Expert Physical Therapy in Washington, DC

Get back to running your PR, crushing your CrossFit WOD, and living without limits. Every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist—no techs, no switching rooms, no distractions.

physical therapy session at norton physical therapy in washington, dc

Missing Workouts Because of Pain?

You're not just dealing with an injury—you're losing your identity as an active person. Every missed training session, every workout you have to modify, every run you can't finish is a reminder that something's not right.

Stuck in Pain Cycles

Traditional PT offices rush you through 30-minute sessions with multiple patients, leaving your real issues unresolved.

Losing Your Edge

You're watching your fitness slip away while generic exercises fail to address what's actually wrong with your body.

Frustrated with Results

You've tried rest, ice, and hoping it goes away, but you're still dealing with the same limitations that are keeping you off the trails and out of the gym.

dry needling session at norton physical therapy in washington, dc

We Do Things Differently at Norton Physical Therapy

You deserve more than just temporary relief. You deserve to unlock your body's full potential and get back to doing what you love—stronger than before. Our approach combines advanced manual therapy, targeted strength training, and performance optimization to address not just your symptoms, but the root cause of your limitations.

Every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed PT

Board-certified specialists with advanced orthopedic credentials

We never double book appointment times or pass you off to a PTA

"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. You can't ask for more than that."

Richard Wilhelm
How It Works

Your Path Back to Peak Performance

Find the Root Cause

Find out what's exactly going on with you. Go through and learn the key exercises to start the healing process and get some hands-on treatment so you can feel better right away.

Get a Personalized Plan

We'll give you a customized plan to get you back to being pain-free and back to the activities you're missing. By following the plan, you'll begin to move better, move more, and achieve your goals.

Enjoy Lifelong Health

Once you're feeling better, our job isn't over. We want to make sure the pain never comes back. We'll give you the tools you need to stay strong and active for life.

Conditions Treated

How We Help You Get Back to the Life You Love

We're specialty trained in orthopedic physical therapy with certifications in functional manual therapy and orthopedic manual therapy. Our expertise spans from runners dealing with IT band syndrome to CrossFitters managing shoulder impingements to tennis players overcoming elbow pain.

Running injuries and overuse conditions

Sports-related injuries for all activity levels

Post-surgical rehabilitation and recovery

one on one physical therapy session at norton physical therapy in washington, dc

What Our Patients Say

"Joe Norton Physical Therapy is a superb practice. Wonderful one on one attention from experienced PTs. Lovely premises in Georgetown. Special shout out to Luke, who has treated me successfully for rotator cuff, knee, and ankle issues."
Donal McGettigan
"The therapists at Joe Norton Physical Therapy are amazing! I truly can't say enough about how lucky I feel to have worked with them - first to address some pain in my hip and glute and then after I tore my ACL and had reconstructive knee surgery. They truly know their stuff and are wonderful to work with."
Sara Dickson
"I highly recommend Joe, Luke, and his team for anything physical therapy, wellness, or running related. I had the pleasure of working with Luke for several months following a complicated injury. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail are second to none."
Ryan Owens
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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Contact Us

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

Located in Georgetown, we're just minutes from Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, and downtown DC. Convenient to Metro stops and easily accessible from anywhere in the DMV area.

Wrist Pain Physical Therapy FAQs

Get answers to common questions about wrist pain treatment, our approach, and what to expect at Norton PT.

1. How long does it take to recover from wrist pain with physical therapy?

Recovery time varies based on your specific condition, but most patients experience significant relief within 4-8 weeks of consistent treatment. Because we provide dedicated 60-minute sessions with advanced manual therapy, many of our patients recover faster and in fewer total visits compared to traditional PT clinics. During your initial evaluation, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on your individual assessment.

2. Do I need an MRI or X-ray before starting physical therapy for wrist pain? 

No, you don't need imaging to start physical therapy. In Washington, DC, you have direct access to physical therapy, meaning no referral is required. Our board-certified specialists are trained to assess your wrist thoroughly and determine if imaging is necessary. In many cases, we can diagnose and successfully treat wrist pain without expensive imaging.

3. Can you treat carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery? 

Yes. Many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome find significant relief through conservative physical therapy treatment, including manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises, ergonomic modifications, and targeted strengthening. Our specialists will perform a thorough assessment to determine the severity of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. If surgery is ultimately necessary, we also provide expert post-surgical rehabilitation.

4. What makes your approach to wrist pain different from other PT clinics?

Every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist—we never double-book or pass you to assistants. Our team holds advanced credentials including board certification in orthopedics (OCS), functional manual therapy certification (CFMT), and certified manual physical therapy (CMPT). We're athletes ourselves who understand performance goals, and we tailor treatment to get you back to your specific activities, not just pain-free.

5. Do you accept insurance for wrist pain physical therapy? 

Norton PT is an out-of-network provider, which allows us to provide higher quality, personalized care without insurance restrictions. We provide superbills you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many patients find they actually save money with fewer total visits and better outcomes. We're happy to discuss your specific situation during a free phone consultation.

6. What should I wear and bring to my first wrist pain appointment? 

Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows easy access to your wrist, forearm, and shoulder. If you have imaging (X-rays, MRI), reports from other providers, or a list of activities that aggravate your wrist, please bring those. We'll also send you intake paperwork to complete before your first visit to maximize your treatment time.

7. Where is your clinic located and is parking available? 

We're located at 3222 N St NW #400 in Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007, just 9 minutes from downtown DC. Metered street parking is available 1-4 blocks away, or you can use the parking garage at 3251 Prospect St NW. We're easily accessible from Arlington and Alexandria via Key Bridge and M Street.

8. What conditions can cause wrist pain that you treat? 

We treat the full spectrum of wrist conditions including wrist sprains and ligament injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis (De Quervain's, flexor/extensor), TFCC tears, fracture rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, nerve compression, overuse injuries from typing or sports, and chronic wrist instability. Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience with both acute injuries and chronic pain conditions.

Still have questions?

We're here to help you make informed decisions about your running and training. Contact us today for personalized answers.