If there were more stars to offer, I would give this place 10!! This clinic has been voted Best of DC five years in a row for a reason. Their staff is incredible--each member has a specific expertise listed on their website, so if you need someone for a particular injury or chronic issue, you'll find the right fit. They stay ahead by attending conferences and keeping up with the latest updates in medicine, ensuring top quality care. I've seen almost every provider here, and they all excel. From shockwave technology to lasers to amazing manual skills like dry needling, they offer all types of treatments. When I was training for my first marathon, I wouldn't have made it without them. They pinpointed the source of my hip pain and helped me complete my marathon pain free. I used to think PT was only for post-surgery recovery or disabilities, but I've learned that living with pain while chasing a goal--like running a marathon--can be prevented with the right physical therapy. read more

Deborah is a miracle worker. She finds all the right spots and it's a joy to chat with her while she works her magic. I had instant relief with some long term low back pain. 10/10 recommend. read more

Cari is AMAZING! My upper back/shoulder pain and discomfort of almost 30 years was HEALED with her expert dry needling skills! My one giant knot that existed, nested deep beneath my left shoulder blade would flare up and down over the years -- it had become what I thought a permanent fixture and I wholly accepted *him* as part of my aging body. XD But after a few sessions and ongoing work across my back, Cari inserted the needle into it once again - and this one day, POOF! I felt it POP! And really felt this explosive sensation and then an incredible RELEASE as it melted away! It took some time after that session to fully heal, but it's practically gone now. Truly an amazing experience!! THANK YOU, Cari!! read more

Cari is amazing - hands down the best physical therapist I've been to. I was having horrible back/abdominal pains, visited several physicians and couldn't determine where the pains were originating. Cari was able to figure it out and after just a few sessions put Humpty Dumpty back together, again. Cari and her team find the root cause of the issue and not just treat symptoms. I visited Cari when she was previously located at Equinox in Georgetown and her new location is GORGEOUS. Park on street or garage next door. It looks sleek, professional and modern. Definitely not your traditional lame PT center with dated machines and therapists whom leave you to monitor your own exercises. I also appreciate that Cari's team is comprised of highly intelligent, bad ass women who know their field. Always has state of the art technology combined with hands on techniques. Cari was the first person whom I could trust to dry needle me. Iykyk. If you're in need of a massage, Caitlin is a petite but mighty masseuse who helps me release not only regular stress but also muscle that hadn't been released in years. I can't sing praises high enough for Release. I refer everyone I know. read more

Chronic pain can seem like there is no end. When it comes to care and recommendations for your health, I am sure you are skeptical. I was the same way. I am grateful I was recommended to Cari and her team. one of their skills listed was "listening." Although that should seem obvious, at my previous PTs it was not. I instantly felt understood by Trevor. Their goal instantly became the same as mine: to move forward with a pain free life. Their proven techniques led me to feel the best I ever have since August 2022! I truly thought it wasn't possible to enjoy my life before having tendinitis. If you're tired of seeing different specialists with no results... try this next and I guarantee you won't have to look any further! I have recommended to everyone I know, because I truly believe in them!!! Dry needling has completely shifted my mindset. Thank you release therapy! read more

I saw Ethan after I re-aggravated an old injury and needed help quick. When I arrived at the location I was impressed with how nice it was, the desk attendant quickly brought me to Ethan who met me with a very handsome warm smile. Ethan was very creative in providing multiple different techniques to address my pain and I was impressed with his knowledge and strengths. Will absolutely return to see this handsome man! read more

I've been going to Release Physical Therapy for 13 years. The reason--because they are the best. The owner, Cari Simon and her team of PTs are true miracle workers. They have gotten me through some difficult issues with my hips, legs and a recent foot surgery. Unlike other physical therapy places you receive one-on-one treatment for a full 55 minutes. It's the only way your pain issues can be tackled. They also provide you with honest and professional assessments. Every therapist has advanced training and really knows their stuff. Their most recent hire Deborah has been very effective helping me with a long and troublesome knee issue. I can't say enough good things about Release Physical Therapy. read more

I have been going to Carrie for alMost a year. She is amazing. I was in deep lower back pain when I started. I couldn't even fly anymore. She has helped me so much through therapeutic massages stretches and exercises. She does needling on me too- really works! I am a very sporty person. I exercise a lot and thanks to her I can keep going! read more

