Why We're Different
Ask yourself these questions:
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Are you tired of that nagging ache or pain that is limiting how you move?
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Are you frustrated that you have been told that all you need to do is rest. Or, even worse, that since it hurts that you should just stop doing what you love?
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Do you want to be more active but feel like you’re limited by injury or mobility?
We are just as tired and frustrated as you are at all the bad advice that's out there and that you're not as active as you could be! That’s the District Performance & Physio difference. We were founded on the belief that the answer to an injury shouldn’t be “just rest it.” And it should never be “you can’t go back to doing that anymore.” The true answer is to find out WHY the injury happened in the first place, and get you back to what you were doing—even better than before.
We believe in challenging your expectations of physical therapy to give you an experience and outcome that is better than you imagine. That means we will defy what you think of physical therapy and how it can improve your life. Your experience with us will be different from what you expect from a typical health care visit. You and your physical therapist will work as a team to reach your goals and redefine your perceived limits. Whether you were injured yesterday or have been in consistent pain for years, District Performance & Physio in Washington DC determines the source of your distress, helps it heal, and prevents it from happening again.
If you are a CrossFit athlete, we’ll get you back in the gym and setting a new PR. If you are a runner, we’ll get you on the road, faster than before. If your goal is to start being more active, we’ll guide you there and KEEP you active.
Are You a:
Busy Professional
Who wants to get out of pain or back in the gym but doesn’t have a lot of time to waste with treatments that don’t work or spend an hour of physical therapy exercises every day?
Adult Athlete
Who has a day job, but also wants to stay competitive for your next event or race without being slowed down by nagging injuries?
Crossfit Athlete
Who loves the community and workouts and wants to stay as healthy as possible while also hitting that next PR? You need someone that understands what CrossFit is and don’t want to be told to stop lifting.
Active Gym Member
Who wants to stay fit and active in the gym, pilates studio or yoga studio? You might use exercise as your stress reliever and need to stay as active as possible.
Frustrated Person
Who understands that you shouldn’t have to be limited in what you like to do and that pain doesn’t have to be a part of your everyday life?
Meet The Team
Jesse Lewis, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Jesse Lewis is the founder of District Performance & Physio. He is a physical therapist, coach, and believes that movement and exercise are life. His passion is keeping active people active and healthy. Dr. Lewis’s treatments include a strategic combination of education, exercise, manual therapy, and dry needling. With advanced certifications in both physical therapy and strength and conditioning, he will develop your plan with both a rehabilitation and performance approach.
Nicki Ferramosca, MSPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Nicki Ferramosca brings her passion for movement and healing to District Performance & Physio. Nicki seamlessly blends her experience with a love for an active lifestyle. Former collegiate soccer and rugby player turned therapist, she understands the athlete's journey. Certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), Nicki also specializes in helping golfers across the DMV region. Her holistic approach to physical therapy is reflected in her tailored care, combining manual therapy, Trigger Point Dry Needling, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. Beyond the clinic, you'll find Nicki enjoying Barre, running, HIIT workouts, and embracing new challenges like conquering the tennis court.
Ariella Pohl Bickell, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Ariella Pohl Bickell is more than a physical therapist—she's a dedicated advocate for pelvic floor health. Ariella is one of our pelvic floor physical therapists and loves helping moms throughout their pregnancy and post partum journey as well as helping other people with pelvic floor conditions get back to a life that they truly enjoy. In addition to helping people with pelvic floor issues, Ariella loves helping people overcome other injuries that are preventing them from exercising, running or lifting by helping them get stronger and feel more confident in their body. A marathon runner herself, she intimately understands the physical and emotional aspects of the journey. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and weightlifting, embodying her belief in empowering patients to resume the activities they love.
TJ Janicky, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Physical Therapist
TJ Janicky is not just a clinician but an educator and coach. Board-certified as an orthopedic specialist (OCS) and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), TJ extends his passion beyond the clinic. Teaching musculoskeletal management courses at Bellin College and coaching in a local CrossFit gym, he integrates his physical therapy training and exercise experience into his approach in helping people. TJ is one of our male pelvic floor specialists and has a special interest in helping men and people in the LGBTQ+ community get the care that they need to live an active and enjoyable life. In addition to treating male pelvic floor, he loves helping people get back to exercise of all types, especially CrossFit.
