Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Washington, DC
When your body isn't moving the way it should, everything else suffers. Our board-certified orthopedic specialists help active adults in DC restore proper movement, eliminate pain, and return to peak function—whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with a recent injury.
When Your Body Breaks Down
Orthopedic problems don't just affect one area—they create a domino effect throughout your entire movement system. What started as a minor issue now affects how you walk, sleep, work, and exercise. You're tired of managing symptoms instead of addressing the real problem.
Everything Hurts Now
What started in your knee now affects your hip, your back compensates, and suddenly your whole body feels out of alignment.
Surgery Didn't Fix Everything
You had the procedure, but you still don't feel like yourself. Moving feels different, weaker, and you're not sure if this is your new normal.
No One Sees the Big Picture
You've been passed from specialist to specialist, each treating their piece of the puzzle, but no one is looking at how everything connects.
Orthopedic Expertise That Sees the Whole System
Your body is an interconnected system, not a collection of separate parts. Our board-certified orthopedic specialists understand how injuries and surgeries affect your entire movement chain. We don't just treat where it hurts—we address why it's happening and prevent future breakdowns.
Board-certified orthopedic specialists with advanced manual therapy training
Comprehensive movement assessments that identify system-wide dysfunction
Evidence-based protocols for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic conditions
"I worked with Eric Liu at Joe Norton Physical Therapy for a diagnosed torn meniscus as confirmed by an MRI. My orthopedic doctor wanted to try a course of physical therapy prior to considering surgery. Joe Norton was my choice because I had had successful treatment there in the past for wrist injury. Eric over the course of a month took me through a series of in office and at home exercises which got me back on the tennis court and playing without surgery. He listened and designed a treatment plan which worked."
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care
Complete Systems Assessment
We evaluate not just your injury, but how it's affecting your entire movement system—from your feet to your spine and everything in between.
Targeted Intervention Strategy
Based on evidence and expertise, we implement the most effective combination of manual therapy, exercise, and education for your specific condition.
Long-term Movement Health
We prepare your body for the demands of your lifestyle, whether that's returning to sports, managing a desk job, or staying active as you age.
The Full Spectrum of Orthopedic Conditions
From acute sports injuries to complex post-surgical cases, our orthopedic specialists have the training and experience to handle whatever challenge your body presents. We stay current with the latest research and techniques to deliver the most effective care possible.
Post-surgical rehabilitation for joint replacements and repairs
Complex movement disorders and compensation patterns
Multi-site orthopedic conditions requiring coordinated care
Verified Google Reviews
Trusted by 171+ Washington, DC Area Athletes
Rated 5.0 stars on Google from real patient experiences
Meet Your Board-Certified Wrist Pain Specialists in Washington, DC
Joe Norton, PT, CFMT, OCS
Founder and board-certified orthopedic specialist with advanced manual therapy certification. Joe completed his orthopedic residency at Georgetown University and specializes in helping active adults and athletes recover from complex injuries and return to peak performance.
Kelly Cutler, PT, DPT, CKTP
Former Division I swimmer specializing in upper extremity injuries and shoulder rehabilitation. Kelly is certified in Active Release Technique, dry needling, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, bringing real empathy from her own surgical recovery experience.
Pam Norton, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT
Board-certified orthopedic specialist with advanced manual therapy certification earned with honors. Pam completed her orthopedic residency at MedStar Georgetown and specializes in postpartum recovery, women's health, and orthopedic rehabilitation for athletes.
Luke Cancilla, PT, DPT
University of Pittsburgh graduate specializing in orthopedic and sports injuries, vestibular therapy, and concussion rehabilitation. As a former collegiate runner and 2:37 marathoner, Luke understands the demands of athletic training and recovery firsthand.
Eric Liu, DPT, OCS, CMPT
Board-certified orthopedic specialist and certified manual physical therapist with over a decade of experience. Eric holds advanced credentials in dry needling (FDN Level 2) and is RacquetFit certified, with extensive experience treating weightlifters, boxers, and racquet sport athletes.
Jessie Grimmer, DPT
Tufts University graduate and certified Level 1 CrossFit coach specializing in high-intensity training athletes. Jessie is a dry needling practitioner with strong clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics, bringing a personal understanding of recovery from witnessing her husband's journey through chronic pain.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Ready for Expert Orthopedic Care?
Located in Georgetown with convenient access to Washington DC's medical corridor. We work closely with orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and other specialists to provide coordinated, comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions we frequently receive from patients. If you don't see your question addressed, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
Orthopedic physical therapy focuses specifically on musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Our board-certified specialists have advanced training in orthopedic conditions and use evidence-based treatments like manual therapy, dry needling, and movement analysis to address complex cases that require specialized expertise.
Yes, we collaborate closely with orthopedic surgeons throughout the DC area. Whether you need pre-surgical preparation or post-operative rehabilitation, we communicate directly with your surgeon to ensure coordinated care. We also work with many patients to avoid surgery through conservative treatment when appropriate.
Complex orthopedic cases are our specialty. Our board-certified team takes a systems approach, understanding how different areas of your body influence each other. We develop comprehensive treatment plans that address all contributing factors, not just individual symptoms, which is especially important for chronic conditions or cases involving multiple joints.
Still have questions?
We're here to provide expert guidance for your orthopedic condition.