Knee Surgery Recovery to Backpacking the Grand Canyon It all started with a sharp intense pain on the right knee directly after a slip on a muddy surface under the bridge of Braddock Road in Springfield, VA. For those that are familiar with this area the rain causes the mud erosion to build directly under this bridge. So later in pain I went to the orthopedics office that after MRI's and X-rays diagnoses me with Arthroscopy of the knee (torn Cartilage). We scheduled my surgical appointment for mid January with much hesitation because my wife and I had already made reservations on a three day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. My orthopedic medical doctor assured me with the proper physical therapy from ACE Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine I could hike on this trip even with the strenuous steep elevation changes. The surgery went smoothly and immediately I was in ACE physical therapy for three days per week. All of the therapist were very understanding and respected my goal of this large looming trek ahead of me. ACE succeeded in getting my knee repaired with total confidence. Even carrying an extra weight because of the lack of water within the canyon (total 42 lbs) for 20 miles my wife and I enjoyed this venture down to the lower canyon and back up again. My wife and I both thank you for your sincere integrity and ACE's physical therapy team's knowledge and skills for making this hiking trip enjoyable and successful (we have plenty of pictures too). You and your team are amazing and today I am still backpacking but now on the Appalachian Trail. Eagle Trail Dancer AKA Jim Ward read more

I rarely give 5-star ratings, but Dr. Tonya Mitchell and the staff at ACE /PTSMI in Herndon/Reston are amazing! It is so rare to find health care providers like these, and I heartily recommend them. All told, I visited the office in Herndon about twice/week for nearly 8 months from late 2015 - mid 2016. After a very short time, Tonya was able to pinpoint the source of a problem that had bothered me for 10 years - and that variety of physicians had been unable to identify. Based on her guidance, I was able to find the right doctor to treat my problem, and then recover from surgery under her care. Tonya tailors a program to each person, considering their input and feedback as she does so. Though one of her students or assistants might be the primary therapist working with a patient on any given day, Tonya continues observing every patient and providing her guidance when needed. I know that many people find physical therapy so unpleasant that they do not complete the prescribed number of sessions, but it is hard to imagine why anyone would make that choice when being treated at ACE Herndon. Tonya has created an atmosphere where people can find excellent care in a warm, friendly and fun environment. Her kindness and sense of humor are infectious, and the staff and patients alike enjoy being there. Having completed my treatment, I will miss going there! Fortunately, I know that whenever I walk in that door again, I will be welcomed like a returning friend, whether there for treatment or just to say hello. read more

I'm finishing up at the Clarendon location and couldn't recommend the location enough. I had lost strength in my left chest/shoulder, wasn't sure, but couldn't do my normal weights at the gym, and couldn't even do a push-up without my left arm failing. The PT was fantastic - patient with my frustration, and persistent in working to figure it out (when other docs couldn't), and he did. Now several weeks later I'm nearly back up to full strength, and with the addition of learning a lot more about some of the weaknesses in my form that I need to adjust while at the gym. I'm not only "fixed" but better educated for the future too. I've noted some complaints about "being left on your own" - I would counter that I actually like that they expect you to take on the responsibility for your recovery and part of that is getting to know the exercises you need to do and doing them when you come into the facility. They're always watching to make sure that you're doing them correctly, and will answer any questions you have, but they're not hand-holding telling you every little thing to do. In the end, if you want to be responsible for your body, both as you heal and in the future, the best way to do that is to learn about your body and what you need to do. I prefer this approach because it will serve me in the long run. read more

After a severely sprained ankle and the inability to apply any weight to my right foot after the sprain for nearly 2 months, I was extremely apprehensive at the thought of physical therapy. However; I was more than delighted after my first session at Ace. I was not only impressed by the staff's professionalism, and long-term experience, but their ability to combine it with a personable and enthusiastic environment helped seal the deal! The entire staff at Ace is very friendly, fun and energetic, a true pleasure to be around. They make PT something I look forward to as opposed to dreading any painful torture and when it comes to the actual rehabilitation, they are very tentative to my threshold and do not force me beyond what I can take. Although they encourage I apply myself to the fullest, to obtain the best results, they are very considerate! I could go on about Ace, so much so I would consider a career change because the staff really represents a team that is fully vested in its patients and cares about what they do. I would refer anyone to this practice! read more

