home



Overview
Arthritis & Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) is an established physical therapy practice with special expertise in the treatment of rheumatic and orthopedic disorders, along with neurological conditions and syndromes. Our licensed therapists believe in providing each patient with the highest quality of care by utilizing advanced diagnostic skills and a hands-on approach to therapy. Our goal is assisting each patient in minimizing pain and achieving their fullest functional capabilities. A personalized approach to treatment, delivered in a caring environment, attracts adult patients with a wide range of therapeutic needs.


Individualized Treatment Provided by Responsive Therapists

ARTS therapists work with board-certified rheumatologists and other physicians to develop individualized treatment plans designed to increase patient comfort, function and safety. Each plan has measurable outcomes for monitoring progress and includes patient education and home care programs to maximize patient independence.


An Initial Evaluation

During an initial evaluation, therapists gather important information about the patient's specific disease or disorder, general health and home and work environment. Based on the physician's recommendations and available medical records, physical therapy must be ordered by a physician to develop a comprehensive plan that treats the whole person and supports other treatment that might be underway.


Special Rehabilitation Programs

ARTS specializes in rehabilitation programs and protocols for the diseases and disorders listed below. Patient and family education, along with instructions for expanding the benefits of therapy through home exercise, are integral parts of all ARTS rehabilitation programs. Of special note are our Back School and our programs for joint protection/arthritis prevention and fibromyalgia.
  • Arthritis
  • Joint protection/arthritis prevention
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Headache
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke
  • TMJ
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Balance and Home Safety

Hands-on Techniques for Treatment and Pain Management

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques and interventions, also referred to as modalities to treat musculoskeletal problems and to resolve pain. Many diseases and disorders, especially those that cause pain, benefit greatly from therapeutic exercise programs and the use of advanced, hands-on modalities. All ARTS therapists are highly skilled in these interventions, which they use in combination with other basic modalities as described below.

Advanced, Hands-on Modalities:
  • Joint mobilization
  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Myofascial release
  • Massage
  • Patellofemoral taping
  • Biofeedback
  • Electrical acupuncture
  • Cranio-sacral therapy
  • Phonophoresis (ultrasound with steroids)
  • TENS
  • Functional electric stimulation
Basic Modalities:
  • Ultrasound
  • Paraffin (hot wax treatment for the hands)
  • Cervical traction
  • Pelvic traction

Our Directors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
and Wheaton Director

Anne Wellington-Goldsmith, MPT

Anne Wellington-Goldsmith received her B.A. degree in Health Science and Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 1992 and her Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Delaware in 1999. Following her Internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she accepted a position with them as a Staff Physical Therapist and had the opportunity to work with varied patient diagnoses including orthopedic, neurologic, oncology and pediatrics. Ms. Wellington-Goldsmith subsequently joined C.J.B. Therapy Centers of Baltimore where she became the first Physical Therapy Director of three outpatient clinics transitioning from chiropractic to physical therapy clinics. She successfully managed this process, staffed and directed these clinics as well as treated patients. From 2001 until Anne joined Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS) in December, 2006, she worked for TLC Staff Builders Home Health Agency where she was the staff therapist for primarily geriatric patients with a range of diagnoses. At TLC, she was also given the distinct honor of being named a Care Team Manager - a position that no other physical therapist had ever held in this national company. This position required that she manage the care of patients in her home care territory by assessing needs and providing staff (nurses, home health aides, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, etc) for her clients. In addition, while at TLC Ms. Wellington-Goldsmith was the recipient of numerous citations, commendations and awards.

Ms. Wellington-Goldsmith directs Arthritis & Rehabilitation Services calling upon a wide variety of physical therapy skills and interests. A return to safe, pain-free function during daily activity is the goal of most therapeutic sessions. The patient's total well-being is Ms. Wellington-Goldsmith's greatest concern and as a result she guides ARTS clinicians in providing excellent quality of care for each patient and becoming the best diagnosticians and manual therapists that each one can be!


Rockville Director

Joshua P. Costa, DPT

Dr. Costa received his B.A. at Stony Brook University, Long Island, NY in 2002 where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key and Sigma Beta honor societies and a Magnum Cum Laude graduate. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University School of Health Technology and Management. He received the community service award from the physical therapy department at Stony Brook University. Dr. Costa has over 5 years experience with Adaptive Aquatics. He has been the recipient of the excellence in teaching Adaptive Aquatics and the community service award from the aquatics program. His experience includes treating individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, herniated discs, rotator cuff injuries, total joint replacements, carpal tunnel syndrome, neurological disorders, and geriatrics. He utilizes modalities, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, home exercise programs and integrates them into an individualized plan of care. Dr. Costa is committed to providing excellence in care with a goal of relieving pain, maximizing function and improving patient safety and independence.


Chevy Chase Director

Powell J. Bernhardt, DPT, MS, CMTPT

Powell J. Bernhardt graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He also holds a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science. He was a member of numerous honor societies including The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He interned at the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communication, a division of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Publications that he co-authored include "Determining Prominent Subdomains of Medicine" and "Identifying Anatomical Concepts in Biomedical Text for Automatic Selection of Images."

Dr. Bernhardt earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received the Matt Williams MPT Scholarship Award and the American Physical Therapy Association Minority Award for Educational Excellence. He also tutored first-year students in gross anatomy and participated in an after-school program aimed at increasing physical activity in children living in the community surrounding the university.

