The story of Healing Star Physical Therapy begins long before its founding — with two clinicians, a shared philosophy, and a commitment to changing the way physical therapy is delivered.

Founders Philip Joshua and Varghese Paul completed their physical therapy training at prestigious universities in India, where they also taught PT graduate and post-graduate courses. In 2003, they immigrated to the United States, bringing with them a wealth of clinical knowledge and a passion for hands-on, patient-centered care.

After arriving in New Jersey, Philip and Varghese built their clinical expertise working at HealthSouth in Tinton Falls, Monmouth Medical Center, and Seaview Orthopedics — gaining experience across a wide spectrum of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation cases. Both earned certification in Maitland Manual Therapy, a world-renowned approach to treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Philip went on to earn his Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2011 and his Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) certification in 2016.

2012 — Healing Star Is Born

In August 2012, Philip and Varghese made the decision to open their own outpatient physical therapy clinic, specializing in orthopedics and sports injuries. Their vision: a practice where every patient received expert, individualized, hands-on care — and where results spoke louder than anything else.

That vision quickly resonated. Through word of mouth and physician referrals, Healing Star PT grew rapidly, earning a reputation as one of the top PT practices in Monmouth County.

2016 — Growing to Meet Demand

As demand for their services grew, Healing Star opened a second clinic in Eatontown, NJ, conveniently accessible from all major highways. The practice continued to attract patients from across the region — many traveling over an hour each way for the quality of care they couldn’t find elsewhere.

2018 and Beyond — Building an Exceptional Team

Continued growth meant continued investment in talent. The Healing Star team expanded with the addition of skilled physical therapists who shared the practice’s hands-on philosophy and commitment to patient outcomes. Among them was Steven George, PT, DPT, OCS, who brought orthopedic expertise and a dedication to evidence-based practice.

The team has grown further since, now including specialists in hand therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, sports medicine, and the latest advanced techniques including dry needling, blood flow restriction training, and focused shockwave therapy.

Healing Star Physical Therapy now operates two full-service locations in Eatontown and Freehold, NJ, continuing to serve patients from throughout Monmouth County and beyond. New Jersey is a direct-access state, meaning patients can begin physical therapy without a physician referral — and many choose Healing Star PT as their first call when pain or injury strikes.

We remain deeply grateful to the patients, physicians, and community who have trusted us with their care over the years. Our commitment to excellence — the same commitment that drove Philip and Varghese to open their doors in 2012 — remains at the heart of everything we do.