I've been suffering from ITBS for over 4 years now, and the hardest part was finding an orthopedist and pt combination that I could trust. Elizabeth (Liz) at Smart PT helped me where no others could. She taught me a combination of stretches that really did the trick. Liz is great at identifying sports related injuries and coming up with a combination of core strengthening exercises and stretches to get the job done. In my experience, you need to find the PT/Ortho combination that works for your particular requirement. The others that I went to weren't familiar with ITBS and they kept suggesting things that I could just Feel weren't getting the job done. When I came here, she looked at my stance and without me saying a word, she immediately identified where and how I was hurting. I instantly knew I was going to get the results I wanted, so long as I worked at it. Smart PT is also a very relaxed environment with convenient hours. There's a parking garage around the corner, plenty of street parking if you arrive early enough, and its Very metro accessible. I was recommended here by two co-workers and I'd Highly recommend them to any others. As for my ortho - that's a separate review. Look for Dr. Evans at Georgetown University Medical Center (separate review). read more

I went to SMART PT after suffering from my IT Band tendonitis for about 8 months. After working with Elizabeth (Liz) for two months received the okay from my othropedic to start running again. She can mulit-task with the best of them, and has about 2-3 patients at various tasks and steps of their appointments at any given time, but it works well. What was welcomed was that she also has a lot of strength for massage and isn't worried about using it. I only wish I wasn't recommended so late and that I had received a comprehensive plan for after I finished PT, so that's why I'd give this place 4.5 stars. read more

I agree with almost all of the posters here. Liz is the best at what she does. I have gone to so many PTs across the years for different surgeries and Liz was the only one who not only fixed my problem, but gave me exercises that matched my level of athletic ability. Background: I had three knee surgeries (lateral release, microfracture and osteotomy). I was also sick after the surgery and couldn't start PT until almost 4 weeks later. I had done years of PT before this, but they always gave me the same exercises they'd give the 80 year old man next to me. Not Liz. She does a great combination of stretching, strength exercises and treatment (ice/heat/massage). She makes you work--which to be honest is really what I needed, not some exercises my grandpa would do--that makes PT go much longer than it should. She's also really well educated, explains things directly and helped with other areas I wasn't even in for. I had made a side comment about my back once and she had me stay so she could check my alignment and then isolated the problem and fixed it long beyond the time I was supposed to be there (and had paid for). I so appreciated that. Now, if you've been to PT you know that some of them treat all patients like their grandma. They're soft spoken and move slower than molasses. Liz is also really honest with her patients so if you don't want the real truth or someone who's going to be honest with you when you don't do your exercises at home, or treat PT as a "maybe I should do it", this isn't the place for you. Liz does treat multiple patients at once, but she's a hard worker. No one multi-tasks better. I was never bored or without something to do. There's no need for her to stand around and watch you warm up on the bike for ten minutes or watch you ice. My experience with any healthcare provider is that you want the best, and you want someone you gel with. I always look for both. read more

To everyone considering going to SmartPT: highly recommended!!! I had a meniscus and carticel transplant.. Super tough surgery..I went to another therapist and honestly no improvement. I then go to see Liz Fryer at SmartPT and wow!! What a difference!! I truly feel that she knows her stuff. She actually found a way to hold down my patella to prevent it from rubbing against my scar tissue.. A very difficult call for the untrained eye, but Liz picked up on it and was right!! I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to go to a knowledgeable PT. Liz is friendly and a positive person with a great personality. She has athlethes to armed forces to other doctors who see her from what I saw while getting treatment from her. Anyhow gotta run. Hope this review helps. If needed for a reference, please let me know. read more

I pulled my hamstring last week (grade 2 tear, nice big black and blue). My PCP wrote me a prescription for PT. I work across the street from Smart PT and walked in on the way to work. The earliest appt was 2 weeks away so I politely asked (since I am new to the area) if Liz (the owner and sole PT) could suggest another place. She maintained that she doesn't know any other places (which is nonsense as doctors and specialists always know other practices in their areas). I asked for her professional opinion since I am in limping and can't wait the two weeks. She said "I don't refer to the competition"... I have am a public health professional. I have worked in primary care for many years and I've researched in tertiary care settings. Liz's lack of professionalism is embarrassing. It is common practice to refer to other practices when you don't have time and the person needs help. It's called integrity and had Liz had some I'd think about coming to her for other problems should I need PT services. Instead she's other brunt out healthcare professional putting profits over people. I'll be emailing her this review. read more