As a personal trainer, I send my clients to Release Physical therapy and go to them for my injuries too. No matter the damage, Release always has my client or me back in the gym pain-free immediately. As someone in the health and wellness field, I have worked with many therapists who talk to you for a few minutes and give you some generic exercises to try at home on your own, and you never see any real improvement. It has been the opposite experience with Release therapy. They are hands-on and address the injury right away. I strongly recommend Release Physical therapy! read more

Cari's skill level and the skill of the team at Release PT are above and beyond anything I have experienced and I have done a lot of PT. I was dealing with a difficult and persistent neck/back issue. Within 3 months, Cari has found the triggers and cleared up my alignment problems so that I'm no longer scared to exercise or carry things. She is truly a professional that understands the human body and the triggers and listens to you to understand what is happening. The payment for the practice is done out-of-pocket and then reimbursed by your insurance. If you're thinking about going to regain your ability to enjoy life, do it. It was well and truly worth it. read more

I clicked on an ad in Instagram early one morning mom my midback was in pain that kept me from sleeping. The ad for release looked really promising. After about eight sessions, I can attest that the therapist has really exceeded my expectations and the pain from hunching over my laptop has finally abated. I am so glad to have found good help. The place runs like clockwork and is very clean too. read more

Release PT is fabulous! I've been seeing Stephanie Lam for several years. I initially went to this practice because of their use of the k laser technology l, but I found the most talented physical therapist in the city! Steph's treatment and strengthening guidance has helped me maintain a level of strength beyond what I thought possible. She literally keeps me running. She's methodical in her approach, and her attention to detail is unmatched. I am always amazed how she can remember exactly "what worked last time" for me when she has so many patients. I've seen all the therapists at Release over the years, and they are all incredible to be honest. If I can't get in when Steph, I know I'll get wonderful treatment from any of the other PT's! I can't recommend this practice enough! read more

Release Physical Therapy Washington DC was amazing. I am in DC for just two weeks and was able to get an appointment quickly for some tissue work on my hip flexor. Ethan was very knowledgeable in body mechanics, pain management and how pain travels. He started off by stretching, then did some massage and needling that GREATLY reduced the pain I was experiencing. I feel better now about going ahead with my normal yoga and workout routine. The facility is clean, modern and comfortable, and the front desk staff were very pleasant and personable. I highly recommend for pain relief and learning more about how to cater to your problem areas. I will definitely be asking for Ethan next time I am in DC! Thanks so much! read more

Cari has changed my life!! I came to her for help with my hip pain. At the time I could hardly walk and my Ortho dr and physical therapy said they couldn't help more. Cari immediately worked with my hip and got me walking without a limp. Her knowledge of joints is phenomenal! It only took her one visit to reduce my pain. Afterwards, she has worked with me to keep my joints healthy. She has also connected to the best Orthopedic Drs to review my history. It has turned my life around. I can walk freely, less pain and less worry. read more

The most phenomenal, exceptional, and effective physical therapy (therapist's) I have ever come across or experienced. I found them by accident just searching for a new PT place. I went in and saw Ethan and after the first visit, the pain I had suffered with for 10 months was GONE! He zeroed in on the exact location/reason and worked it out. SUPER! No one has done that, ever! No silly exercises for months with no relief. I later went in and happened to run into Dr Cari Simon the owner and she took a look at my issue and did some very cool things that have been amazing for pain relief and fixing the problem. They have all been really exceptional and like no other PT place I have ever been to. EFFECTIVE! They find the root of the problem and target it. After so many other PT places and never seeing any result/relief, this was instant relief after Release PT. I never write reviews, but this was a must. Don't go anywhere else! read more

I can't say enough for this practice, and especially for therapist Danielle Clare, who is both a highly skilled professional and an empathetic person who listens to her patients and cares about them. That's a rare combination. She has significantly eased the pain of my lingering shoulder injury and helped me choose the best course of action to resolve it over time. You will be treated as an individual at Release, unlike at some larger practices I have experienced. read more

