Launch Physical Therapy & Fitness Coaching

Fantastic experience: I'm in my early 50s. John understood and was mindful about both the aspirations and limitations that come with this stage of life. After one year of training with John, I've built muscle, run faster and longer distances than I could a year ago, and most importantly, I'm doing it all injury-free. John's dual expertise as a personal trainer and physical therapist means he knows exactly how to challenge me while protecting my joints and working around old issues. His personalized programs, positive energy, and mindfulness have not only transformed my fitness but given me confidence and strength I didn't know was possible at this stage of life.

Fantastic experience: Launch is an outstanding place to train the body to become stronger and healthier. The staff is very professional and caring. I would highly recommend to anybody who is seriously dedicated to maintain physical health, specially at old age.

Fantastic experience: My experience so-far with Coach Jinny at Launch Physical Therapy has been superb. I'm learning to do the exercises to correct my condition and I am practicing them as I continue. Also I first met with Dr. Liz, physical therapist to assess my needs. She was very pleasant, knowledgeable and also very respectful for my individual requirements. She also gave me excellent advice to address my physical concerns. I am very happy that my doctor highly recommended Launch Physical Therapy.

Fantastic experience: Launch is another dimension as far as I am concerned. They have turned things around for me. I think I realized this from the first session. Be ready to work but it’s worth it.

Fantastic experience: Ive seen people walk in here with all sorts of problems and walk out feeling brand new. A visit with Dr Liz or Dr John is truly like magic as I've seen from countless patients spending my time at Launch as an intern. If you want results, go to Launch.

Fantastic experience: Launch is the perfect mix of highly professional and highly personal. Liz and her team build relationships with their clients and their staff that is meaningful and effective. I observed great attention to detail, positive communication and quality time spent on each person there. It is obvious they are passionate about what they do and want to see results. The facility is top notch also. I would HIGHLY recommend coming here!

Fantastic experience: Very thorough and very friendly.

Fantastic experience: Liz and her staff are professional, knowledgeable and get patients back to their active life quickly.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Liz and Dr. John are awesome! Caring, knowledgable, and thorough, both doctors are adept at treating not just your injury, but the core issues behind it and associated with it. I highly recommend Launch for your physical therapy needs. Update: Maureen, Launch's new masseuse, is FIRE.

Fantastic experience: Dr. John Jowers is a great physical therapist, who accurately diagnoses the cause of problems, addresses them effectively and suggests exercises that maintain health. Matt Greenwald

Fantastic experience: We see Dr John. My son is a baseball player and Dr John is so knowledgeable not only about the body but also about the mechanics of baseball.

Fantastic experience: I am an avid cyclist who developed an avulsion fracture and a muscle sprain. Dr. John was knowledgeable, professional and courteous in the evaluation and treatment plan. It is a great facility for Physical Therapy and fitness activities. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: One of the cleanest, friendliest, knowledgeable fitness therapy around for sports agility, injury recovery, or therapy for the elderly. Dr. John Jowers worked with me. Highly attentive listener to my injury and health concerns--extremely helpful in working me into a personally structured program for my immediate recovery and long-term wellness. I had issues with shoulder and neck pain. A half dozen sessions and Dr. John had me back to my old self quickly enough. Sessions included targeted weight training and for the neck a bit of dry needling. He's a total professional. I can't recommend Launch SP Fitness highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I worked with Dr. John, and he was wonderful! Very helpful, and I would always use them if I need someone again!

Fantastic experience: Dr. John is fantastic. He's really helped my track athlete daughter with injury recovery and tips for staying injury free.

Fantastic experience: I recently started seeing Dr. John Jowers at Launch, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and attention I've received. Unlike my previous experiences at other clinics, where the exercises felt generic and one-size-fits-all, Dr. John truly listens to my concerns and customizes each session to meet my specific needs. From the very first appointment, it was clear that Dr. John is dedicated to helping me achieve my goals. He takes the time to understand my pain points and tailor the exercises and therapy to not only strengthen my muscles but also promote real healing. His approach has taken my recovery to a higher level, and I can feel the difference in my progress. If you're looking for a physical therapist who exceeds expectations and provides personalized, effective care, I highly recommend Dr. John at Launch. They are truly exceptional!

Fantastic experience: I truly enjoy working with Jinny. She keeps me motivated and explains what the purpose of the exercise is. She tells me how I’m supposed to feel as well as what muscles are being used.

Fantastic experience: LAUNCH takes fitness seriously, but the personnel are all friendly and considerate. They do great work with people of all ages (I am 80), giving every client an individual fitness program, not a routine, off-the-shelf workout.

