What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is curved toward either the right or left side. Thus, the upper back seems to be rounded, the lower back appears to curve inward (swayback), and one shoulder and/or hip looks higher than the other. Prevalence and Demographics About 80% of scoliosis cases occur […]
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Pain Relief If you have suffered from acute or chronic pain—including tendinitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or recurrent back pain—you may have been treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This frequently used treatment is widely considered safe for many conditions. In fact, you may have even seen inexpensive units […]
Low back pain is common and can result from overuse, muscle strain or injury. It is one of the leading causes of job-related disability and missed work in the United States and is considered chronic when it lasts for more than 12 weeks. Dealing with low back pain can be frustrating, but there are plenty […]
Aquatic Physical Therapy for Back Pain Aquatic physical therapy offers a unique and effective approach to treating back pain. Utilizing the supportive and low-impact properties of water, this therapy provides an ideal environment for rehabilitation. At The Jackson Clinics, we specialize in designing aquatic therapy programs that target back pain, helping patients regain strength and […]
Understanding Spondylolysis What is Spondylolysis? Five is an unlucky number for many people with spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-LYE-sis) because this condition—a weakness or stress fracture of a spinal bone—is most often found near the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back. It may, however, occur in other lumbar vertebrae, as well as in the chest area. Spondylolysis […]
Whether scratch golfers or weekend duffers, most players want to improve their game and lower their score. But maximizing your golf game means more than just practicing regularly. By increasing your fitness, you can play with confidence and success. Your golf game depends on balance and stabilization, endurance, strength and power, and flexibility and coordination. […]
Microdiscectomy, a common form of lower back surgery, is used to treat leg pain caused by disc herniation. Because it uses a smaller incision, microdiscectomy is far less invasive and causes far less trauma to underlying tissues than its alternative, laminectomy. Because the mechanical structure of the lower spine remains unchanged, the recovery period after […]
After the common cold, the most common reason Americans miss work is back pain. Unfortunately, once you have experienced back strain or injury, it can easily become a recurring problem. Many cases of back strain are due to the way we live—sitting at desks all day, hunched over a computer, with little physical activity. Unless […]
Back pain can put a severe crimp in your daily activities. One cause of such pain is a herniated disc, also called a slipped or ruptured disc. A common condition of the lower back that seldom requires surgery, herniated discs are most common in women and men aged 30 to 50 years, although they also […]
After the common cold, lower back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor. Although lower back pain is easy to recognize, its causes are many, varied and often unclear. Thus, one of the greatest challenges facing physical therapists is to match the suspected cause of the pain with the best […]
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.