I found Release in September 2019 in the midst of what I can only describe as a lower back pain crisis. My lower back had been hurting for about 3-4 months and not much seemed to relieve it. I tried 2 chiropractors and those didn't really help. I was at a point where I couldn't even sit properly at my desk job because of the pain, and I was taking 4-6 ibuprofen per day. I started seeing Bettie at Release and began to experience my first pain-free days in months. Bettie listened to me and developed a plan suited to my issues with frequent check-ins to measure my progress. At Release, I've always had an hour devoted to me based on what I'm feeling that week. I love the variety of treatments Release makes available: dry needling, cupping, deep tissue massage, laser, etc. I've recommended Release and Bettie, in particular, to several friends and colleagues, and many of them have gone to see Bettie and are doing much better. At Release, you get much more one-on-one attention. I think that was key to making progress for me. Bettie also introduced me to dry needling, which has been life changing for me, and helped me control the pain and manage it long term. read more

The best in the business! My hair colorist at Ian McCabe studio recommenced Dr. Cari and her team. The only thing I can say is they are short of a miracle. Even when I'm in the worst pain after a visit with Release I am relieved and sometimes even smiling. This is not a hocus pocus practice or a PT who simply has you doing exercises your entire visit. They are doing hands on manipulation, needling, laser and more at every appointment. These ladies do not phone it in! I have gone to everyone in the practice and not only are they incredible, but also genuinely kind and funny people. Once Dr. Stephanie lent me a pair of crutches when I was having major knee issues. These girls are life savers! A complete class act! They even submit to your health insurance so you don't have to do the extra work. Hands down best PT practice in the DMV area. read more

Release has great therapists. I've been seeing Danielle off and on fo a couple of years. She's always done a great job. The dry needle technique I has been very effective. Takes a lot of trust to let someone do that to you. read more

I've been seeing Danielle for four years, and I always joke that neither of us can leave DC because I don't know what I'd do without her. She's great at manual muscle release/ART as well as creating exercise routines to help you get back to where you want to be with a focus on form to keep you from reinjuring yourself. Thanks, Danielle! read more

Best physical therapy studio I've been to! I completed rehab for my shoulder in the spring somewhere else, and it was useless. Danielle at Release Physical Therapy is finally getting me get some relief by releasing tight and painful muscles and helping me improve my posture and strengthen the muscles I need to, for a better quality of life and improved sports performance. Love this place! read more

Cari Simon is the BEST PT ever. I had a back injury (bulging disc in my lower back) from a misaligned chair and desk and literally thought I'd never be able to walk again. When I first walked into Cari's office, it took me about 10 minutes to walk down a 10 foot hallway. I was up in tears every night because I couldn't even reach down to put on my shoes. Not only did she work on my back with pressure, teach me stretches and do other MAGIC tricks, but MOST importantly, she was available whenever I had a panic attack and would text saying that I could not move. One Saturday afternoon, I literally could not get out of my bed and I texted Cari and she called me back immediately... EVEN THOUGH she was in the middle of packing and moving (aka I would have ignored a patient's call). She put aside her personal life and sat on the phone with me for at least an hour, worked me through stretches over the phone, and helped me stand up again. I honestly don't know what I would have done without her patience, good humor and thorough knowledge of the muscles and spine to heal me! Now, I can walk again and work out and live my normal life, but I miss our sessions, because she was like a friend as much as a life-saver. THANK YOU CARI! If you have any sort of injury, please go to Cari -- she is a miracle worker. Even my orthopedic surgeon commented that EVERY thing Cari told me to do was exactly what he would have done...Also, she had spot-on identified exactly what the MRI subsequently proved to be true. She really knows what she's talking about. I don't think 5 stars is high enough of a rating for someone who took you from being in the worst pain ever and feeling hopelessly like you won't be able to move like a regular person again, to being able to go on vacations, jog and enjoy life! read more

Cari and Danielle are amazing physical therapists.  They have rehabbed my hamstring, adductor and knee injuries. They are both very knowledgeable and attentive. I feel as if they are as invested in my rehab as I am. After going to several doctors and physical therapists who brushed off my pain and concerns, the therapists at Release have been a blessing. read more

Cari is incredible! After two years of lower back pain and numerous therapists, Cari has been the first one to make me feel better. She is professional and extremely knowledgeable in her field. I couldn't recommend her more highly read more

They are phenomenal at Release Physical TheraPy! I had a severely herniated disc and due to their treatments and expertise in stretches and exercise, was back at my normal routine in just a few sessions. Highly recommend! read more