Fantastic experience: Launch is an exceptional physical therapy and fitness team founded by Dr. Liz Wheeler. Liz is a force of nature, as they say, who is guided by a wonderful ethos and deep concern for the overalll well being of her clients. She is innovative, relentless in her pursuit of great outcomes and extremely well trained. I have also been the beneficiary of physical therapy performed by Liz’s colleague, Dr. John Jowers, who has helped me greatly in my recovery from a full knee replacement. John is a protege of Liz’s and maintains the same level of care, training and dedication to excellence in his work. He is absolutely superb in his profession. I am very blessed to have discovered Launch!

Fantastic experience: Extremely nice work that meet you where you are and work on very specific need based movements. The physical therapists know what their doing and so much more.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Liz is great! I was visiting the area and had a miserably sore back. She rearranged her schedule to take care of me that day. She knew how to calm my back down and gave me good information to follow up on.

Fantastic experience: Liz, Ian, David and Jin are amazing! They were all so supportive and helped to achieve my goals of being able to learn and use the correct techniques so I can continue ti exercise without injuring myself. I am so very grateful for all of their encouragement, support, attentive and positive and caring words. They continued to encourage me to strive to do just one more and not quit. Thank you for such a fabulous and rewarding experience!

Fantastic experience: I had a very successful first personal training session with Jinny Cen last week. The next week she upped the ante a bit--though in a good way. Now I have even reupped for next month! And indeed a third month!

Fantastic experience: Liz is outstanding and I can only say that I am on the way to recovery. She takes her time and explains everything she is doing. I can only say that I have been blessed to have her helping me. Dolores

Fantastic experience: Outstanding facility!! Launch has a great group of personal trainers and physical therapists. Also, the facility has very nice, modern equipment and is very well maintained. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: David was kind and made me feel comfortable. He taught me a lot about proper body posture and exercises to strengthen my core while protecting my spine. I highly recommend him and this amazing fitness center. Liz, the owner, has a beautiful personality as well. Lovely people overall to work with. Check them out!

Fantastic experience: I have found Launch PT to be excellent in all aspects. Mandy is a pleasure to work with at the front desk--friendly and always follows through with any billing issues. Dr. John Jowers is an outstanding therapist--listens intently to gain a full understanding of the issue at hand, and proscribes affective exercises. I would wholeheartedly recommend the office to anyone needing physical therapy.

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Dr. Jowers since April to help rehab an acl reconstruction and it has been a great experience. Dr. Jowers is very knowledgeable and always tailors our workouts to help me get back to where I would like to physically. He is always very positive and always provides a great deal of encouragement to help keep me motivated. I highly recommend using Dr. Jowers and Launch.

Fantastic experience: Very great staff, know there stuff, and nice people to be around. If need athletic training or physical therapy I would definitely recommend coming here.

Fantastic experience: The instructor was great and my son loved going there.

Fantastic experience: Great gym, great trainers, great training! Highly recommend Launch for everyone of all ages and team training.

Fantastic experience: All coaches especially David are amazing. They run a great program and are extremely friendly

Fantastic experience: amazing coaches and state of the art equipment helped both me and my team prepare and improve for our season. fyi be ready to work!

Fantastic experience: Coach David was great. Always pushing us as hard as we could, and overall an amazing program

Fantastic experience: Injured after dancing over the last four weeks, I was unable to walk and felt problems in my knee, hamstring, and calf. Dr. Liz (who I have known for ten years) quickly validated the entire involvement of the hamstring to the calf and fluid around the knee. Only the skilled, intelligent approach offered by learned hands using a don't-give-up-until-we-figure-it-out approach solves complex problems. After two hard but necessary sessions, I walk without pain with greater body awareness. Thank you, Dr. Liz! It is an excellent facility with numerous offerings for fitness and well care.

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Dr. John at Launch for over a year. I received physical therapy after spinal surgery and have made a recovery that has surpassed my expectations. I continued working with Dr. John as my personal trainer, using several modalities, including weight training, balance, etc. I enjoy going to Launch. The staff is very professional and friendly. Dr. John is incredibly knowledgeable. I've never had a question that he couldn't answer. He explains everything he is doing and the reasoning behind it. I would strongly recommend Launch for physical therapy and/or personal training.

