Core and Hilary Granat, the therapist I worked with is fabulous! In June of 2009,I had a total knee replacement that had substantial problems and as a result of the surgery I lost all but 10 degrees of extension in my knee, despite being in physical therapy for over 6 months. I went to Core and Hilary in January of 2010 based on the recommendation of other people where I work, in particular one individual who saw Hilary for an extended period of time after extensive back surgery and recommended her very highly. Within two weeks of working with her, my range of motion almost tripled. I worked with her for four months and at the time I stopped therapy I had recovered almost 90% of my range of motion. In addition to the treatment (pain free!) I received in the office she gave me seemingly simple, but powerfully effective exercises to do at home. While she worked with me she kept track of my progress, asked how I was doing, made recommendations, coached, answered questions and discussed concerns that I had. She also just chatted as she worked on my let which was very pleasant. The whole treatment process was very humane. I can't say enough about Hilary as a medical professional, a physical therapist, and compassionate person. While I was in therapy I had the opportunity to observe the other therapists in the office and my impression iwas that I'd be glad to have any of them help me with a problem. The therapy staff is highly trained and credentialed and they keep up with their professional development. The whole staff is cordial and the office is well run, operating in a timely fashion so you get in and back out to work. They also are pretty flexible with scheduling appointments and accommodating last minute changes. Last, but not least, they have a chocolate jar at the door. I hope you give them a try, you won't be sorry. read more

Several weeks ago, I went to COREptdc because of a very stiff neck which limited my rotation -- an inconvenience around the house, but even more so when I did highway driving. I was most fortuntate to be put under the care of Dr. Kimberly Steptien, a physical therapist at CORE. Dr. Stepien immediately went to work on my neck, and her deftr hands brought almost immediate relief to my problem. She prescribed a series of exercises for me to perform on various machines at the CORE suite, and also for home. In due course I "graduated" to various Pilate machines, whkch I must admit challenged me physically -- at the outset, at any rate. But Kim was always careful to make sure that I was comfortable doing what she wished, reducing weights on occasion, for instance. My neck continued to improve, and now I consider it to be more or less normal. I am continuijg twice a week sessins with Dr. Stepien as a means of strengthening the muscle tone of my entire upper body. I find that I stand more erect, and that my overall phsical appearance has improved (at least my wife says so, and she is the only one who counts!). In addition to being a superb therapist, Dr. Stepien is a charming young woman who has the wit and intelligence to make the sessions a delight. I recommend her in the hkghest terms possible. The CORE staff is very friendly, the decor is neat, subdued and restful; further, I can almost always find on-street parking around 24th and M Streets. The rating affair above goes only to "five." I would kick that up to a "ten!" Joseph C. Goulden Georgetown ps: By the way, at age 75 I tend to frown on physical exertion. But Kim makes the process fun as well as physically beneficial read more

I've just had a new, more extensive experience with C.O.R.E., worthy of six or seven stars. I fell off a roof (yes, I know), broke a variety of bones and messed up even more joints and muscles. Ow. Once the orthopedic surgeon cleared me for PT, I called C.O.R.E. Oh no! Hilary Granat, the whiz who cured me before, was on vacation. I agreed to see Jeff Robinson, grudgingly since Hilary was so great. Jeff did a careful, detailed evaluation of every one of the injuries, showed me a set of exercises and sent me home with customized printed diagrams and clear instructions. He has also used heat, stretches, and deep tissue work. By now (less than 2 months later), all the pain has DISAPPEARED and my body feels like itself again. I have healed much faster and more easily than doctors predicted, from pretty serious injuries. It's hard to believe how much better I am, so soon. Jeff has welcomes updates or questions by email, and sends prompt responses. He is extremely knowledgeable - not surprising since he has a PhD and is a professor of PT. I brought my daughter to see him, with a sore knee, and he was just as diligent and scrupulous in studying her case, as he was with my more complicated injuries. Also, he is clearly delighted when his patients improve. Another reviewer complained about problems with billing and insurance. I have had none - on the contrary billing has been fair and accurate, and CORE handles sending in the insurance claims for me, which is something most doctors' and other health care offices do NOT do. In my experience the receptionists are friendly and efficient, with one exception on one day. Bottom line: CORE has changed my life and I'm pretty glad... read more

