The answer to that question is—absolutely! After age 40 or so, we all begin to lose muscle strength and bone density, and our hormone production slows. While these factors can contribute to a general decrease in vitality, weight training can increase your strength—and give you other benefits—no matter how old or weak you are when […]
Do the words “weight training” bring to mind sweaty 20-somethings in tank tops pumping iron? It may surprise you to hear that the group that benefits most from weight training is actually senior citizens, especially those who are sedentary or in poor health. As we age, our muscles slowly begin to atrophy, a process called […]
Feeling off-balance can put your world into a tailspin—literally and figuratively. Balance disorders have a long list of causes: inner-ear problems, cognitive or spinal cord injuries, muscle weakness or damage, diabetes, Parkinson disease and even simple aging. Regardless of the cause, balance disorders can put people at high risk for falls and disrupt daily activities […]
Fun and engaging, tennis can be played at any skill level and at any age—well into one’s retirement years. Because it can help those over 50 maintain their physical fitness, tennis may prevent some of the injuries that so often plague seniors and proactively counter natural age-related changes. As a tennis player who has reached […]
Fear of falling increases as we age—and with good reason. About one of every three adults aged 65 and older falls each year. In 2010, more than 2.3 million nonfatal falls were treated in emergency rooms, resulting in more than 662,000 hospitalizations. A staggering 95% of all hip fractures are related to falls. In people […]
As we get older, we may still feel young mentally, but after age 50 or so, we must acknowledge that our bodies need slightly different physical accommodations than we did earlier in our exercising lives. Working out reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes, for starters. […]
Arthritis may be a joint disease, but strengthening the muscles is an important component in its treatment. That is because a leading cause of limited movement in people with arthritis—especially, for instance, knee arthritis—is the weakening of surrounding muscles, rather than pain, dysfunction or abnormalities in the joint itself. This raises an important question: Is […]
You and a friend both have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but your treatment regimens are very different. You wonder why, for are not all cases of RA basically the same? Broadly speaking, any incidence of RA occurs because the body attacks its tissues as if they were foreign bodies. This is the hallmark of an autoimmune […]
After receiving a diagnosis of “arthritis of the knee,” which is the most common form of osteoarthritis, you might be surprised when your doctor recommends exercise. Because osteoarthritis involves a progressive deterioration of the protective joint cartilage, the bone is exposed within the joint—leading many to believe that exercise would only intensify the condition. This, […]
As we age, both men and women experience changes in bone composition. One such change, thinning (loss of mineral content) of the bones—typically in your lumbar spine and hip—tends to be experienced more frequently and to a greater degree by women, particularly following menopause when estrogen levels drop. Types of Bone Thinning Your treatment will […]
Education: Leila graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2016. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology. She has been a member of the APTA since 2013. She completed TJC’s Orthopedic Residency Program in 2019 to become a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Since 2019 she has taken several certification courses in Pelvic Health through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute and is now a Board-Certified Pelvic Health Clinical Specialist.
Specialties: Leila has a strong interest and background in pelvic health, orthopedic injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. She enjoys working with patients of all ages and with a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. She has a special interest in treating women during pregnancy and throughout their post-partum recovery, as well as throughout their lifespan to help them participate in exercise and recreation without pain or incontinence.
Fun facts: Leila played on the club volleyball team while at UVA and continues to enjoy playing whenever she gets the chance. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching the University of Virginia basketball team, and going to the beach. Lately she spends most of her free time with her dog, Frankie, who is a big ball of joy and energy and keeps her very busy.
Education: Kathryn graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017. She also received a post post-baccalaureate graduate certificate in the Virginia Leadership Education Program in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Va-LEND). Kathryn accomplished an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency with the Jackson Clinics and became board certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Spring 2020. Kathryn is a direct access provider and has been a member of the APTA since 2017.
Specialties: Kathryn is skilled in orthopedic rehabilitation with a specialty in lower extremity athletes. She has a special interest in pediatrics and young teens concerning sports injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, gait abnormalities, and other musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Kathryn is specialized in 3D running analysis for improvement of performance, improvement in running efficiency, decrease pain, and prevention of injury.
Fun Facts: Kathryn enjoys a variety of sports including trail running, soccer, and horseback riding.
Education: Robert graduated from Regis University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011. He completed the Orthopedic Residency Program the following year in 2012. He received an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) and is a Board Certified Direct Access Provider. In 2018-2019, he completed a Foot/Ankle Fellowship and has expertise with the whole lower extremity.
He has been to both Ethiopia and Kenya as part of PT related services and continues to support these programs wholeheartedly. He enjoys being a mentor and teacher for TJC’s residency/fellowship programs. He teaches 4 classes, integrates 3D camera running technology for runners, certified in trigger point dry needling, and prescribes custom orthotics when appropriate. He is a member of the APTA and AOFAS as professional organizations. This allows excellent resources to related treatments and services in Physical Therapy.
Specialties: Robert has an OCS and is a Fellow that specializes in foot/ankle. He has developed specialties with treating orthopedic foot surgeries, neural pathologies, orthotic prescription, runners, and other lower extremity conditions. He has interest in injury prevention and can include ergonomics, healthy living (nutrition/exercise), and wellness.
Fun Facts: Robert has competed in multiple sports from soccer to gymnastics all the way through college. He grew up in Colorado and is an avid Broncos fan!!
