Physical Therapy
At Core Physical Therapy DC, our physical therapists combine hands-on techniques and the latest technology to relieve pain, restore movement, and enhance overall health.
We guide you toward better function and confidence through a personalized, whole-body approach.
We specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, treating joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves across a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Using manual therapy, corrective exercises, neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, and other modalities, we create individualized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve performance - never a “cookie-cutter” approach.
You don’t have to just live with it.
Maybe you’ve been dealing with knee pain that flares up every time you run. Maybe your back goes out a few times a year, and you’ve just accepted it as your normal. Maybe a doctor told you to try physical therapy, and you’re not totally sure what it is and if it’ll actually help. Maybe you’ve tried PT before for this issue and just aren’t feeling fully committed to trying physical therapy again.
Whatever brought you here, one thing is true: pain that limits how you move, work, train, or live is worth addressing. You don’t have to manage it indefinitely; there is a solution, and we’re here to help.
At Core Physical Therapy DC, we specialize in orthopedic physical therapy. We work with the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves that make up how your body moves. We find the root cause of what’s going on, build a plan around your specific goals, and use hands-on care to get you there.
Our guarantee is that you’ll always work with the same provider, one-on-one, at every visit. This means that you’ll never have to retell your story, things won't fall through the cracks, and each session will build on the last because your provider truly knows you. If something has been nagging at you, slowing you down, or keeping you from doing what you love, this is a great place to start.
Treatment Techniques We Commonly Use
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a cornerstone of our approach, shown to be more effective than exercise alone for certain orthopedic conditions. We have advanced training in manual techniques to relieve pain, restore movement, and optimize function. Techniques may include: hands-on soft tissue and joint mobilizations and manipulations, muscle energy techniques, and myofascial release techniques.
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Trigger Point Dry Needling
Intramuscular Dry Needling or Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) is a skilled technique that uses thin, solid filament needles to target tight muscles, trigger points, and underlying tissues. By stimulating these areas, TDN helps reduce pain, restore movement, and promote healing in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This treatment is especially effective for releasing painful “knots” in muscle tissue and improving overall function.
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Scoliosis & Schroth Method
The Schroth Method is a nonsurgical, exercise-based treatment for scoliosis that uses customized exercises to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine in three dimensions, guiding it toward a more balanced position. Schroth focuses on restoring muscular symmetry and alignment, directing breath into the concave areas of the body, and improving postural awareness and control in daily life. Schedule with Kendall Black for this treatment as she is a certified Schroth practitioner.
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Myofascial Decompression (Cupping)
A gentle suction technique that lifts and mobilizes soft tissue to improve mobility, decrease pain, and enhance circulation, helping tight or restricted areas move more freely.
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Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
Blood Flow Restriction uses a specialized cuff to gently limit blood flow during low-load exercise, allowing you to build strength and muscle while lifting lighter weights. It’s a safe, effective option when heavy loading isn’t appropriate due to pain, injury, or recovery.
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Therapeutic Exercise and Patient Education
Therapeutic exercise reinforces hands-on treatment to improve strength, posture, and movement mechanics. We include education in every session and provide individualized programs for both clinic and home, empowering you to take an active role in your recovery.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
We treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from everyday aches to sports injuries and degenerative issues. With a personalized, hands-on approach, we help you recover, manage pain, and move confidently - whether healing from an injury, managing chronic pain, or recovering from surgery.
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Spine Issues:
Herniated Discs
Sciatica
Chronic Low Back Pain
Neck Pain & Stiffness
Degenerative Disc Disease
Postural Dysfunction
Post-Surgical Spine Rehab
SI Joint Dysfunction
Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis
Hip Injuries
Hip Labral Tears
Hip Osteoarthritis
Tendonitis
Trochanteric Bursitis
Hip Replacement Rehab
Piriformis Syndrome
Knee Injuries
ACL Tears & Reconstruction Rehab
Meniscus Tears
Patellar Tendonitis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Replacement Rehab
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Ankle & Foot Injuries
Ankle Sprains & Strains
Achilles Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Calf strain / Tear
Shin Splints
Shoulder Injuries:
Shoulder Injuries and Pain
Rotator Cuff Tears
Shoulder Impingement
Labral Tears
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Shoulder Instability
Bursitis
Post-Surgical Rehab
Tendinitis & Tendinosis (Biceps, Rotator Cuff)
Elbow & Wrist Injuries
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Wrist Sprains & Strains
Post-Surgical Rehab
Other Conditions We Treat:
Sports Injuries
Orthopedic and Sports Rehab
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains
Joint Tightness/Flexibility Training
General Weakness/Pain
Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
Women’s Health Conditions- including Pelvic Floor
The Process
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Request Your Initial Evaluation
Call 202-659-2673 or email info@corephysicaltherapydc.com to get started. We’re happy to answer any questions you have as well as get you booked for your first appointment!
