Expert Sciatica Physical Therapy in Washington, DC

Sciatica doesn't have to sideline your life. At Norton Physical Therapy and Performance, our board-certified specialists deliver one-on-one, 60-minute sciatica physical therapy sessions designed to relieve your pain, restore your movement, and get you back to the activities you love — no referral required. Rated 5.0 stars by 180 patients across Washington, DC.

Physical therapist performing hands-on wrist assessment and manual therapy treatment at Norton Physical Therapy in Washington DC

Still Struggling With Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica that goes untreated — or undertreated — doesn't just linger. It can worsen over time, limit your mobility, and pull you further from the active life you've worked hard to build.

Cookie-Cutter Care That Misses the Root Cause 

Generic PT programs treat your symptoms, not the source. Without a thorough assessment, the real driver of your sciatica stays unaddressed — and the pain keeps coming back.

Pain That Keeps You on the Sidelines 

Every run skipped, workout missed, or morning cut short by shooting leg pain is a cost. Left unmanaged, sciatica erodes the active identity you've spent years building.

A System Built for Volume, Not for You

Overcrowded clinics, quick handoffs to aides, and double-booked sessions mean less time with your therapist and slower results — often requiring more visits, not fewer.

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Why DC Residents Choose Norton for Sciatica PT

Norton Physical Therapy and Performance was built as the alternative to the crowded, impersonal clinic model. Every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed, board-certified physical therapist — never double-booked, never passed off to an aide. Our clinicians are competitive athletes themselves who understand what performance means to you and what it costs to lose it.

Full 60-minute, 1-on-1 sessions with a board-certified OCS specialist — every single visit

Holistic, evidence-based approach blending manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive strength training

Direct access — no physician referral required, and superbills provided for potential insurance reimbursement

Getting Started With Sciatica Physical Therapy in DC Is Simple

Step 1: Book a Free Discovery Call 

Tell us about your sciatica, your goals, and your lifestyle. We'll confirm we're the right fit and answer any questions before your first visit.

Step 2: Get a Thorough 1-on-1 Evaluation 

Your therapist spends a full 60 minutes assessing the root cause of your pain — not just your symptoms — and builds a personalized treatment plan around your goals.

Step 3: Move Better, Train Stronger, Live Fully 

With hands-on care, targeted strength work, and a clear home exercise plan via our video app, you'll recover faster and return to the activities you love.

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Conditions We Treat With Physical Therapy in DC

Sciatica is our specialty on this page, but our board-certified physical therapists treat the full spectrum of musculoskeletal pain and performance injuries. Whether you're dealing with a nerve, joint, or soft-tissue problem, we build a plan around your body, your goals, and your life — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Looking for sciatica physical therapy near me? Our Georgetown clinic serves all of Washington, DC.

Spine & Nerve Pain: Sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, and mid-back pain treated with hands-on manual therapy and targeted nerve mobilization

Lower Extremity Injuries: Hip impingement, runner's knee, ACL rehabilitation, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis

Tendinitis and tendinopathy (De Quervain's, flexor/extensor tendinitis)