I just had to thank Cari, the amazing physiotherapist who treated me while I was in DC. I had a severe pain in my left arm, so severe that I couldn't even lift up a cup or open a door with my left hand. So first I went to one of the physiotherapists in another reputed centre for physical therapy in DC. He not only could not diagnose my problem, but he actually taught me some exercises that were exactly opposite to what I was supposed to do. I found this out only when I went to see Cari. He also told me that I didn't need to go back to see him, but just to do the exercises on my own. The pain in my left arm increased and I had already been on painkillers for a month. Finally I went to see Cari, and after just the first visit with her my arm improved tremendously and I was able to left up a cup with my left arm! Needless to say I went back for further treatment, and now my left arm is much improved. I would say that she is the very best physiotherapist I have been attended by, and I have seen quite a few. Unlike other physiotherapists who might just give you exercises to do during your treatment, Cari uses her hands to work out the problem, and teaches you exercises that really work for you to do on your own. Not only does Cari really have a gift in figuring out what is your problem and then treating it, she is also a wonderful person who truly cares for her patients. If you need a physiotherapist, I recommend that you see Cari at the earliest opportunity. Don't waste your time or money seeing someone else. I wish I lived in DC so I could see Cari whenever I need to! read more

These ladies are incredible! I personally see Steph and have had great results. Steph is incredibly knowledgeable and has alot of passion for her work and patients. Love her work! read more

After 2 years, I'm still a devotee of Cari's. She helped me through a serious injury and get from a wheelchair, back to full mobility as quick as humanly possible. I was fortunate enough to benefit from a new laser technology she's using called K-Laser, which helps regenerate soft tissue growth. This helped me heal much faster from my injury so I could get walking and back to work. Whatever ails you, she's always got a solution! read more

This person wanted $200 to see her, which is triple what I pay with my other active release therapist. When I said it was more than I could afford out of pocket her reply was "No problem, thanks for calling, bye" and hung up. Clearly she cares a little more about money than trying to help people. read more

Cari Simon is the most conscientious, capable physical therapist! She is highly skilled and goes above and beyond what most physical therapists are willing to do for their patients--e.g., conducting outside research, trying new therapies however costly to her, contacting doctors and physicians about alternative treatments, coming TO doctor's appointments with you to meet your orthopedist or other physical medicine doctor, etc. It's really remarkable. I've never had such personalized care before. I love Cari both as a PT and as a person - she is the best! Go to her! read more

When I went there - I had severe stress in my knees due to an accident. I could not walk. Because of Stephanie's miraculous efforts and no nonsense advice - I am now walking! She used laser technology to treat the area as well. This is the best physical therapy I have received. Having lived in California and here - I have received PT in several places. This place really works miracles. You have to do your part at home. I am so grateful I found them!! read more

Cari changed my life. I won't lie and say that dry needling does not hurt, because I cried my first session, but the instant release you feel from her pulling the needle out and the relaxation you feel after one session is incomparable. The great part of this type of therapy is that it gets easier and less painful per session. Cari had me start with heavy needling following my manual therapy but towards the end of my few months of sessions we would only do needles every once in a blue moon. She helped me changed my posture and even taught me how to work out for my back problems. I've had a herniated disk with chronic back pain for almost 10 years and the relief I felt leaving her sessions I have never felt with another doctor, and I have gone to PLENTY of doctors, specialists, therapists, you name it. I have tried everything from suctions cups, to acupuncture, to personal trainers, to magnet therapy to realign my "energies", to just about anything crazy my mom could find that she thought would help relieve my chronic pain. The improvement in my pain after a session with Cari was instant. She also used to tape me up with kinesiology tape so a session with her was really like 3 to 4 days of constant therapy and attention. Cari also really cares about her patients which is very important to me. She would constantly send me exercises to do at home that she thinks would help me and would give me little gifts like a pillow for your chair to improve posture and. It means a lot to have a doctor who cares about you when you are used to detached doctors who almost treat you like "Specimen A" and not a human. I call her Cari and not Dr. Simon because you honestly feel like she becomes your friend by the end of your treatment. Also, I had a doctor once tell me that I needed to shut my entire jaw shut for my dislocating jaw and Cari immediately improved my lockjaw by massing inside my jaw and outside my jaw. It was like magic. She knows what she is doing and I can tell she has such a passion for it. She is willing to put in the effort and the hours to get you better as soon as possible. She changed my life in a way and I will never be able to thank her enough for that! read more