I have been going to CORE for physical therapy now for several months. I started PT at CORE due to a rotator cuff injury and history of neck and back problems with frequent and severe migraines. I felt compelled to write a review as at 44, I have not felt this well in literally 10 years. I have tried different physical therapy treatments for 10 years and none have been successful, often even making the pain worse. Kim Stepien, my physical therapist, has doctoral level training and has shown a level of expertise and ability that is truly impressive and has resulted in an incredible decrease in chronic pain from my back, neck, and head. Pilates has been a miracle for my body and Kim is a Pilates guru. I am now at a point where I can increase my strength training and supplement this treatment with other activities. As a psychologist, I have also recognized the effect on my overall sense of well being and energy. I write this review to recommend CORE as a source for treating and healing injuries, pain relief, and building strength so that others may profit from this wonderful resource. Thank you again to CORE and Kim. read more

I had a major sciatica attack last fall in the midst of COVID quarantines . Nonetheless hands-on physical therapy was necessary to promote a recovery. With some trepidation , I made an appointment at C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy DC and was initially very pleasantly surprised by the precautions taken to avoid spreading infection. Upon my first appointment for evaluation , I was assigned to Kendall Black, who I found to be expert in her knowledge, physical techniques and exercise recommendations. She was also great company during my three plus months of bi-weekly hourly sessions. The great news was that all her time and effort at manipulation as well as my own reasonably diligent attempts at doing the myriad exercises she prescribed worked wonders. I made a recovery complete enough to avoid the surgery my neurosurgeon believed I would likely need upon initial diagnosis. You can't ask for more than that from a physical therapist! With daily maintenance stretching and exercise, I've been able to maintain my back and legs with no pain. I highly recommend both C.O.R.E. and Kendall to anyone seeking physical therapy. read more

I have used Yelp before to look at reviews of things (usually restaurants) but have never written a review before. I have had back pain for 20 years and began having abdominal pain a while ago. The doctor thought the back pain and abdominal pain were linked and said I needed physical therapy to strengthen my core muscles. He gave me a list of physical therapists he recommended/worked with and CORE was near the top of the list. Working with CORE was great. They were nice, efficient, and very professional. Hilary Granat was very knowledgeable, listened well, and was easy to work with. She gave me a bunch of exercises to do to strengthen my core and loosen muscles in my back. I saw her about every week for 8 weeks or so. She would add some exercises and do some physical manipulation/massage. I began to feel better and now am pretty much back to my old self and am pretty sure I'll be back to 100% if I keep doing my exercises. All in all a great experience. Two thumbs up. read more

I have to confess - this is my first YELP review as well, but I just couldn't help myself. I have been a patient at C.O.R.E. with Jeff on and off since October 2009, for a variety of issues related to my back and my leg (herniated discs, sciatica, poppin hip syndrome, etc.). And I have never been let down, regardless of the issue. I am an extremely active person, and love dancing at fitness, and want to be able to keep doing these things for the rest of my life. When I saw my orthopedist after one injury, he told me to stop dancing, stop running, and limit my fitness routine permanently or I would need surgery. But the staff at C.O.R.E. are incredibly function-oriented and dedicated to helping people find ways to do the things they love without being in pain. The staff are friendly, professional, and help you find ways to help yourself. Can't say enough good things about this office. read more

I've been seeing Tony at CORE off and on for a number of years for various ailments. Over my lifetime, I have had numerous injuries from different sports and have seen at least 8-9 different physical therapists in the DC area. Tony is definitely the best I have seen. While he helped me through some serious back and neck issues, he has also helped me with some knee and ankle trouble. His hands on approach is what has made the difference for me. Many times I have come in with a slightly different issue than the week before and he takes that into consideration then gets me back to normal pretty quickly. I like that he is flexible and listens to my problems rather than getting stuck on 1 treatment path that may not work for everyone. He is personable and professional, which just makes going to CORE all the better. The rest of the staff is also excellent and very nice to deal with. read more