Liz has an extremely bad attitude. She does know her stuff and is very effective as a therapist, but she's extremely rude to her patients, is often grumpy and can be quite unprofessional. For instance, she likes to chat up her friends on the phone or flirt with cops or whoever else coming into her clinic. If you're a patient, you just don't want to see or hear that crap. What's more problematic is that she schedules multiple patients at a given time, so even without these other distractions, you are splitting her attention with several other people. While other PT offices that do this usually have assistants who'll supervise your exercises, Liz has interns who may or may not be there and who do not watch you closely to make sure you don't accidentally injure yourself. On top of it all, it's unpleasant to deal with her. She is extremely disrespectful. After a while, you just don't want to put up with her shit anymore. BTW, this office does not accept credit cards. read more

If you want someone to really take an interest in your recovery, someone that does not overbook, thereby ensuring you will not receive adequate attention, go elsewhere --- quickly. The attention I received was atrocious. If I was lucky, I got 15 minutes per visit, 5-10 of which were spent doing ultrasound. During the time she was stretching my shoulder, the pain she inflicted was excruciating, and never did she ask pain levels, etc. She just cranks away, irrespective of the pain she inflicts. Further, this is a PT that seems to project that she is all knowing, but it really is just some arrogance that she has developed over the years, and an intense hatred of the insurance providers who cover the patient's expenses. My final day, my 5th visit, was the last straw. She was more concerned with how my Doctor might perceive my progress, and thus somehow reflect on her. She pushed my arm back (I'd had shoulder surgery just 4 weeks before), so far back that I was literally writing in pain and I felt like I was going to pass out for the next 10 minutes. Oh, and this does not mention the continuous gossip about God knows what with the other 3 or 4 patients she treats simultaneously, the telephone which she answers she is stretching you. And yes, she is alone. She has an assistant, but she knows nothing of PT, and is basically a secretary.....when she is there. I moved onto another therapist, Dr. Melinda Gren, in WDC, whom I would rate 5 stars. Her philosophy actually begins with caring about the patient --- that is a novel concept ----something Liz at Smart PT does not. Actually, I cannot believe that 4-5 weeks since my last appt. with Liz, I am becoming incensed all over again. Five final words of advise --- AVOID HER LIKE THE PLAGUE read more

Despite any administrative or time annoyances that you may encounter in the healthcare field, I can honestly say that Liz (the owner) knows what she is doing in terms of rehab. She has been a PT for a long time and she is intelligent. I would much rather be treated by her than by some "green" kid who lacks experience. You are in good hands at this place. read more

Liz (the owner) has a strong personality (and a strong Boston accent!), but she genuinely cares about her patients and she knows her physical therapy stuff inside and out. If you're uptight, insecure, and/or don't have a sense of humor, this is probably not the PT place for you. She's a little like the "Soup Nazi" on Seinfeld--just as the Soup Nazi can decide whether or not to sell you soup, Liz is so good she doesn't need to put up with crap from needy patients. As other reviewers have said, Liz is busy and generally juggles 2-3 patients at once. But even though she's not focusing exclusively on you during your session, she'll give you the right exercises and treatment to make you better, and she is always there to answer questions about your treatment. I'd recommend Liz to anyone who is serious about recovering from surgery or an athletic injury. read more

Liz really helped me with my knee pain that was lingering from an ACL repair ten years ago. She gave me a great mix of exercises that pushed me hard and strengthened my muscles, making the knee pain go away. I worked with her twice a week for three months. Liz has a variety of creative exercise that other therapists I used in the past did not offer. She knows what she is doing. She may seem distracted at times, but she does care about her patients and will do her best to make sure you get better. read more

I've been to Smart PT for two rounds of physical therapy. This is not the place to go if you need individual care or attention. The PT(owner) will talk on the phone, flirt with the police officers and gossip with others while working on you. She was always talking about people behind their backs, something that turned me off. The most individual time you'll get with her is 15 minutes. She does know her stuff however. I've switched physical therapists and found one nearby who spends the ENTIRE hour with you, one-on-one, in a private room. Much more conducive to recovery. read more

Didn't seem very interested, pompous, almost cocky, cavalier, and ineffective. Too many patients at one time-few getting full attention.