There are no words strong enough to express the gratitude and commitment that the team at Release has made to my therapy. Monica with her warm and supportive demeanor at the front desk helps with her willingness to help manage schedules and insurance. Cari, the owner of Release is like no other therapist I have ever even known. My ankle surgery was complicated and she came to the surgical appointment to meet the surgeon and witness the evaluation and confer with the doctor. But it's so much more than that! She is as committed to my wellness as I am--perhaps more and makes it her personal goal to create an environment of innovation and care. Her team of Danielle and Steph are both wonderful PTs. They have truly--all of them--kept me sane (they may debate that) and kept me moving. My appreciation knows no bounds! read more

I've been seeing the ladies at Release PT for several years now, off & on. The physical transformation I've undergone with their assistance and treatments has been astounding to say the least. I began dry needle treatment initially to deal with a weak and painful knee after undergoing meniscus surgery. I got amazing results in that location of my body, so naturally I wanted to see what else could be dealt with (15 years of 3 contact sports takes a toll). I soon discovered that dry needle therapy can be performed literally everywhere on the body, and I've been seeing Cari & Danielle to unlock the rest of my body's potential ever since. They've helped release decades worth of pain, trauma, tension that had been stored in my body. Ailments and discomfort that I assumed I'd be coping with for the rest of my life have been removed. Headaches, neck discomfort, range of motion issues, muscular imbalances, locked joints, all being relieved. I'm so thankful to have found these wonderful ladies. I appreciate their professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to help in anyway possible. Whatever the issue is, I truly believe they can help. They are very knowledgeable, communicative throughout each session, eager to explain their treatment processes, and have several innovative treatment methods at their disposal. I cannot thank them enough, and I continue to see them regularly. If you're on the fence as to whether to begin a treatment regiment, take the leap and give them a chance. The best $ I've ever spent. read more

Cari is unbelievably talented at what she does. She fixed an issue I have had with my knees since childhood. In addition to her incredible skills as a physical therapist, she is friendly, warm, and welcoming. I cannot recommend her highly enough and if there was a 10 star rating - she would receive it from me! read more

Ohmygoodness I don't even know where to start. I found Release via yelp after months and months of chronic knee pain and a previous diagnosis and a treatment plan that didn't help me at all. Cari is AMAZING. From the first time meeting her, Cari was determined to get me pain-free and strong enough to do the activities I was used to doing before my knee pain derailed me. When say she goes above and beyond, I truly mean it; everything from going with me to doctor's appointments to texting and checking in to working with me before and after hours. While they are an out-of-network provider for my insurance, I can confidently say that this is the best money I've ever spent and worth every penny. Cari and her team of PT rockstars, Danielle and Steph, have literally gotten me back on my feet! Oh and a special shout-out to Monica at the front desk who is never anything but enthusiastic, warm, and helpful, even when I can never remember when my appointments are :) read more

I agree with all of the postings about how much of a "miracle worker" Dr. Cari Simon is. And I also wanted to add five stars for Dr. Virginia Dula, who also works with Cari. She has a firm hand with her treatment and I've also seen her work individually with athletes to teach them stretches and other movements in order to prevent having them come back a second time. I've gone to Release for trouble with everything from shin splints to back pain, and they are my first go-to instead of trying to lather up with creams like Ben Gay or back-pain heating pads. read more

Virginia is an amazing physical therapist. I have fibromyalgia and have been treated by many PTs, but Virginia is hands down the best. With fibromyalgia, my back pain never really goes away, and I've tried to find solutions for the pain for years. Within the first two weeks, Virginia was able to minimize and help reduce it. Whether it's turning on music to provide a distraction or asking me about my day, she always makes my comfort a priority while still giving me the treatment I need. She's helped me strength train and given me a routine to work on outside of our PT sessions, which have helped so much. Virginia and Cari are both so welcoming, and the environment of Release feels the opposite of clinical, which differs greatly from PT programs I was in before. Besides her expertise, Virginia is just an all-around wonderful person, and I know her number one goal is to always make me feel better, something I think was lacking in PTs I've been to before. I can honestly say the PTs at Release are the best, and I recommend that anyone with pain should go see them! read more