Fantastic experience: I have been working twice a week with Dr. Aaron Rilling for close to two years now. I have consistently been impressed with Aaron’s professional stance regarding my training, he is both warm and caring. I have come to trust Aaron with helping me gain mobility and strength after two spinal surgeries, he is able to combine encouragement with the proper amount of training I need. I would heartily recommend Dr Rilling to anyone who wishes to further the development of their body. Thanks Aaron. Marc

Fantastic experience: I went through a rare shoulder surgery six years ago and found Dr. John Jowers when I was looking for a PT to help me through recovery. John guided me through a very difficult recovery with compassion, empathy, and an exceptional level of knowledge about an unusual shoulder problem. He's now is my personal trainer. As a figure skater, I've watched my jumps get dramatically higher and my endurance grow substantially in the time I've worked with him. He's also starting to work with my very, very athletic six year old. My kid loves his sessions at Launch every bit as much as I do.

Fantastic experience: Our initial experience with physical therapy for our injured son was inconsistent as he was juggled among different therapists who often split time with another patient during his sessions. Several of the exercises were generic and didn’t provide a more holistic approach to our son’s complicated history. Dr. Jowers took the time to fully understand his history and goals and provided him with the full attention and expertise that he needed to recover. Furthermore, Launch provided sport specific exercises and a specific and comprehensive at home plan for him to take control of his recovery and not rely on continual PT sessions. When our daughter also needed some PT work for a sports injury, we didn’t hesitate in returning to Launch knowing the recovery plan would be unique to her needs and the quickest way for her to safely return to action. Can't thank Dr. J, Dr. Aaron, and Launch enough for their help with both of our kids!!

Fantastic experience: My husband and I have been taking small group strength and agility training at Launch for maybe 10 years. I also attend a Fit Woman class weekly. This is a regular part of our lives and takes quite a bit of priority so that we can play senior softball at a respectable level, hike, carry heavy photography equipment, and do heavy yard work. If we should get injured we know that we can get professional eyes on our problem for advice or referrals if necessary. It is a congenial atmosphere and since they are getting paid to make us sweat, that is a huge bonus.

Fantastic experience: Coach David is Awesome! He is constantly pushing me to push myself to lift more and work hard. I feel great for days after our workout. He is dedicated and enthusiastic about trainning.

Fantastic experience: I recently had the privilege of receiving treatment at Launch Physical therapy, and I can't praise this clinic enough! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and cared for. The facility is top-notch, clean, and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Liz, the owner, has created a warm and professional environment that sets the tone for the entire experience. Jon, my physical therapist, was absolutely phenomenal. He took the time to get to know me, understanding not just the specifics of my injury but also my personal goals and concerns. His personalized, one-on-one approach made all the difference in my recovery. Jon's expertise and dedication is helping me regain my strength and mobility, with the goal of bringing me back to how I was before my surgery this past March. I always feel like a priority during my sessions, never rushed, and always encouraged. Jon's patience, combined with his deep knowledge and genuine care, made each visit a step forward in my healing journey. Liz and Jon's commitment to their patients is truly exceptional, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. If you're looking for a place that truly cares about your recovery, look no further than Launch!

Fantastic experience: If you’re an athlete in any sport and going through an injury I strongly suggest going to launch. As an athlete myself I suffered through a very serious injury that I thought I would need surgery for but I decided to take a chance at therapy and launch was recommended. The first visit I immediately noticed that they know exactly what they are talking about, they deal with all kinds of athletes and professional ones too. I found that they know what’s best for you and the injury at hand and how to deal with it as best as possible. I was able to play my freshman season of college baseball when I truly thought I wouldn’t, thanks to the physical therapist at launch.

Fantastic experience: Dr. John Jowers is great. His knowledge is broad and deep, he really listens to understand and work to resolve the problem. I recommend him without reservation.

Fantastic experience: Great team of people! Came in with lower back pain that got resolved quickly and easily! High recommend them!

Fantastic experience: Dr. John Jowers is great. He is friendly, intelligent, and very efficient. I came to him last fall with a torn labrum and was hoping to do rehab instead of surgery in order to get back to throwing with high velocity. During my initial session, he listened to what my issues were and very quickly came up with ways to find my weak spots that weren't being addressed by the standard throwers ten exercises. After identifying my primary limitations, he immediately had several key exercises for me to do to specifically improve those areas. By my next session three weeks later, I had improved my previous major deficits and now had different limitations. He again identified them quickly and had a short list of exercises that would help. After one more session and some additional tweaks to my rehab routine specific to my issues, I was back to throwing at full velocity with no pain. The facility is very nice and features many of the latest technologies, but the best part for me was Dr. Jowers. He keeps up to date on the newest approaches and is very aware that nobody has time for a long list of general exercises. I really appreciated how he was able to focus precisely on the main issues and help me to overcome them quickly

