Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Washington, DC
Get back to running and the activities you love with expert care designed to relieve heel pain, restore mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.Our hands-on approach combines manual therapy, targeted exercises, and personalized treatment plans to help you move pain-free—without relying on cortisone shots or orthotics alone.

Morning Pain Won't Go Away
That first step out of bed shouldn't feel like walking on glass. Ignoring heel pain leads to chronic issues and longer recovery times.
Generic Solutions Don't Work
Stretching videos and over-the-counter insoles rarely address the root cause of your plantar fasciitis.
Training is On Hold
Every missed run or workout means lost progress and the frustration of watching your fitness slip away.
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We Help Active Adults Overcome Plantar Fasciitis for Good
At Norton Physical Therapy and Performance, we specialize in treating runners and athletes dealing with stubborn heel pain that won't respond to rest or basic stretches.Our therapists understand the biomechanics of plantar fasciitis and create individualized plans that get you back to training faster—and stronger than before.
Fast, Effective Relief: Hands-on manual therapy and dry needling to release tension and reduce inflammation
Rebuild Foot Strength: Targeted exercises that address muscle imbalances and improve your gait mechanics
Stay Active Longer: Strategies to prevent future flare-ups so you can train confidently without setbacks
"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!"
Your Path to Pain-Free Movement
Book Your Free Phone Consultation
We'll discuss your symptoms, training history, and goals to determine if we're the right fit for your recovery.
Get a Personalized Treatment Plan
Receive expert hands-on care and a clear roadmap designed specifically for your foot mechanics and activity level.
Return to Running Stronger
Build lasting strength and mobility with strategies that keep plantar fasciitis from coming back.
We Treat the Root Cause of Your Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis doesn't happen in isolation. Our therapists evaluate your entire kinetic chain—from your hips to your ankles—to identify the underlying issues driving your pain.
Whether you're dealing with chronic morning stiffness, heel spurs, or pain that flares up mid-run, we'll create a plan that addresses your specific needs.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy and calf tightness
Arch pain and foot mechanics dysfunction

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 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.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions about plantar fasciitis treatment at Norton Physical Therapy in Washington, DC.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed or irritated. Common causes include sudden increases in training volume, tight calf muscles, poor foot mechanics, inadequate footwear, or biomechanical issues in your gait. At Norton PT, we assess your entire kinetic chain to identify the underlying factors contributing to your heel pain and create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your condition and how long you've been dealing with symptoms. Many patients experience significant relief within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. Our goal is to get you back to running and training as quickly and safely as possible through hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted strengthening exercises. We focus on efficient recovery with fewer total visits compared to traditional PT approaches.
In many cases, yes—but it depends on your pain level and stage of injury. Our therapists specialize in helping runners modify their training to stay active while recovering. We'll work with you to adjust your running volume, intensity, and cross-training activities to promote healing without losing fitness. Luke, Joe, and our team are runners themselves and understand the importance of staying connected to your training.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you make informed decisions about your plantar fasciitis treatment. Contact us today for personalized answers.









