Physical Therapy Team in Charlottesville, VA
We help active adults stay strong, train smart, and keep doing what they love
You want to keep training, running, and living without pain holding you back. Our team provides one-on-one performance physical therapy that fits your goals and helps you build lifelong resilience.
Built for people who refuse to slow down
We started Whole Strength Physical Therapy because active adults deserve better than cookie-cutter rehab. Our team believes in clear plans, individual attention, and care that respects your training.
Performance-focused care that fits your life
We are not your typical PT clinic. Our model is built around what active adults actually need: longer sessions, personalized plans, and ongoing support between visits. We offer alternative services such as Dry Needling, Vald Force Plate and Dynamometer testing, sport specific physical therapy, post surgical rehabilitation, blood flow restriction.
One-on-One Care
Every session is just you and your therapist with no rotating staff or rushing through appointments.
OCS-Certified Team
Multiple clinicians hold the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist credential, the highest level of PT board certification.
Performance-Oriented
We understand training, loading, and progression because we work with runners, lifters, and athletes daily.
Remote Support Included
App-based programming and between-session communication keep your plan on track even when you are not in the clinic.
Meet your performance physical therapy team
Our clinicians are active, experienced, and hold advanced orthopedic credentials. They understand what it takes to stay consistent with training while managing setbacks.
Dr. Barb is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Whole Strength Physical Therapy. He earned his DPT from West Virginia University and completed an orthopedic residency affiliated with UVA, achieving board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He specializes in performance-focused care for fitness athletes and active adults, helping them return to training and reach their full potential.
Dr. Luke Burns is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who earned his B.S. in Kinesiology from UVA and his DPT from Virginia Commonwealth University. A CrossFit competitor and coach for seven years, he specializes in working with athletes and gym-goers of all levels. Having navigated his own training injuries, he understands the frustration of setbacks and is passionate about helping active adults return to full performance.
Dr. Nate Swarringim is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who earned his DPT from Old Dominion University and achieved board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2021. He integrates evidence-based practices with advanced manual therapy techniques to help patients optimize performance. An avid mountain biker, runner, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, he understands the physical demands athletes face and how to get them back to their sport.
Dr. Catherine Grant is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) who earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from UVA and her DPT from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed advanced manual therapy training through VOMPTI and serves as adjunct faculty at Bowling Green State University. A former competitive gymnast, she specializes in working with gymnasts, dancers, pilates athletes, and tennis players, providing performance-oriented care that matches high-level athletic demands.
Taylor Emmert graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Recreation and Management with a minor in Business. Taylor was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. She enjoys lifting, hiking, and watching her younger brother participate in sports!
What our clients say
Real stories from active adults who've gotten back to training.
Ready to train smarter and feel stronger?
Book a phone consult and talk through your situation with our team. We will help you figure out the best path forward.