Fantastic experience: I have been using launch since they opened. I cannot say enough positive things about the caring and competent staff. They have created an atmosphere of wellness and encouragement. They serve all types of people ranging from the elderly to young athletes. Dr. Elizabeth Wheeler and Dr. John Jowers are amazing in there approaches to restoring previous level of function and helping patients to improve beyond that. The gym is clean, safe, and a great resource. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I had pulled a muscle in my hip and heat and advil weren’t relieving the pain. In desperation I called Dr John Jowers. He had me stretch certain ways, marked the area in my hip where the pain was and then did a quick dry needle procedure and I got off the table, redid the various stretches with no pain!! Amazing Dr. ! He listens and gets to the heart of the problem and for me “nipped it in the butt”

Fantastic experience: Dr. Aaron is a diligent, knowledgeable and resourceful trainer. He truly cares about me as a client and constructs workouts to help me reach my fitness goals. He is also friendly, funny and personable.

Fantastic experience: I am an occasional patient of physical therapist John Jowers. His expertise and breadth of knowledge of anatomy, and analysis of an issue have always led to targeted exercise or an evidence-based treatment plan. . He is very patient with questions and answers and provides thorough explanations. I am never hesitant to recommend his services at Launch.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Aaron has been amazing for my parents for two years. Even when they can't exercise, he talks with them, or takes mom for a walk. He is very caring and conscientious. A real gem!

Fantastic experience: Can’t say enough positive things about Launch PT and Dr. John. From start to finish the experience was top notch. Scheduling was made incredibly easy with Elaine (who is super friendly and helpful) and the expertise of Dr. John was apparent from day 1. I came to Launch after a “routine” course of PT post full labrum tear (bicep tenodesis surgery) and partial rotator cuff tear (arthroscopic repair). I was discharged from PT at my previous place being able to move my shoulder through basic range of motion and carry out routine activities but I wanted to do more than just “routine” things. I wanted to be back to playing sports, lifting weights, and doing what I did pre-surgery. Dr. John assessed my needs and set up a plan for care. He was super cognizant of the financial commitment (it was out of network for me) and kept my timeline in mind for when I wanted to return to sports (the baseball season start date). This place will absolutely get you to your goals (as long as you put in the work, of course). I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and experience. Thank you so much for everything, Dr. John and Launch PT.

Fantastic experience: Extraordinary and much needed approach to Physical Therapy and fitness!

Fantastic experience: Training with Eric Lichote at Launch Physical Therapy and Fitness Coaching this summer was the best decision I made regarding my health and Physical fitness. Eric crafted a fitness program that fit my age and goals. Before I started training at Launch Physical therapy and Fitness; My balance was Off, I had lower back pain, weak knees and other minor muscle issues. Week after week with my personal coach and a fitness program I have gained so much core strength, balance and a lot of energy. I move better and feel great. I plan to continue exercising at Launch Physical therapy and fitness this winter independently this time because Eric has given me all the tools and a program that fits my needs. At 64-yrs old I am over all healthy, agile, strong, and at peace. I am grateful to have found Launch fitness and my personal trainer Eric Lichote. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking assistance and guidance in addressing Physical problems or just wanting to be fit and healthy.

Fantastic experience: As an older woman, trying to adjust to my new found aches and pains, the in-depth physical therapy that I had gotten from Launch has been invaluable. I’m able to exercise to my fullest capacity and I see myself getting stronger because of it. I have witnessed firsthand that the therapists treat all clients with respect and patience.

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough positive things about the team at Launch. They are superlative professionals and amazing people—every single one of them. Our family has been working with Launch for almost five year as a whole. Our daughter, who is a competitive soccer play and aspiring D1 athlete, has been coming for several years—alternatively for physical therapy, strength training and dry needling—and it has been amazing for her. We know they care about us, and we care about them. And they’re pricing is very fair. I recommend them highly and without hesitancy to anyone with a need for PT!!

Fantastic experience: Professional, knowledgeable, diligent group of providers and therapist. Highly involved in the community and philanthropic events. Highly recommend launch physical therapy.

Fantastic experience: We really enjoy working with Jake- both a 20 year-old son (ultimate frisbee) and 12 year-old daughter (synchronized skating) have benefitted from his enthusiasm and professional knowledge about training and nutrition.

Fantastic experience: Extremely helpful when I was having severe neck problems, though they can be a little overzealous with their use of accupuncture

Fantastic experience: Amazing facility with some of the best trainers I have ever met or worked with. This place is way ahead of its time. Brought me back to 100% from injury twice. No better place to go.