Every now and then you come across a person or a business/organization that really stops you in your tracks and you realize that this person or place is special and that they set the standard for excellence. I happen to come across ACE-PT just by pure luck. I live in Reston and was looking for a conveniently located physical therapist for my son who was experiencing issues with his arm from playing baseball. Earlier in the year, I went to a physical therapist for a bad elbow and decided to take my doctor's suggestion to go to physical therapy. I bring this up because by going to this other organization for my treatment and then experiencing the treatment my son received from Tonya Mitchell,DPT, ATC I was able to see the difference. Tonya is very gifted, skilled and has an incredible attention to detail. I am beyond impressed! She is the best!! My family will never go anywhere else. read more

I came to ACE for therapy after having an accident that left me with aches and stiffness on my shoulder and neck. The process of getting me started was very smooth and professional - kudos to Samantha. Within a few sessions, I could immediately feel a vast improvement. By the time I was discharged, I was back to my healthy painless self. Tonya is exceptional at everything she does during the sessions. She never rushes, paying full attention to whomever is being attended to with her magic hands. There's a certain beauty to watching someone who refuses to cheat her craft, especially in these times when everyone chooses the short-cut to everything. Also, there's a warmth and homeliness to the ACE office in Herndon that I doubt can be recreated elsewhere. If I ever need physical therapy in the future, I'll definitely be back. Shout out to Rishav and the helpful interns. read more

Ace (Herndon Location) is absolutely the best place to get your PT. Tonya and her team are excellent at what they do. I went to Tonya after having arthroscopic knee surgery and she immediately got to work getting my range of motion back. Her team is knowledgeable and work like a well oiled machine. Given the amount of clients that attend this office on a daily basis, you would assume that they would get backed up and you would simply be another number but they take time to know the people they are helping. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone who is currently dealing with an issue or post-operation to go see the ACE team in Herndon. I still stop through the location just to say hello when I am on that side of town because they are just good people. For all my PT needs, I will continue to go to ACE as I can trust Tonya's opinion and judgement. read more

I can't say enough good things about Tonya Mitchell at the ACE Herndon location. My 14 year old son has a difficult to treat hamstring injury and has been receiving treatment from Tonya. She has educated him about the muscles, motivated him to do the work at home, and has encouraged him to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Her background in athletic training and her interest in sports allow her to easily relate to my son. But she has an excellent relationship with all of her patients, regardless of age. She is extremely knowledgeable, encouraging and positive. The atmosphere in the office is also very friendly, and Sam at the front desk couldn't be more helpful when it comes to dealing with frustrating insurance issues. We have never had a problem getting an appointment. I highly recommend the Herndon office of ACE Physical Therapy! read more

Being a returning patient of ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, I can assure you that their Therapy Staff really know their stuff. I saw them last for rehab after my knee surgery. Three days into the rehab, my calf was extremely swollen, felt tight and painful. My Physical therapist suspected that I had a blood clot. She called my doctor and sent me to the Emergency room right away. They did ultrasound and found the blood clot. My surgeon told me that I could have died if the blood clot was not diagnosed in time. So you know why I can trust them with my life! A week later I was able to resume my physical therapy and now I am back to playing golf. All my family, friends and co workers go to ACE. Highly recommend them. read more

Dr. Toyna Mitchell at ACE Physical Therapy I never thought so much could be accomplished in so little time. When I left, I felt years younger, much stronger, more relaxed, and the issues I had are now in the past. She made a major difference in how I feel and what I can do, and I will be forever grateful. Exceptional physical therapist!! I have searched high and low; and doctors like her are hard to find. My physical therapy sessions were relaxed, focused, structured, and supportive. She was always monitoring my progress, adjusting my routine, and answering my questions with interest and respect. She knows her patients and she knows what her patients need. And that may be the key to why she gets results. read more

