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.

Physical therapist assessing patient for chronic back pain in Washington DC clinic

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.

Board-certified physical therapist performing orthopedic movement assessment in Georgetown DC clinic

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."

Richard Wilhelm
How It Works

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.

Conditions Treated

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

Patient being examined using advanced orthopedic physical therapy assessments under supervision in Washington DC physical therapy clinic

Verified Google Reviews

What Our Athletes Say About Us

See how our personalized approach has helped active adults and runners in DC overcome pain and return stronger than before.

“The team at Joe Norton Therapy was outstanding—talented, knowledgeable, results-oriented, and highly personable. Since the time of our son’s injury, it has been a pleasure working with them. On top of their personable style, they delivered results, with our son returning to play far sooner than we anticipated. I highly recommend Joe, Pam, Eric, and the entire team.”
Andrew Loomis
"Can't say enough good things. I saw Luke Cancilla for a running hamstring injury and I went from feeling pain every time I walked to running several times a week totally pain free. Luke was so dedicated and is so knowledgeable - I'm so grateful for the time he spent figuring out my injury and how to get me even stronger than I was before I got hurt. The facility at Joe Norton is also great. I highly recommend!”
Kelly Kearney
"This is my first experience with a PT practice during my years of marathon training. And it’s hard to imagine another training cycle without it. The entire staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and for my purposes, understands runners deeply. Luke, one of the therapists, has become a trusted guide during my training cycle. Already discussing future races and how to best achieve my goals and take care of my body. Cannot recommend highly enough!"
Molly Dean
"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 Norton, PT, CFMT, OCS
Physical Therapist

With over a decade of experience and as a 2:54 marathoner, Joe combines deep expertise in physical therapy with firsthand understanding of athletic training.

After earning his Master's from Springfield College in 2009, Joe completed an orthopedic manual therapy residency at Georgetown University and earned his Certification in Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT) with honors.

Board-certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Joe specializes in helping runners prevent and manage overuse injuries, improve performance, and train smarter.

His personalized approach combines hands-on manual therapy, targeted strength work, and practical training advice to help clients reach their peak potential.

Kelly Cutler, PT, DPT, CKTP
Kelly Cutler, PT, DPT, CKTP
Physical Therapist

A former Division I swimmer, Kelly brings athletic experience and advanced physical therapy expertise to her practice.

After earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from CUNY Graduate Center/Hunter College, Kelly refined her skills in private practice before moving to Washington, DC in 2014.

Kelly specializes in advanced manual therapy techniques, including Kinesio Tape, Active Release Technique, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization.

Her hands-on approach, combined with her understanding of athletic performance, makes her exceptionally skilled at helping active professionals and athletes recover from injuries and achieve their performance goals.

Pam Norton, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT
Pam Norton, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT
Physical Therapist

A graduate of Marymount University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Pam has spent her entire career practicing in Washington, D.C.

She completed an orthopedic manual therapy residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, earning her certification as a Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) with Honors and board certification in orthopedics (OCS).

With experience across neurology, pediatrics, oncology, rheumatology, and sports medicine, Pam tailors her care to each person's unique needs.

A lifelong athlete herself, she's passionate about helping clients tap into their potential and feel strong, capable, and ready for life.

Luke Cancilla, PT, DPT
Luke Cancilla, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh's DPT program, Luke brings expertise in orthopedic and sports injuries, vestibular therapy, and concussion rehabilitation.

As a former collegiate cross-country and track athlete, he understands the demands of training and competition.

Luke takes a whole-person approach to care, ensuring every session leaves you feeling heard, equipped with recovery tools, and motivated to reach your goals.

His combination of science-based knowledge and personal connection makes him a valuable partner in your journey to peak performance.

Eric Liu, DPT, OCS
Eric Liu, DPT, OCS
Physical Therapist

With over a decade of experience, Eric holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University and is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS).

He's also certified in Dry Needling and holds an SFMA Level 2 certification. Eric specializes in orthopedic conditions and postoperative rehabilitation, with particular expertise working with youth athletes, weightlifters, boxers, and mixed martial artists.

As a competitive Muay Thai kickboxer and amateur boxer himself, he brings deep understanding of athletic performance to his personalized approach.

Jessie Grimmer, DPT
Jessie Grimmer, DPT
Physical Therapist

A 2022 graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Jessie brings extensive experience in outpatient orthopedic settings.

Her passion for physical therapy was inspired by witnessing her husband's recovery from debilitating back pain.

As an avid CrossFit enthusiast, Jessie understands the demands of high-intensity fitness and enjoys working with clients who are motivated to enhance their performance.

She combines her passion for movement with evidence-based approaches to create personalized recovery plans.

Mandy Holland
Mandy Holland
Patient 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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Contact Us

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.

What makes orthopedic physical therapy different?

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.

Do you work with orthopedic surgeons?

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.

How do you handle complex or multi-site conditions?

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.