Washington, DC
Arthritis & Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) is an established physical therapy practice with special expertise in the treatment of rheumatic and neurologic disorders, along with orthopedic conditions and syndromes. Our licensed therapists believe in a hands-on approach to therapy that assists patients in minimizing pain and achieving their fullest physical capabilities. Our personalized approach to treatment, delivered in a caring environment, attracts patients with a wide range of therapeutic needs.
Physical Therapy Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Monday – Thursday
The DC office is strategically located on K Street NW for the convenience of patients who work and live in DC and surrounding areas.
The DC office is near metro stations: Farragut North, Farragut West, and Foggy Bottom. The parking garage provides a ramp, automatic doors, and elevator access to the suite. Parking is $23, or $15 if you are in before 9 am. ARA does not validate parking.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION
Washington, D.C. Office
Matthew P. Reed, PT, MPT, CMTPT
Matthew Reed completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD in 1999. He studied in the Honors Program, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. Mr. Reed earned a Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2001. During his graduate studies, he partnered in research investigating the acute effects of resistance training on cardiovascular and respiratory function in patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program. The study, entitled The Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Heavy Resistance Exercise on Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants, was distinguished by acceptance for presentation among peers at the national conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in 2001.
Mr. Reed began practicing physical therapy in 2001 at an outpatient rehabilitation facility. There, he specialized in industrial rehabilitation, evaluation of functional capacity, ergonomic assessment, aquatic therapy, and manual treatment of musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and neurologic conditions. He served as Clinic Manager of that facility from 2002 until joining Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) in the Wheaton, MD location in 2007.
In August 2009, ARTS opened a new facility in the Washington, DC office location and Mr. Reed became its Director of Rehabilitation. He continues to serve in this capacity in the Washington, DC office and, in 2020, he became an Executive Director of the ARTS department. Mr. Reed’s approach to patient care places emphasis on patient education and treatment that is individualized to meet the specific needs and goals of the patient. Having studied extensively, over the years, a variety of treatment methods and philosophies, including in the areas of orthopedics and neurodynamics, and earned Dry Needling certification from the reputable Myopain Seminars, Mr. Reed employs principles of manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and dry needling, customized to need, in his treatment of patients with various musculoskeletal, myofascial, sensitization, neurologic, and chronic pain diagnoses and conditions, with goals of symptom relief and improved function.
In late 2016, the pain in my lower back resulted in an emergency room visit where doctors could not figure out the cause. A rheumatologist later referred me to this practice hoping physical therapy would alleviate my symptoms. I had never tried physical therapy before and did not know what to expect. Now, I no longer feel the initial pain and on top of that, I have learned exercises, breathing techniques, and correct posture in order to control and treat any chronic pain that may arise. This experience, thanks to Matt Reed and the team, has truly enabled me to live fully again without worrying about injuring my body or having to avoid my daily activities. Due to the care and attention I received at this practice, I no longer feel restricted and in pain. I feel empowered in knowing the techniques and tools to feel my best. Matt Reed is everything a patient could ask for, and the Washington D.C. area is lucky to have him! Allison (Patient)
I came here upon recommendation of Dr. Angus Worthing after injuring the C4 part of my spine. I was facing surgery, which would be complicated by my lupus. Matt Reed addressed the muscles from my first P.T. appointment and I immediately began to experience some relief after 4 months at level 10 pain, and really no range of motion in left arm and neck. It’s been a painful but productive process and I’m now at level 1 pain with near complete range of motion with NO SURGERY on the horizon. Kim (Patient)
I have enjoyed working with everybody, but Matt made all the difference. Aside from being technically quite skilled, he is so friendly and inspiring, and life-changing! Thank you! I’m basically out of pain for the first time in over 30 years and I didn’t think it was possible. Felicia (Patient)
My pain started when I was 8 years old (currently 21). It got progressively worse. When Dr Peng first recommend PT, I was skeptical. I finally had my first session with Matt and he put my anxiety at ease and reassured me that what I was feeling was very real. This made me feel better and I never felt pushed into something. The care I have received gave me tools to use in my daily life to decrease my pain and increase my mobility. Thank you Matt! Hannah L. (Patient)
I couldn’t stand for any length of time and the pain in my left leg was so severe that I was no longer enjoying my 18 holes of golf. As a last resort, Dr Borenstein recommended Matt. After two months, twice a week of therapy, those symptoms had disappeared. I can now stand more than 20 minutes. I can shop for groceries. The thoroughness and expertise of Matt’s evaluation and rehabilitation therapy was the most valuable part of my experience at this center. What sets this center apart from others is the encouragement given to help you stay on task with the therapy. Thank you! Jean S. (Patient)
OUR STAFF
Aidan Bittinger-Esser, PT, DPT
Aidan Bittinger-Esser grew up locally in Silver Spring, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Elon University in North Carolina. Following undergraduate studies, he returned to the Washington, D.C. area and worked as a physical therapist aide in Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services’ Washington, D.C. office, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the practice of physical therapy in preparation for his career pursuit as a physical therapist. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Widener University in Pennsylvania, where he received the Pro Bono National Honor Society Award for his time treating patients in the student-run clinic.