Ace Physical Therapy and Tonya Mitchell are fabulous! My Mom had knee replacement surgery in her 80's and a friend recommended Tonya for PT. We could not be happier. Tonya and her staff are friendly,knowledgeable, and accommodating. We can always get an appointment, and they are always smiling and friendly there! And best of all - they know what they are doing! Tonya knows how to motivate her patients, she is a very dedicated therapist. We had some real concerns with Mom having knee replacement at her age, but Tonya got her back on her feet and feeling great in no time. We cannot recommend ACE and Tonya highly enough! read more

I have been a patient for over a year. PT is a lot of hard work and there may be a touch of pain involved, but I couldn't think of a place I would rather have gone. The staff is amazing - their knowledge, the ability see what you are doing (and correct as necessary), the exercises to help you get better, the "love" on the table for stretching, and the good nature attitude of all. It feels like family and that goes for all that work there. And I saw my share of therapists to judge them. I would not hesitate to go there again if the need arises. read more

I went to ACE physical therapy in Herndon to see Dr. Tonya Mitchell with some major lower back pain. The pain was so bad I couldn't stand straight, after 4 weeks going 3 times a week, I'm almost 100%. She understands pain and pain management. The staff at the Herndon office is AWESOME as well, specifically Sam! Both are very helpful and keep you on track. They are super flexible with appointments. If it wasn't for both of them, I'd still be in pain. I would recommend to anybody in need of physical therapy. Thanks to the both of you! read more

Honestly, I was dreading PT - I'd had it once, years ago, for a leg injury and it was ok, but not great. The team at ACE rocked me with their professionalism and compassion from my first visit. These people are not there to fix you, as they will gladly tell you. They are there to help you reach your goals. They listen, they advise, they work with you patiently. I left every session feeling good about myself. Thank you Tonya, thank you Junior and, yes, thank you Mike! I'm better every single day thanks to you all! read more

I had Acromioplasty on my left shoulder 5 months ago. I did physical therapy for 2 month post op but I had this pinching sharp pain that wouldn't go away. Ever since I started my PT at Ace with Dr. Tonya things got a lot better. The pain is now minimal I can lift my shoulder and do over head activity. My shoulder feels much stronger. Dr. Tonya is extremely professional and skilled not to mention very friendly. Everyone there is just extremely nice, helpful, professional and knowledgable. Such a dedicated team. read more

I went to ACE with a hamstring injury. This was my second hamstring injury in two years. I needed professional help. I did some research and found ACE. It was a great choice. They were very knowledgeable and fair. They leveled with me and gave me a great workout plan that got me back to Ultimate Frisbee quickly. I now have the tools and the game plan to keep my body healthier. I enjoyed every minute and loved how they pushed me to get better as quick as possible. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Ace has always taken excellent care of me. Whenever I go they are always nice and welcoming and always with smiling faces. Very laid back environment with specialists who care about your well being and overall success in rehabilitation. Tonya continues to look for new ways to solve issues while being conscious of how the individual receives that treatment. The team at ACE as a whole are knowledgeable of their job and work like a well oiled machine. #TeamWork = #DreamWork read more

Tonya and her staff are amazing. We are a very active family and we have been patients there through our related sports injuries. We've had neck, back, torn meniscuses, torm ACLs, knee sprains, feet stress fractures, heel injuries, etc. We've been Tonya's patients for about 10 years now and wouldn't consider being treated anywhere else. Great treatment and knowledge and a warm atmosphere. Plus, best of all--we always recover to resume our activities. Tracy & Family read more

I came to Dr Tonya Mitchell with a regularly inflamed sprain in my lower back. After 4 weeks of therapy, I was able to shovel copious amounts of snow without any pain or stiffness. This is a small miracle for me! She helped me meet my goal of strengthening my back and has given me a home exercise routine to maintain that strength. She is delightful to work with, has a friendly staff and is very knowledgable about health/anatomy/wellness. Don't hesitate to meet with her. read more