Education: Kristen graduated from the University of Vermont with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and also received her Bachelor of Science, Biology from Gettysburg College. She completed the Jackson Clinics Orthopedic Residency program in 2014. She is a Board Certified Direct Access provider and a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.
Specialties: Kristen has a special interest in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. She has experience rehabilitating collegiate athletes with sports-related injuries and post-surgical conditions. She also has experience in research and participated in a project using diagnostic ultrasound imaging to assess trunk musculature to try to predict those patients with low back pain who would benefit from a stabilization program (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23228626). She has a particular interest in lower extremity conditions including the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. She also specializes in trigger point dry needling, which is the insertion of needles into trigger points in muscles to help accelerate the return to function.
Fun Facts: Kristen spends most of her free time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly running and hiking. She also loves to travel.
Education: Phil graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December 2021. He completed his undergraduate work at The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an honors focus in Movement Science. He is a graduate of the Sports Residency Program (2024) and is a current faculty member/mentor for the Sports Residency Program.
Specialties: Phil is a board-certified Sports Physical Therapist particularly interested in working with youth athletes dealing with lower extremity sports injuries with a specialty interest in post-operative ACL reconstruction rehabilitation and sports related concussion management. He works closely with the local youth soccer organizations, especially Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS), for rehabilitation and sports performance needs. He is the current sports-related concussion program director dedicated to increasing access and education for athletes and providers within the sports residency who may encounter sports-related concussions.
Fun Facts: Phil is an avid sports goer with a collegiate-level background in cross country running but can be found playing pick-up basketball at the OneLife Fitness. He currently participates competitively in Obstacle Course Racing. He is an avid supporter of Penn State and Pitt Football and basketball as well as Leicester City F.C and the New York Liberty.
Education: Stephen graduated from University of Pittsburgh with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December 2021. He received a graduate certificate in rehabilitation science and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from George Mason University prior.
Specialties: Stephen has a strong interest and background in orthopedic injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, sports related injuries and return to sport rehabilitation. Stephen worked as a strength and conditioning coach for athletes prior to attending physical therapy school and maintains his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Fun Facts: Stephen played basketball locally at Robinson High School and with the Fairfax Stars AAU organization. Stephen continues to love playing hoops as well as weightlifting, hiking, kayaking, and any outdoor activities. He also enjoys rooting for the local Washington professional sports teams as well as his two alma maters, University of Pittsburgh and George Mason University.
Education: Megan graduated from Shenandoah University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in August 2019. She completed her undergraduate work at University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Megan has been a member of the APTA since 2016.
Specialties:Megan has a strong interest and background in orthopedic and sports injuries, as well as post-operative rehabilitation. As a former D3 lacrosse player, Megan has a strong interest in working with athletes of any form. She is currently studying to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist to better serve her patient’s needs.
Fun Facts: Megan played D3 college lacrosse for two years. She loves to remain active in her free time whether that be lifting weights or going for hikes outdoors. Megan loves watching sports, especially hockey (Go Caps!).
Education: Pathik graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in December 2017. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Virginia with a degree in Kinesiology. He has been a member of the APTA since 2015.
Specialties: Pathik has a strong interest in orthopedic and sport specific injuries, as well as post-operative rehabilitation. With a background in soccer and running, he enjoys working with individuals looking to return to sport, as well as other activities that individuals enjoy performing.
Fun Facts: Pathik likes spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being active by spending time outdoors and playing sports. He also likes watching soccer.
Education: Jacob graduated from the University of Delaware with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in December 2021. He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science in 2019. Jacob has been a member of the APTA since 2019.
Specialties: Jacob has a strong background in strength and conditioning and is primarily interested in orthopedic injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA, and has experience working with youth soccer and volleyball, as well as one on one training for active adults.
Fun Facts: Jacob has been involved in sports since he was a child, including soccer, basketball, track and golf. Outside of sports and treating patients, he also enjoys cooking, hiking and fishing. He is currently working on climbing each of the highest points in all 50 states.
Education: Dr. John earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota in 2018. Prior to that, he pursued an Advanced Master’s in Orthopedic Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac College (now Quinnipiac University) in Connecticut in 1996. His journey in physiotherapy began with a Bachelor’s degree from Hogeschool Midden Nederland (Central Netherlands Polytechnic, The Netherlands) in 1993. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, a Board Certified Direct Access Provider, and a Certified Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association.
Specialties: With over 30 years of experience, John has a profound interest in various orthopedic areas. His expertise extends to treating a diverse range of post-operative, traumatic, overuse, and sports injuries. He has honed his skills in spinal manipulation and dry needling through various institutions. John holds certifications in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT) and Dry Needling (Cert. DN) from the Spinal Manipulation Institute & Dry Needling Institute, both under the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT). His commitment to advancing his knowledge recently led him to complete his Diploma Osteopractic® through the AAMT, a comprehensive post-graduate training program in the use of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation, dry needling, instrument-assisted manual therapies, and differential diagnostics for neuromusculoskeletal condition management. After completing training in dry needling under ultrasound guidance, He is currently pursuing certification as a Registered in Musculoskeletal® (MSK®) sonographer.
Fun Facts: John used to compete and teach ballroom and Latin dance, even owned, and operated a dance studio at one point. He holds a private pilot certificate, and on weekends can be found flying his Mooney to various airfields in search of the perfect hamburger.