Fantastic experience: I work out with Troy Wentzlaff at Launch. I have a separated vertebrae in my lower back (since birth) and have ALWAYS had back pain. Troy realized that my BUTT didn't "fire", thus I wasn't using the correct muscles. We strengthened my BUTT and legs, stretched and rolled. I almost NEVER have any back pain now. Not rocket science, just great training! But that didn't mean I couldn't injure myself, as I did with my elbows/arms. I had massive pain below and above my elbows. Working with Dr. John Jowers, we realized where the pain was emanating from - and used dry needling (3 sessions) to eliminate (not reduce!) the pain. So I would say, if you choose to visit Launch, have goals, have pain, you too can improve yourself!! Thank you Troy & John!!!!! Joe A.

Fantastic experience: John Jowers is the best. I ruptured my Achilles and am a former athlete. I would highly recommend him!

Fantastic experience: Oh my God! And how could I forget in my recent review to mention David. David coaches our fit women class and I can honestly say we all love him!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Liz Wheeler and Launch are incredible! My husband and I have been working with Dr. Liz for more than 7 years, before she opened Launch. She has served as our fitness trainer but really does much more since she holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy and has expertise in many areas. She devised an individualized program for us which changes as we gain strength and competency. I'm in my late 60's and bone density is an issue for me. As a result of my weight bearing exercise program, I have reversed a trend of bone loss. I have also worked with one of Dr. Liz's excellent physical therapists after having meniscus tear surgery. Her PT plan enabled me to gain strength and return to my exercise program. I've admired the other Launch trainers when they work with middle and high school sports teams. They very skillfully encourage these kids individually while developing the team as a whole. The facility is state of the art and offers a wide range of services beyond what I've reviewed here. And it is an easy drive from NW DC. Launch deserves more than 5 stars!

Fantastic experience: Liz and her team are top notch professionals. I have been with Liz since 2008 and she worked miracles on my knees. After over a decade of chronic knee pain it was gone in 3 sessions. Check out their website. They train professionals and olympians....but, they treat everyone as though they were a top level athlete. If you are serious about your body, health, mind and being your best, there is no place else I would recommend!

Fantastic experience: I have trained at many gym membership facilities and worked with various fitness trainers. Although I thought I was doing something to improve my health and strength, I was actually hurting my body. It wasn't until I started working with Dr. Liz Wheeler and her staff for strength training and cardio using specialized bikes exclusive to Launch, that I noticed not only a huge improvement in strength and energy, but also my blood work improved drastically. Through the years, I have also noticed the improved progress of other clients. This is a facility like no other. Don't just call for information, make an appointment. You will experience the difference.

Negative experience: Absolutely awful, staff is incompetent and can't handle even the simplest of excersizes, Liz Wheeler is rude and disrespectful as well as dismissive of issues brought up to her. Would never go to again. Steer clear of this place.

Negative experience: This review is for the "Fit Men" classes. After reading reviews here and from another site I decided to pull the trigger purchased a voucher for 10 FitMen classes from LivingSocial for about $99. The schedule for these classes are Thu and Sat mornings from 7am to 8am. I registered for a Saturday morning class and that Saturday morning I show up a little before 7 am the and the facility is completely dark and locked. The class didn't get started until about 7:15 am as the instructor, TJ, was running late. There was one other person in the class so I figured I would get a fair amount personal time with TJ. I was completely wrong. All TJ did was write the list of exercises down on a whiteboard and had me and the other student go through them in any order we wanted. Some exercises I didn't even know how to do and I had to keep asking TJ how to do them. He would quickly show me and then go back to talking to the other student (apparently they were friends). I was basically left to do the exercises on my own and got no feedback or motivation from TJ. So much for a "personal trainer". At the end of the hour TJ's friend left and I still had an exercise to do and TJ told me "don't worry about it" -- I haven't had many personal trainers in the past but not once have I had one tell me not to worry about completing an exercise. TJ seemed like he was mainly interesting in just chilling and talking to his friend. As I was about to leave TJ tells me he wont be in for a week and is unsure if the class will be held on Thursday and said to call in to check. The whole experience felt very unprofessional and demotivating. The only "nice" thing I can say about this place is that its right off 270 and the facility itself is very nice and modern with the latest equipment. Just wished they had more professional and competent staff running the place. I would like to iterate that this was only for the "Fit Men" class I signed up for. I cannot say anything about their other activities or physical therapy that they offer.

Fantastic experience: Great cycling program.....serious cardio and core workout lead by experienced instructors who provide knowledgeable guidance in a superior, state of the art spinning studio.

Fantastic experience: Great facility and great people. Take a look at the virtual tour then go see them.