Business Details
Expert Physical Therapy for Active Individuals in Washington, DC
District Performance & Physio was founded on the principle that physical therapy should empower active individuals to maintain their lifestyles rather than restrict them. Our team of expert physical therapists specializes in movement-based care, addressing root causes of pain and injury while preserving patients' ability to engage in their preferred activities. With extensive experience treating athletes, runners, CrossFit enthusiasts, and individuals with chronic pain, we combine evidence-based treatments like dry needling, mobility training, and strength conditioning with personalized coaching.Our approach emphasizes one-on-one care, eliminating generic treatments in favor of customized plans that integrate patients' specific goals. Recognized as the top-rated physical therapy practice in the DMV area, we maintain partnerships with local gyms and sports organizations while continuously refining our methodologies through clinical expertise and patient feedback. Our therapists' own athletic backgrounds inform their understanding of performance demands, ensuring treatment plans maintain both functionality and enjoyment of physical activity.
Services
CrossFit Athlete Physical Therapy
Runner's Physical Therapy
Back & Spine Pain Treatment
Women's Health Physical Therapy
Men's Pelvic Health Therapy
Highlights and features
- We never advise patients to stop their activities permanently
- Our therapists have athletic backgrounds and certifications
- Customized treatment plans address root causes of pain
- Movement-based approach preserves active lifestyles during recovery
- Recognized as DC's top-rated physical therapy practice
What people say
Back to activities
No rest advice
Expert team
Customized plans
Movement focus
Services
CrossFit Athlete Physical Therapy
Specialized care for CrossFit athletes combines injury treatment with performance maintenance. Our therapists use movement pattern analysis to identify biomechanical issues while implementing strength conditioning and mobility work that allows continued training. Treatment includes sport-specific modifications and coaching to maintain gym participation during recovery. This approach helps athletes return to competition stronger through targeted rehabilitation protocols developed from working with hundreds of CrossFit participants.
Runner's Physical Therapy
Running injury treatment focuses on biomechanical analysis and gait correction. Our specialists address common issues like knee pain and plantar fasciitis while maintaining training schedules. Through running technique assessment and customized strength programs, we help runners of all levels recover while preserving fitness. As official physical therapy providers for the Georgetown Running Club, we implement evidence-based protocols that address both immediate injuries and long-term performance factors.
Women's Health Physical Therapy
Specialized pelvic health treatment addresses conditions like incontinence and diastasis recti while maintaining active lifestyles. Our therapists provide comprehensive assessments identifying movement pattern contributions to pelvic floor dysfunction. Treatment combines manual therapy with functional exercise programs that maintain physical activity participation. This approach helps women return to exercise programs while resolving pelvic health concerns through individualized care plans developed by specialists with obstetric and postpartum expertise.
Back & Spine Pain Treatment
Comprehensive spinal care addresses disc issues, sciatica, and chronic back pain through movement-based rehabilitation. Our assessment process identifies contributing factors from hips, knees, and feet while developing functional strength programs. Treatment combines manual therapy with movement retraining to restore spinal mobility while maintaining activity levels. This approach helps patients avoid surgical interventions through progressive loading protocols and posture re-education tailored to individual needs.
Men's Pelvic Health Therapy
Specialized treatment for male pelvic health conditions addresses incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Our therapists use comprehensive movement assessments to identify contributing biomechanical factors while developing functional exercise programs. Treatment combines manual therapy with neuromuscular re-education to restore normal pelvic floor function. This approach maintains patients' active lifestyles through activity modifications that support recovery while addressing chronic conditions often overlooked in traditional care settings.
People
Jesse Lewis
Founder
Jesse Lewis, DPT, OCS, CSCS, founded District Performance & Physio to create a physical therapy practice that keeps active people moving. As a former competitive athlete and certified strength coach, he developed the clinic's movement-based approach that focuses on maintaining activity during recovery. While no longer treating patients directly, he continues to shape the clinic's methodologies and team development.
Ashlee Kim
Clinic Manager
Ashlee Kim, DPT, specializes in pelvic floor therapy, vertigo treatment, and post-concussion rehabilitation. A competitive Olympic weightlifter, she brings personal athletic experience to her clinical practice while managing the Navy Yard clinic location. Her treatment approach integrates manual therapy with functional movement training to maintain patients' active lifestyles during recovery.
Nicki Ferramosca
Physical Therapist
Nicki Ferramosca, MSPT, CSCS, combines collegiate sports experience with clinical expertise in golf rehabilitation. Certified by the Titleist Performance Institute, she treats athletes using manual therapy, dry needling, and neuromuscular re-education techniques. Her background as a soccer and rugby player informs her approach to sports-related injuries while maintaining patients' training participation.
Ariella Pohl Bickell
Physical Therapist
Ariella Pohl Bickell, DPT, specializes in pelvic floor health and works with runners and weightlifters. A marathon runner herself, she understands athletic demands while treating postpartum and pelvic health conditions. Her approach combines pelvic floor therapy with movement pattern correction to maintain patients' active participation in sports and fitness activities.
Emily Blum
Physical Therapist
Emily Blum, DPT, OCS, specializes in pelvic health and sports rehabilitation. Her experience as a competitive dancer informs her treatment of performance-related injuries while addressing chronic pain conditions. Certified in orthopedic clinical specialization, she develops individualized plans that maintain patients' activity levels through progressive loading and movement retraining techniques.
Questions
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?
No referral is required. Our physical therapists can assess and treat your condition directly.
Can you help non-athletes or less active individuals?
We treat all activity levels, helping patients maintain or achieve their desired lifestyle.
What happens during the first physical therapy visit?
Your first session includes a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, and immediate therapy implementation.
How do you differ from traditional physical therapy clinics?
We focus on maintaining activity through personalized care rather than generic treatments with hot packs and minimal therapist interaction.
Why use performance physical therapists?
Our specialists prioritize functional movement and goal-oriented treatment over passive modalities, ensuring care aligns with your lifestyle.
