conference in New York City.

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In addition to working with individual athletes from the NFL, NBA, WTA, AVP, LPGA, UFC, Canadian National Track & Field Team, and collegiate teams from the U.S. & Canada, Dr. Koh has enjoyed being a member of various medical teams for organizations including the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour, the BMX Pro Tour, and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Tour. Dr. Koh is proud to have served on medical teams at various U.S. Olympic Training Centers working with athletes from Team USA Weightlifting, USA Beach and Indoor Volleyball, USA Boxing, USA Gymnastics, and USA Tae Kwon Do. Dr. Koh was part of Team USA Medical Team for the Pan-American Games. Dr. Koh is on the medical team for Team USA Volleyball, USA Weightlifting, USA Sailing, and USA Bobsled & Skeleton. Dr. Koh is also an Elite Network Provider for Team USA Volleyball and Team USA Sailing. Dr. Koh has also worked on entertainment tours such as Dancing with The Stars National Tour, So You Think You Can Dance National Tour, and rock bands such as Black Sabbath.

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Dr. Koh specializes in soft-tissue injuries, sports biomechanics and in stabilization exercises especially for the shoulder, back, hip, and knee complex. Because of his expertise, Dr. Koh is currently contracted by the U.S. Government as an expert witness in physical therapy for lawsuits in Medicare and for the U.S. Department of Health. Dr. Koh was elected by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) to become a member of the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE). The ABPTS is the governing body responsible for writing national board exam questions in physical therapy for the American Physical Therapy Association. In addition, Dr. Koh has been invited as a consultant and researcher for companies such as Sketchers, Inc. and Taylor-made golf, Inc. He has published various articles for national physical therapy publications such as Advance Magazine and In Motion Magazine.

Erwin is in his second year with the Knicks, first in his current position (promoted in Summer ’15)...Joined Knicks in 2014-15 as team physical therapist and assistant athletic trainer...Takes leadership role with team’s medical and performance staff; accompanies Knicks on all road trips.

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Raised and educated in the Philippines, Erwin is the first Filipino to be on the medical staff for both an NBA and MLB team...Prior to joining Knicks, was Rehabilitation Director of the Pittsburgh Pirates for eight seasons...In 2012, founded the socially-responsible global education company KinetIQ, providing “next step” knowledge in sports medicine, wellness and performance art to institutions around the world...Remains Director of Medical & Performance Services for Baseball New Zealand and is a consultant to several teams internationally.

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Holds Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines-Manila, a Masters of Education in Athletic Training & Sports Medicine from Plymouth State (NH) University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with a concentration in Manipulative Therapies from the University of St. Augustine...Fulfilled requirements for post-graduate fellowships at Yale University and Regis University (for AAOMPT)...Begins every day in gratitude – and has made it his personal mission to be an inspiration to young Filipinos everywhere.