My experience was not very good at Smart PT. I felt there were too many patients at the same time. I only got 15 minutes with my pt each session. I also felt that there was a lack of caring on my therapist. At the end I was tired of the pain and decided to do the work on my own. read more

My wife and I have both used Smart PT and loved it. Liz, the owner, really knows her stuff and is a great "coach" throughout the rehab process. My IT band injuries/rehab were minor compared to my wife, who had two major knee surgeries (osteotomy, and acl/pcl/mcl). After both of her surgeries, Liz went above and beyond to provide a comprehensive rehab plan. A few reviewers complained about the open room set-up and the social setting; I'd argue the opposite. What other medical appointment have you been to where you look forward to interacting with your therapist and fellow patients? In summary, Liz is a competent and personable therapist who will guide and push you to recovery. read more

Liz has treated me for two injuries and has done excellent work both times. She's not a kindly Granny, but she's not supposed to be. She says what's on her mind (a great attribute, by my standards) and she's the best at what she does. I would crawl to her to fix a third injury. read more

I tore my ACL back in Jan and had surgery in March. I was going to another place in Alexandria after my surgery and was still very sore and swollen and they never massaged my scar tissue or anything. When I moved to Arlington I started seeing Liz and within the 3 times I went, my knee felt drastically better. I was no longer as sore as I was and she took the time to massage the scare tissue and I think that really helped. She helped me regain confidence to run. Highly highly recommended. read more

Had a great experience at Smart PT with Liz, for help with a hip labral tear. Liz gave clear instructions, pictures of home exercises to supplement my weekly visits, and her methods absolutely worked for my hip. After about 6 weeks of PT, I was stronger and experiencing almost no pain. read more

In our society where our surgeons are rewarded primarily with the number of surgeries they do, it is left to the Physical Therapists to help us avoid the scalpel. That is exactly what Liz did for me. Her expertise and disciplined "tough love" approach to helping me avoid a partial replacement were invaluable. She owns and operates her PT operation and that makes all the difference in the quality of service. Highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a top therapist - and service. read more

Totally agree with Anne M. Both the owner and her other PT are totally unprofessional - if they aren't talking about other patients, they are talking to each other laughing at inside jokes or talking about football. There is very little care given, just treatment. I've been condescended to and yelled at for doing something wrong or totally ignored. I generally have to ask what I should be doing between appointments and have never been given any advice such as when to ice or how to care for my injury. At this point, I am not even sure that I am getting good treatment and then today I got the bill. Yeah, I am already researching other options. The office is very convenient but the whole experience is unpleasant. read more

I have deemed Liz the "knee whisperer". A month ago my previous ortho was talking about a total knee replacement this fall. Found a new doctor who sent me straight to Liz (and a prescription for ortho visc..still waiting on it and not sure if I still need it) who basically, how do i put this, tortured (in a good way?) me for an hour...it was painful but she managed to get my knee fully extended and we did some taping, exercises, etc and within two weeks I was playing soccer again. I had thought I was done with soccer for good and I am absolutely positively amazed with how talented Liz is. I have had knee surgeries in the past and have gone to other PTs in the area (commonwealth--don't go there for PT) and it was "ok" but this lady is the real deal. I cannot say enough about what a positive experience this has been. read more

I am now post op and still giving props to Liz @ SMART PT. I had accepted 10-12 weeks off from running after surgery. Following my surgeon's and Liz's instructions, I have been clear to give running a try at just 4 weeks post op. read more