Ashlee Kim, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Clinic Manager of Navy Yard Location
Ashlee Kim, our Navy Yard Location Clinic Manager, brings her personal touch to District Performance & Physio and all of her treatment sessions. Beyond her professional titles, Ashlee identifies as a dog mom, sister, daughter, and an aspiring home baker. A proud alumna of JMU and Duke University, she ventured into physical therapy after two years of non physical therapy work. Ashlee’s subspecialties also include advanced training in pelvic floor, vertigo, dizziness and post concussion syndrome. Currently training for Olympic weightlifting competitions, she definitely understands the challenges her clients face when they are training. When not managing the clinic, Ashlee explores dog parks, works out at the gym, and indulges her love for baking, creating delightful desserts to share with her colleagues and patients.
Emily Blum, PT, DPT,OCS
Physical Therapist
Emily Blum, PT, DPT,OCS was inspired to become a physical therapist through her experiences as a competitive dancer dealing with various injuries and undergoing multiple rounds of physical therapy. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her dedication to helping her patients achieve their goals and celebrate their victories, which is why she went on to get her board certification in Orthopaedics. Emily is also one of our pelvic health specialists. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her fiancé, friends, and family, reading with her two cats, Connor and Carly, running through Meridian Hill Park and the National Mall, and participating in group fitness classes.
Brian Goodwin, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Originally from the Virginia Beach area, Brian is a proud graduate of both Virginia Tech and Shenandoah University. He has specialized training in treating male pelvic floor and is one of our male pelvic floor therapists. In addition to helping weekend warriors, he has obtained certification in golf rehabilitation and loves working with local golfers. His treatment strategy integrates exercise, manual therapy, and education to keep people moving and achieving what drives them in life. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the food/drink scene in DC, working out, spending time outdoors, and going to sporting events.
Tyrone Bryant
Client Success Manager
Tyrone is a local here from the DMV area currently residing here in DC. He loves to travel to see all the wonderful sights the world has to offer and enjoy meeting new people along the way. Tyrone is truly passionate about leaving lasting impressions and experiences as I encounter people looking to stay active. Here at District Performance & Physio I will serve as one of your first points of contact to contribute to your client experience while carrying the helping spirit that we all have here.
Alex Adams
Client Experience Coordinator
As our Client Experience Coordinator, Alex will serve as one of your first points of contact to contribute to your client experience and getting you started on your journey of reaching your health goals. Her main goal is to make sure we are a good fit for you and, if we are, finding the best therapist for your goals. She lives in Takoma Park with her husband, who actually owns a fitness business. Her favorite quote is from Serena Williams - "You have to believe in yourself when no one else does."
Maria Garcia
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Maria, the Administrative Assistant at District Performance & Physio. I'm proud to be a part of a team that's dedicated to helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. In my role, I provide essential support to the team and serve as a point of contact for clients, ensuring that their needs are met and their questions are answered. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, trying out new recipes, and exploring my creative side through various art forms.
Olivia
Official Greeter
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Olivia is our official greeter and strives to make each client visit start off on a paws-itive note! Olivia is the newest member of our team but is already making quite an impression among the DPP family.
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Her life goals include becoming a therapy dog and has been spending a lot of time socializing and getting comfortable with our busy gym environment.
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She brings with her expertise in making just about anyone smile, sitting for treats, collecting sticks, and mid-day naps.
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The answer to an injury shouldn’t be “just rest it.” And it should never be “you can’t go back to doing that anymore.” The true answer is to find out WHY the injury happened in the first place, and get you back to what you were doing—even better than before.
This Free phone consultation with one of our physical therapy experts is something that we offer to people who are nervous or skeptical about physical therapy - unsure of its benefits or if it is right for them. If that sounds like you, then please start with a free phone call so that we can work with you to find out what is wrong and what can be done--- without any risk on your part.