I have been treated by both Hilary Granat and Tony Touma over the years for several different sports related injuries. They are both outstanding. They are excellent at diagnosis and treatment of injuries. They are also very good at development of plans to avoid re-injury. CORE runs a very professional and efficient practice. The front office is very cordial and accomodating. They keep the office running smoothly and on time. Hilary has also incorporated pilates into my treatment to address my back problems. She is an expert and has not only accelerated my recovery, but has also inspired a new interest in pilates. She has gone the extra mile to support my treatment in the office and on my own, and I am very grateful! read more

Great individualized and thoughtful physical therapy. They really listen carefully to your problem and figure out how to help, making sure they are communicating clearly what you need to do and how to fit it into your schedule without being overly burdensome. I'm pushing 71 so I tend to get injuries from skiing, surfing, running, etc. Because of the outstanding physical therapy at CORE, I'm still able to keep very active. And, if need be, they coordinate well with my doctor and personal trainer, to make sure the exercises I'm doing are helpful not hurtful. All in all, I'm extremely pleased with their services, the results I get, and I therefore give CORE my highest rating. Thanks. read more

If one is really serious about getting back on there feet look no further you have found the place right her 1 easy word to remember "Core"!Because of "Core"I am back on my feet & teaching ballet again & even doing Grand Jetes which I never dreamed of!After a freak accident in the Park with my afghan hound & the angle he hit whilst running for a ball my Femur snapped in half a clean break as far as breaks go a clean break is a good break. ONE EASY WORD "CORE" a friendly place & a great staff & thank you Jeff for putting up with me ...& my moods now it's just tears of joy!I still go twice a week my second home "PILATES" is available as well! T.K. Washington ,DC :0)))))) read more

My shoulders hurt to move, and I was having a hard time just holding a wine bottle (tragic) so after xrays and an MRI showed nothing, my Dr sent me for physical therapy. It was my first time going in for PT and (shame on me) I had always thought of physical therapy as just heavy duty massage. Good lord was I wrong. Within one visit Tony had unfrozen my shoulders, and by the third visit I felt amazing. He is so easygoing and STRONG and just incredible at what he does. The facility is gorgeous, open and airy and clean. Strongly recommended. Life changing. read more

C.O.R.E. is outstanding! I have worked with Kendall twice - for abdominal weakness after pregnancy and for hip/pelvic pain during my next pregnancy - and she was so knowledgeable! After only one session, my hip/pelvic pain resolved and did not recur the rest of the pregnancy with the exercises and stretches she taught me. I highly recommend this practice! read more

Hilary and the staff at CORE are amazing! They have always treated my personal training clients with the highest level of care and professionalism. If you are in pain or limited physically in any way, I would strongly recommend their services. I have been in the personal training business for over twenty years and can tell you they are the best! read more

I have been seeing Tony for more than a decade to help with alignment of my sacrum and pelvis (my history of classical and modern dance means it gets out of alignment) and arthritis in my neck and back. He is gifted. The people he works with are warm and professional and helpful. His colleagues have helped heal my husband when he injured his back. read more

This is the first review that I have ever written online. I felt compelled to write something after having what I can only say is an amazing experience at CORE. The staff is very friendly, particularly Angela at the front desk. Kendal is a superstar physical therapist and has really made a world of difference in my physical well being. read more

I have been a patient for some time, as has my wife, and we highly recommend the practice. We've had different therapists, but I imagine they are all great. Private treatment rooms, effective therapies, friendly staff -- we've seen results and have been helped a lot! Five stars - highly recommended! read more

CORE is my forever physical therapy group. Their highly credentialed professionals have enhanced my recovery from hip and knee replacements and work to keep me mobile -- plus their spotless environment is full of positive energy. I'm a happy camper at CORE! Joy N. read more