Dr. Bittinger-Esser acquired significant experience treating patients with a wide range of diagnoses and conditions during his clinical rotations, which spanned a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, outpatient neurological rehabilitation, and inpatient rehabilitation. After earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy, Aidan again returned to the Washington, D.C. region and joined Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services in the Washington, D.C. office to begin his anticipated practice as a licensed physical therapist. Given his prior experience providing care to patients as a physical therapist aide, and knowledge of Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services’ patient population and the value that Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates places on the excellence of its clinicians, Aidan was eager to return to begin his career.
Aidan is passionate about improving the quality of life of his patients and assisting them in managing their pain and achieving the highest level of function possible. He employs a variety of manual treatment techniques, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and patient education in the care of his patients to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Outside of work, Aidan enjoys remaining active by weightlifting in the gym, playing ice hockey, and getting outside as much as possible. He is also an avid Washington Capitals fan and loves to attend games in D.C.
Nicholas (Nick) McGarry, PT, DPT
Nicholas (Nick) McGarry grew up in southeast Pennsylvania and spent an almost equal amount of time on the coast of New Jersey. He completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He subsequently achieved his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. During his graduate-level clinical rotations, he gained significant experience in different clinical settings, including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. In his career as a licensed physical therapist prior to joining Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services, he gained extensive experience practicing in Pennsylvania and Virginia in various clinical environments, including SNIF, outpatient orthopedics, and sports and performance rehabilitation, which allowed him to hone his evaluative and clinical treatment skills in caring for patients with a wide variety of diagnoses and conditions and at different stages of the rehabilitation process.
Dr. McGarry’s diverse background and clinical experience provide him with the tools to effectively treat a variety of patient populations, including patients with chronic pain, and neurologic, neuromuscular, and orthopedic diagnoses. While providing skilled manual treatment and exercise instruction to improve mobility and mechanics, Nick’s treatment approach emphasizes patient education to empower patients to independently manage and improve their conditions and make long-term, sustainable changes. Nick effectively strives to break down complex diagnoses into their component parts to facilitate patient understanding and success in rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time on the water, especially with friends and family.
Lauren Tidwell, PT, DPT
Lauren Tidwell graduated from the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology while studying in the Honors Program. During her first two years of undergraduate study, Lauren was a competitive collegiate swimmer. She would find her passion for physical therapy and eventually go on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Baylor University.
Dr. Tidwell started her practice as a physical therapist in Texas, treating individuals of all ages and with a wide range of diagnoses, from acute injuries to various conditions of chronic pain. She developed a passion for educating her patients about their diagnoses, as well as interventions applied in physical therapy and strategies that can be independently employed by patients to manage symptoms and achieve goals of rehabilitation. She has extensive experience treating patients with chronic pain, arthritic conditions, myofascial dysfunction, joint replacements, upper and lower extremity joint disorders, Fibromyalgia and conditions of sensitization, acute injuries, spinal disorders, post-operative rehabilitative needs following various orthopedic surgery types, and variety of other musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. She uses a combination of manual treatment techniques, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to individualize each patient’s plan of care for the achievement of specific goals of relieving pain, improving independence with symptom management, and maximizing daily function.
When not working as a physical therapist, Lauren enjoys time at the lake, puzzling, trying different exercise classes, and spending time with friends and family.