I signed up with Smart PT specifically to see the owner (Liz). When I got there for my first appointment, they told me that they had switched me to the other therapist. No offense to the other one, but I was just out of a major surgery and wanted to feel confident that I knew my therapist's qualifications. Liz came recommended to me and I had researched her and specifically asked for her. So you can imagine when I show up for my first appointment, and they switch her on me without asking, how that might be disturbing. In fact, another patient was there, and had been scheduled for Liz in my time slot! There ended up being a scene in front of several other patients... Liz said she couldn't pay as much attention to me as the other therapist could because she had so many patients. So if I wanted her, fine, but I should be aware. I said, all I want is the protocols from my surgeon to be followed and as long as that happened, I would be fine. They ultimately gave me back to Liz, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. It was a really bad way to start such an important healing process. The other therapist seemed put-out and basically didn't speak another word to me during my entire 8 weeks of therapy (it's all in one room - so you're only feet away from each other when you do your session). I'm not sure if that is because I opted not to see her, or because she's just unfriendly... but whatever the case, she made me very uncomfortable. I echo another poster's sentiment that there some gossip and talk between the two therapists about other patients. It felt a bit like a high school clique. Weird. Liz was good in terms of treatment. I have nothing to compare with, but she seemed very competent, if not a little busy/stressed out. She helped me heal up and I appreciate that. She had a bit of a "don't complain and just do it" attitude, but whatever. Also, I wish there was more one on one work, instead of her juggling one or two other patients at once, but I'm guessing this is how most PT places work? It's a shame, because I think the owner really does know her stuff, but the atmosphere is so bizarre and the patient/client relationships handled so unprofessionally, that I cannot highly recommend them. read more

I was highly disappointed in the care I received from Liz. Based on my experience at her clinic, Liz is more of a glorified personal trainer. She does seem to be a competent PT (though it's hard to tell since I barely spent any time with her). Over my 6 sessions (roughly each an hour-long), I probably spent 30 - 45 minutes TOTAL (so between 5 & 10 minutes per session) with Liz. I spent the majority of the time with her PTA (or PT tech...I'm not really sure what her credentials were, if any). Liz was very impersonal, and I feel that I would have received much better care (with similar if not better results) at some place else. As another reviewer has mentioned, she spent a lot of time gossiping with other patients or with friends who would walk in her clinic off the street. I spent the majority of my PT appointments doing strength exercise. Strengthening is something that can be done at home. I am currently a physical therapy student and went to her hoping that I could receive one-on-one manual treatment. Instead, I basically paid for, as I stated earlier, a glorified personal trainer. I would not recommend her at all. You are much better off going somewhere else where you can get more one-on-one time with a therapist. read more

I had a skiing accident just over a year ago crushing my tibia plateau and fibula. This required specialised surgery and three months non weight bearing on my right leg. I had originally signed up for a physical therapist to come to the house while I was immobile but progress was extremely slow and I felt anxious about making a full recovery and getting full range of motion in my leg again. My surgeon suggested Smart PT in Arlington and suggested I see Liz Friar there. Once my sessions started I began making rapid progress, not only physically but psychologically as well. It is a tough practise and patients are expected to work hard and aim high. I had been told following surgery that I would be lucky to get to 25% ROM which would be just inside the range of normal.. After working with Liz for three months I was able to achieve 40% and fully bend my leg again. I have since been back hiking, biking and just got back from a ski trip out west and while not getting back on the blacks again I did manage to ski double blues pretty much all day.. Thank you Smart PT.. I would and have recommended this practise to anyone recovering from an injury or suffering from body pain.. Ten out of Ten! read more

I was very excited to go and see Liz. I have chronic pain issues and scheduled an appointment 6 weeks out. My goal has been to be much more active and to get off some of the meds that the specialists have put me on. Liz couldn't have been more condescending and rude. She treated me like I was making up my diagnosis and kept asking what's causing the pain. I told her that it could be stress or lack of sleep or the weather. My days vary and it's challenging enough living with this kind of pain. She got frustrated because I don't have the answers and certainly, my doctors do not have many answers either. Liz didn't really bother to do any research on my condition prior to me going into the office. She sat me down and questioned me for 15 minutes and was so rude that I got up and left. Waste of time. I could've gone to see someone else within the 6 weeks I waited to see her--I am certain that anyone else would've at least treated me like a person. Do not see her unless you are a glutton for punishment. read more