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Comprehensive Assessment
Every new patient begins with a thorough initial evaluation where we assess your movement, strength, mobility, lifestyle, and specific concerns. We believe in treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis, so this visit helps us better understand your goals, your history, and the root cause of your symptoms.
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Personalized Plan of Care
Based on your evaluation and individual goals, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you. We’ll also discuss the treatment techniques that may be incorporated into your sessions to help you heal, move better, and feel stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
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We offer a level of expertise and attention rarely found in traditional PT settings. We provide a calm, private, boutique experience with no crowded rooms and no rushed sessions. Just one-on-one care with a licensed physical therapist who truly knows you and understands your goals.
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Many traditional PT settings rely on high volume and limited one-on-one time. Our approach is different. We provide individualized care, hands-on treatment, and a customized plan that evolves with you so we can address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
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Absolutely. Physical therapy isn’t just for post-surgical rehab. We help people with everyday aches, movement limitations, strength deficits, and injury prevention so you can move better, feel stronger, and stay active.
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No. While some conditions require ongoing management, many people can significantly reduce or even eliminate pain with the right approach. We focus on identifying the root cause and giving you the tools to improve, not just cope.
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Your treatment plan is personalized to your needs and may include hands-on therapy, dry needling, exercises, education, and movement. Your therapist tailors and adjusts your program as you progress. For more details, check out the information above.
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No. You’ll see the same physical therapist throughout your care, ensuring continuity and personalized treatment. If a scheduling conflict arises, you can see another experienced therapist who is fully briefed on your plan.
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Dry needling is a technique that uses thin needles to target tight or irritated muscles and trigger points to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. You and your physical therapist together will determine if it’s appropriate for you based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment goals.
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Yes. We provide personalized, one-on-one scoliosis care focused on alignment, mobility, and strength. Kendall Black is Schroth-certified, allowing her to use specialized techniques tailored to your curve, symptoms, and goals.
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New patients can get started by calling our office to schedule an appointment. If you leave a message, we’ll return your call as soon as possible. You can also email us to request an appointment. Current patients can conveniently book appointments through our app located on our website where it says BOOK HERE.
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Your first visit is a 55-minute comprehensive evaluation to uncover the root cause of your pain or movement issues. We review your history, perform assessments, explain your findings, and create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment begins that day with hands-on therapy and/or home exercises.
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The number of visits depends on your condition and goals. Your therapist will recommend a plan of care after your initial evaluation and adjust it as you progress.
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Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and access to the area being treated. For example, shorts for a knee injury or a tank top for a shoulder injury.
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Washington, DC is a direct-access state, so you can start physical therapy without a doctor’s prescription.
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Yes. We offer one-time evaluations to assess your concerns, identify the root cause, and provide clear guidance and a plan you can follow. That said, we typically recommend at least a few sessions so we can begin treatment and appropriately progress your exercises for the best results.
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We are an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies, which allows us to maintain our high standard of care. We have chosen this form of practice so that we can provide one-on-one, quality care, based on the needs of each client rather than being directed by the requirements of any insurance company. As a courtesy, we submit all claims for you.
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Reimbursement will depend on your particular plan with your particular insurance company. Most companies may also require that you meet an out-of-network deductible, separate from the in-network deductible, before they will compensate. Please call the member information number on the back of your insurance card to know your out-of-network benefits.
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We are not enrolled with Medicare or any Medicare Advantage Plans.
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We understand that life happens, and sometimes you may need to adjust your appointment. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee, and no-shows are charged the full session fee.
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If you arrive late, your session will still end at the scheduled time. We respect everyone’s time and schedule appointments accordingly.
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Yes. We offer secure, convenient virtual sessions for current clients only so you can continue your care from home or on the go.
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New Patient Evaluation (55 minutes): $319
PT (55 minute) Follow-Up Appointment: $298
PT (30 minute) Follow-up Appointment: $149
Pilates-Based Rehab or Fitness (50 min): $250