Expert Physical Therapists in Washington DC

We help runners, tennis and pickle ball athletes, new moms and active professionals recover faster, move better, and perform at their highest level with personalized care every step of the way.

We believe everyone deserves care that matches their level of dedication.

Norton Physical Therapy and Performance was founded on a simple principle: high-performing individuals deserve healthcare that meets their ambition.

We recognize that modern healthcare often falls short, failing to meet the comprehensive needs of those in pain or seeking optimal function.

Our approach is holistic, caring for the whole person - spirit, mind, and body. We aim to facilitate physical change while fostering intellectual and emotional growth in those we serve. With advanced expertise in physical therapy and a passion for empowering others, we're dedicated to delivering personalized care that blends evidence-based techniques with a deep understanding of your unique goals.

At Norton PT, you're not just receiving treatment; you're gaining a partner committed to your success, guiding you beyond recovery to reach new heights in performance and strength.

Our Core Values

Care That Moves You Forward

With our expertise and genuine commitment to your goals, we offer more than just treatment. We provide a true partnership to help you build resilience, restore strength, and reach new milestones.

Dedication

We're as invested in your goals as you are - showing up and staying present throughout your journey.

Clarity

We bring simplicity to a noisy world of health advice. No fluff - just clear, actionable plans.

Compassion

We treat every client like family, showing up with kindness, patience, and genuine care.

Excellence

We continuously pursue mastery in our craft and in the results we deliver to our clients.

Our Personalized Approach

At Norton Physical Therapy and Performance, we are committed to helping resilient, high-performing individuals get out of pain through personalized and purposeful physical therapy.

We understand how your pain affects your daily and recreational activities, and we focus on enhancing your functional mobility to help you return to what you love.

Extensive post-graduate training in manual therapy, dry needling, and exercise

Integration of soft tissue and joint mobilizations with targeted strength and coordination exercises

Customized sessions tailored to your specific needs

Take-home exercises delivered through a user-friendly video app

Tools to help you maintain and improve your health long after therapy ends

Meet Our Team

Your Partners in Recovery and Performance

Our expert team combines advanced training, hands-on care, and a patient-first approach to help you recover, move better, and achieve lasting results.

Joe Norton
PT, CFMT, OCS

Joe is a physical therapist with over a decade of experience and a lifelong passion for helping people move, train, and feel their best. As a 2:54 marathoner, he understands firsthand what it takes to balance smart training, recovery, and the realities of a busy life.

After earning his Master’s degree from Springfield College in 2009, Joe completed an orthopedic manual therapy residency at Georgetown University and later earned his Certification in Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT) with honors. He is board-certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and works primarily with runners and active adults who want to stay healthy, resilient, and performing at a high level.

Joe’s approach is personal and practical. He combines hands-on care, thoughtful strength and movement work, and clear training guidance to help clients not only get out of pain, but move with confidence and keep doing the things they love.

When not working, Joe loves to coach his son's soccer team and watch Bluey with his family. He is currently training for the Boston Marathon.

Kelly Cutler
PT, DPT, CKTP

Kelly is a physical therapist whose approach is deeply shaped by her background as a Division I swimmer. She understands the volume, repetition, and physical demands of swimming, and how frustrating it can be when shoulder pain sidelines training. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the CUNY Graduate Center/Hunter College, began her career in New York City, and moved to Washington, D.C. in 2014.

During her own swimming career, Kelly dealt with significant shoulder pain that ultimately required surgery. Having lived through the rehab process herself, she brings real empathy and reassurance to her care. She knows both the physical and mental challenges of swimming-related injuries and helps swimmers work through common issues, rebuild confidence, and return to the pool feeling strong.

Kelly also loves working with older adults who want to stay independent and capable as they age. Just don’t expect chair yoga. Kelly believes in challenging her clients appropriately, getting them working, sweating, and lifting heavier than they thought possible in a way that feels safe and empowering.

She uses a hands-on approach that includes techniques like Active Release Technique, dry needling and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS). Outside the clinic, Kelly is a mom to three wonderful kids and a devoted Phish fan, with over 50 live show DVDs to prove it.

