Joe Norton PT

View Original

Running with Purpose: Luke Cancilla, the Premier Running Physical Therapist in Washington DC

Sales is a dirty word.


I thought this before entering into the business world and was advised to read To Sell is Human, a book by Daniel Pink.



The book contends all of us are in sales. Mothers sell their toddlers on eating broccoli. Teachers sell students on conjugating Spanish verbs. Doctors sell their patients on recommendations, medications, and even surgeries.



The best sales people make it personal and purposeful if they can answer these two questions: will a person’s life improve by working with us AND will the world be a better place than when you began?



With these principles, I reframed my thoughts and actions on starting a business as I was confident I could answer "yes" to both questions.



In January 2023, we began a search to find the next physical therapist to join our team.



Meet Luke Cancilla, DPT!

Luke Cancilla, DPT at Norton Physical Therapy and Performance in Georgetown Washington DC





During our interviews, I asked Luke why he enjoys being a physical therapist. He cited the personal enjoyment he receives from helping people with back pain lift their children, easing dizziness so clients can walk in a grocery store, and facilitating runners back to training for races.





As we dug deeper, I came to understand Luke values establishing a working partnership to elevate the lives of people around him. This aligned with our guiding belief to be purposeful and personal in our interactions to enhance the experience and the outcomes for our clients.





Luke graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the top physical therapy program in the country, the University of Pittsburgh. He has a strong knowledge base and skillset in working with a wide variety of orthopedic conditions including interests in individuals with running related issues and vestibular conditions.


Additionally, Luke has undertaken a multitude of advanced running continuing education courses led by renowned thought leaders such as Chris Johnson, PT, Nate Carlson, DPT, and Rich Willy, DPT. Furthermore, he has gone the extra mile to earn certification as a Gait Analyst through Run DNA. These endeavors have positioned him as a distinguished authority within the community, dedicated to assisting runners in overcoming pain barriers and enhancing their speed and endurance. Luke understands the profound desire of all runners—to simply run. He derives genuine satisfaction from collaborating with dedicated, goal-oriented runners and witnessing their triumphs.

Luke Cancilla, DPT at Norton Physical Therapy and Performance in Georgetown Washington DC Running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler


Beyond his work as a physical therapist, Luke exudes an adventurous spirit. He has embarked on an ongoing journey to master Spanish, maintaining an impressive streak of continuous learning with Duolingo. His passion for exploration extends to his love for travel, culinary adventures, and delving into various facets of modern-day Renaissance living.

Moreover, Luke's remarkable qualities extend beyond his professional realm. He is not only an exceptional physical therapist but also a dedicated and swift runner. His love for long-distance running has been a lifelong pursuit, beginning with track and cross country during his middle school years and continuing through his college career at John Carroll University in Ohio. Since then, he has been a prominent figure in the local road racing scene, often seen blazing trails alongside his fellow members of the Dojo of Pain running club.

Luke Cancilla, DPT at Norton Physical Therapy and Performance in Georgetown Washington DC showing Good Vibes



Ready to take your running game to the next level? Schedule a session with Luke today and experience the transformative power of expert guidance. Whether you're aiming to conquer pain barriers, enhance performance, or simply elevate your running experience, Luke's unparalleled expertise and passion for the sport will help you achieve your goals. Don't wait any longer to unlock your full potential as a runner—book your appointment now and embark on a journey toward greater strength, speed, and endurance!