Dr. Bernhardt is a member of the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and the District of Columbia Physical Therapy Association. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Howard University. His treatment philosophy utilizes evidence-based practice. He integrates orthopedic manual therapy with therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular re-education to develop a plan of care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Dr. Bernhardt is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist and Dry Needling Provider through The Janet G. Travell, MD Seminar Series. Patient populations that can benefit from this advanced technique include cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, temporomandibular disorder, fibromyalgia, whiplash, headaches, and a host of other neuromusculoskeletal disorders. He has also received additional training in Maitland and other manual-based treatment approaches.


Washington DC Director

Matthew P. Reed, MPT

Matthew P. 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, Mr. Reed partnered in research investigating the effects of resistance training on cardiorespiratory 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 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. Mr. Reed’s approach to patient care places emphasis on patient education and individualized treatment. He employs principles of various manual treatment philosophies in conjunction with therapeutic exercises customized to his patients’ needs in order to improve mechanics of the body and promote return to function.


Our Staff

Wheaton Location

Teresa Ichniowski, PT

Teresa Ichniowski has over 33 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. She graduated from Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, NY in 1976 with a degree in Biology, and completed her training in Physical Therapy at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in 1977.

During her years as a Physical Therapist, Teresa has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient centers and home care services. Her broad range of experience is a valuable asset to ARTS and to her patients.

Teresa has a special interest in Osteoporosis and has pursued additional training in exercise protocols that improve posture and balance to protect against falls. Recently she has begun teaching a course designed to benefit individuals with this condition as part of the new ARTS Wellness Program.


Matthew Montag, DPT, MBA
Matthew Montag earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Florida – a Bachelor of Science in Business Management 2004, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007, and a Master’s in Business Administration in 2009.

Prior to relocating to Washington, DC and joining ARTS in 2010, Dr. Montag was employed by an orthopedic practice in Florida where he assisted patients experiencing a wide variety of diagnoses and disorders, many requiring specialized post-operative care.

When working with patients, he is keenly focused on each individual’s unique challenges and goals, and on developing a customized plan including exercise, manual therapy and the appropriate treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcomes.


Ana Reyes, LPTA
Ana Reyes graduated from Montgomery College in 2007 with her Associate of Applied Science degree. She immediately began working for ARA and has become highly skilled in manual physical therapy techniques. While employed with us full-time, she continued to pursue her education, and in December 2010 earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management.

Ana enjoys working with patients one-on-one and collaborating with the evaluating therapist on ways to enhance each patient’s experience. Her clients often comment on her outstanding manual skills and how, in combination with appropriate treatment modalities and prescribed exercises, they are able to significantly improve their condition.

-----------------------------------------------

Rockville Location

Rebecca Wagner, LPTA

Rebecca received her Associate of Applied Science degree with honors from Montgomery College, Takoma Park and has been practicing as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) for more than 10 years. As a PTA, Rebecca has contributed to the well-being of her patients by providing both education and treatment to help them achieve their clinical goals and regain functional mobility.

Rebecca has clinical experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology and geriatrics. She has been a professional dancer for 13 years and was also a fitness instructor, choreographer, and master trainer at the YMCA for 19 years.

-----------------------------------------------

Washington DC Location

Karrie McDonough, PT, DPT

Karrie McDonough graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Miami with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science in 2009. She was enrolled in the school’s accelerated physical therapy program and thus received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with honors, in 2011. During her time in graduate studies she had a chance to participate in the Comprehensive High-Level Amputee Mobility Predictor study, resulting, among other outcomes, in development of the Bilateral Amputee Mobility Predictor (B-AMP). Dr McDonough has co-authored a research article, currently in press, that was presented at Combined Sections Meeting and the Thranhardt Lecture Series in 2011 regarding the development of the B-AMP.

In addition to working with the amputee population, Dr. McDonough enjoys applying her total body approach when treating patients at Arthritis and Rehabilitation Therapy Services (ARTS), using manual techniques, exercise, and education to facilitate maximal recovery. Dr. McDonough utilizes a wide variety of skills when planning customized treatment plans, including myofascial release, active release technique, and manual lymph drainage as well as physical activity to provide comprehensive care on an individualized basis.


New Patient Form

- Please click on the link to download the needed form.
- Each form is a PDF document that can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- To download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader Click Here <<
- Forms can be sent to ARA via fax, mail or in person during a scheduled appointment.

  • ARTS Forms - (ARTHRITIS & REHABILITATION THERAPY SERVICES)

Appointments, Insurance & Locations

We have offices in Wheaton, Rockville and Chevy Chase, Maryland and Washington DC. Please call the numbers listed below to set up an appointment. Please see Locations below.

ARTS participates with Medicare and several other insurance plans. When you call for your appointment, check to find out if we participate with your insurance plan. When you arrive for your appointment, please make sure you have your physician's referral for physical therapy.

Locations:

Wheaton

2730 University Blvd. West
Suite 714
Wheaton, MD 20902
(on the grounds of Westfield Shoppingtown Wheaton)
301-942-2520

Rockville
14955 Shady Grove Road
Suite 255
Rockville, MD 20850
(across the street from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital)
301-929-4125


Washington DC
2021 K Street, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
301-942-0442, ext. 431


Chevy Chase
5454 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 600
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-942-0442, ext. 526