Pam Norton
PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT

Pam is a physical therapist who has spent her entire career caring for people in Washington, D.C. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University and completed an orthopedic manual therapy residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She later earned her Certification in Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT) with honors and is board-certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).

A lifelong athlete, Pam played high school field hockey and lacrosse, winning three state championships. She continued competing in college, playing club lacrosse at the University of Florida (go Gators). As an adult, she has spent many years giving back to the sport as a local high school lacrosse referee. While her competitive playing days are behind her, she maintains her fitness with yoga and Orangetheory.

Pam is also a mom to two very active boys. Having experienced the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy and the postpartum period herself, she is especially passionate about helping women after birth rebuild strength, restore mobility, and feel confident in their bodies again. Her care is thoughtful, encouraging, and grounded in helping people feel strong and capable for real life.

Luke Cancilla
PT, DPT

Luke is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with a strong clinical focus on orthopedic and sports injuries, vestibular therapy, and concussion rehabilitation. As a former collegiate cross-country and track athlete, he understands firsthand the grind of training, the value of recovery, and how to guide others through the highs and lows of performance.

In 2025, Luke created and followed his own custom training plan and ran his debut marathon in a blazing 2:37—a performance that speaks to both his discipline and deep knowledge of programming. When he’s not treating patients, you’ll often find him logging miles with Dojo of Pain, one of DC’s toughest running crews (though he’s currently taking the spring season off to help Joe train for the Boston Marathon).

Luke's known for keeping the good vibes going whether it’s during treatment sessions or just talking training, shoes, or soccer (go Spurs). His blend of science-based care, thoughtful communication, and personal connection makes him a valuable partner for anyone looking to get out of pain, run stronger, and stay motivated.

Whether you're chasing a PR, managing a nagging injury, or getting back to everyday movement, Luke brings energy, insight, and a patient-first mindset to help you make real progress without losing the fun along the way.

Eric Liu
DPT, OCS

Eric is a physical therapist with over a decade of experience helping clients recover, perform, and stay pain-free. He earned his DPT from Marymount University in 2013 and holds advanced credentials including Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS), Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT), FDN Level 2 dry needling, and SFMA Level 2.

Eric has a strong background working with youth athletes, weightlifters, boxers, and mixed martial artists—athletes who benefit from his blend of hands-on treatment and sport-specific insight. He helps them train smart, stay resilient, and return to peak performance.

Growing up, Eric played competitive tennis and was coached by his father. That experience sparked a lifelong connection to the sport and led him to earn RacquetFit certification, specializing in swing biomechanics, mobility, and injury prevention for racquet athletes.

Outside the clinic, Eric is a passionate Muay Thai kickboxer, amateur boxer—and an exceptionally talented chef. His homemade meals at lunch make the whole clinic jealous. He also knows pretty much everything about coffee, sushi, and bread, and is always happy to talk shop if you ask.

Jessie Grimmer
DPT

Jessie earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2022 and brings strong clinical experience from working in outpatient orthopedic settings. Her path into physical therapy was deeply personal—sparked by witnessing her husband’s journey through debilitating back pain and the transformative impact of good care.

Jessie is also a certified Level 1 CrossFit coach and dry needling practitioner. As a dedicated CrossFit athlete herself, she understands the demands of high-intensity training and enjoys working with active individuals who are eager to move better, lift stronger, and avoid setbacks. Her favorite lifts include the squat and power clean.

She combines her love of movement with a science-backed, individualized approach—building treatment plans that are both practical and empowering. Whether you're recovering from injury or looking to perform at your best, Jessie brings energy, empathy, and expertise to help you get there.

Mandy Holland
Client Experience Coordinator

With a Bachelor's in Philosophy and Master's in French, Mandy brings her lifelong passion for movement as a dancer to her role at Norton PT.

She's committed to creating a welcoming, personalized experience for every client, helping them feel confident and empowered on their journey to better health.

We're hiring!

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Ready to Work With Our Team?

Schedule your free phone consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free movement and peak performance.