Verified Google Reviews

Trusted by 171+ Washington, DC Area Athletes

Rated 5.0 stars on Google from real patient experiences

I cannot say enough positive things about this PT practice. Luke and Joe helped my son with a running overuse injury and worked with him to prevent further overuse injuries as well. This allowed him to get back to the sport that he loves and this was not only a physical recovery but a mental one as well. Being competitive runners themselves allowed for such highly personalized and individual attention. I highly recommend this PT practice.
Tamara K
This is the best PT practice I've ever been to. Pam took a thorough and compassionate intake and then I worked work Luke Cancilla for several months as I recovered from surgery. I had previously been working with another PT in a different practice who for months could not figure out what was wrong and left me with limited mobility and a sense of hopelessness. Luke is outstanding and was able to figure out quickly why I wasn't recovering and got me mobile and active within just a few sessions.
Amanda K
I cannot thank Jessie Grimmer PT, DPT enough for her exceptional care during my recovery from a partial ACL tear in my right knee. Over the past five months, Jessie's professionalism, expertise, and personalized approach made all the difference in my healing journey. She skillfully incorporated a variety of techniques, including electric stimulation, massage, targeted exercises, and strength-building routines, to restore my mobility and confidence.
 Manuel F
"I can't recommend this place enough. I've gone to Joe Norton PT and Luke for years for so many different issues: torn hip labrums, chronic knee pain, back & shoulder pain, concussions, and more - and each time, the incredible team is able to figure out exactly what's going on and help me get better. They are professional, kind, extremely knowledgeable, and take a real full-body approach, which helps enormously with resolving both acute pain or injuries and also building and maintaining a strong and healthy baseline to prevent future injuries. This place has healed me in so many ways, and more than I even thought was possible! Thank you so much! Highly recommended!"
Sophia Lajaunie
"I'm just back from running a strong Berlin Marathon after a stress injury forced me to defer last year and its because of Luke at Joe Norton PT! As a runner in a larger body I have not had a good experience with previous PT groups who weighed me at the start and end of treatment and told me I needed to lose weight. That is not the case at this practice. I was treated as an athlete from the first visit and weight was never mentioned. Luke treated my injury and worked with me to build strength so I could continue my desire to be a life long runner. If you are an athlete in DC go to this practice to get you back on track for your goals and have fun while working hard. I'm not sure whats next for my running but know Luke will help me reach my goals."
Emily Stock
"I love Kelly and this whole PT practice! I switched from Pivot PT and this place is 5,000x better. Kelly spends a full hour with me. My tennis elbow and severe neck & shoulder pain are so much better. I love that they don’t only show you exercises. She also does massage, gentle manipulation and dry needling. I highly recommend them."
Joya Banerjee
"Joe is the best! I run with a local club in the city and everyone knows Joe and trusts him to get them past any injury. He helped me in only two appointments with a nagging hip issue."
Josephine Mintel
"Best in the business! They’re my favorites for running-specific PT. Great group and great results. Would highly recommend!"
Ismael Torres Castrodad
"Joe is a consummate professional, knowledgeable, friendly, diligent, and thorough. Feel lucky to have worked with him!"
Eli Kintisch
"Initially, my only reservation about the practice was that they were out of network however by avoiding surgery I saved thousands in overall medical bills. I tried three other practices that were in network before committing to Joe Norton’s and none of them held a candle to the individualized quality of care and service. I just had a follow-up appointment with my doctor today who was incredibly impressed by how well I have quickly progressed since seeing Luke. Getting back to running was imperative for my quality of life and I could not have done it without Joe Norton’s practice I will forever be grateful for what they have done for me. If you are an injured runner I promise this is the place!"
Louise Weidner
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
PT, 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
PT, 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.

Carly Rosner
PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN

Growing up playing soccer, volleyball, and cross country, she got to know physical therapy from the patient side first, especially after tearing her ACL and MCL. That experience shaped the way she practices today. She loves working with field and court athletes, runners, and lifters, and has a special interest in knees, particularly ACL, MCL, and meniscus rehab, along with shoulders and ankles. Helping athletes go from early rehab to cutting, pivoting, and returning to sport is what drives her.

Her approach blends hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive strength training built around one belief: movement is medicine. She is passionate about helping people lift heavy, build resilience, and leave rehab stronger than when they started. She prioritizes clear communication, individualized plans, and balancing performance goals with long-term health.

She joined Norton Physical Therapy & Performance for its commitment to true one-on-one care and meaningful patient relationships. Outside the clinic, you’ll find her lifting, running, playing Volo soccer, hiking, watercolor painting, cheering for the Florida Panthers and Florida Gators, or hanging out with her Husky, Annie. She has a twin sister, meal preps every Sunday, and firmly believes rehab should make you stronger, not cautious.

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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Visit Our Georgetown, DC Clinic

Just 11 minutes from Downtown Washington, DC via M St NW and Wisconsin Ave NW — located in the heart of Georgetown at 3222 N St NW, Suite 400. You'll find us steps from the Wisconsin Ave NW and N St NW intersection, easily accessible from across the city. Phone: (202) 455-4002 | Email: info@joenortonpt.com | Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 7AM–6PM · Tue, Thu 8AM–6PM · Sat–Sun Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your first sciatica PT visit in Washington, DC.

Do you accept insurance? 

We are an out-of-network practice. We provide superbills after each session so you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement — many of our patients recover a meaningful portion of their costs.

Do I need a doctor's referral? 

No. Washington, DC allows direct access to physical therapy — you can book directly without a physician referral.

What happens at my first visit? 

Your therapist spends a full 60 minutes with you one-on-one: a thorough evaluation of your movement, medical history, and goals, followed by the start of hands-on treatment.

How many sessions will I need for sciatica? 

Every case is different, but our focused, personalized approach is designed to produce results in fewer total visits than high-volume clinics.

Do you treat sciatica and low back pain? 

Yes. Sciatica physical therapy is a core specialty at our Washington, DC clinic. We assess the root cause of your nerve pain and build a plan to address it directly.

What is dry needling and do you offer it?

Dry needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve tension and accelerate recovery. Multiple therapists on our team are certified dry needling practitioners. Still have questions? We're happy to help — reach out before you book.