Kris Porter DPT, OCS, CSCS
Doctor of Physical TherapyOrthopedic Certified SpecialistCertified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistOrthopedic Residency Trained
Dry Needling Certified
I’m a physical therapist with two decades of clinical experience. In that time, I’ve developed a deep passion for helping patients recover using the minimum effective dose. In a nutshell: VALUE. Time is the most precious resource we have, and if we can ensure that the limited time you invest in your movement health is optimized—that get’s me enthusiastically out of bed in the morning. That, and a piping hot cup of dark roast. Whether you’re managing pain, preventing injuries, optimizing performance, focusing on fitness and/or moving in ways that bring you joy—
Unfortunately, the American insurance model of care often focuses more on the number of units billed and has little to do with real world results. And in a system where there’s a massive supply–demand imbalance, even below average quality healthcare clinics have long waitlists, burned-out providers, and much of the care provided by “support staff”. In PT and chiropractic clinics, that is usually college aged techs with minimal/no training.
That’s why I joined MovementX—a company built around providing value-driven care:
🏡 Convenience
We can come to you (home, office, gym, anywhere)
Or, you can come to me (fitness studio access in Herndon and Reston)
🧠 Expertise
All sessions are 1-on-1 with me
No techs or assistants
I am quick to refer to providers with more expertise if I don’t have what you need in that moment
⏱️ Efficient
Sessions are action packed and can last 30-90 minutes, whatever you need
I pride myself on the minimum effective dose (more care is often NOT better care)
I can treat multiple body parts at one time (most providers cannot/will not do that)
💬 Access
You can call, text or email anytime.
I usually respond by the end of the day, usually within hours.
Sometimes it’s the days we aren’t together that are the most important
💸 Transparency
Clear pricing, no surprise bills or insurance headaches
Movement is complex. Anyone can chase pain and performance with techniques — but true movement expertise takes years of real-world experience deep study of anatomy, biomechanics, injury patterns, and how the body adapts to stress holistically.
Take a recent example:
An athlete trying to return to basketball was dealing with both knee and back pain, impaired sleep and deep frustration. On film review, something subtle stood out. When his right foot hit the ground, his hips stayed level. But when his left foot landed, his pelvis dropped nearly 12° — about 5–7° more than normal.
Why? Well, that is where movement science gets fun.
Pelvic drop can come from impaired hip strength, foot mechanics, ankle mobility, glute/core timing, running technique, previous injury patterns — and about a hundred other variables. In this case, the primary issue was a loss of Achilles/calf power (not just strength) on the left side from a long-forgotten injury he assumed was irrelevant.
After months of rehab with different physical therapists and personal trainers, and training on his own for nearly a year, his symptoms barely improved — because no one found the why.
Once we identified the root cause and applied the minimum effective dose, he was pain-free and full of more joy. He was back to jogging, playing pickup basketball and most importantly sleeping better. This took six visits over three months.
Find the driver. Treat what matters. Restore movement that lasts.
My Philosophy
Experience Matters
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I started working in a PT clinic and doing home fitness visits in 2005. Over the last 20 years, I have treated nearly every orthopedic and sports injury that one could have.
I have learned what I can and cannot manage independently. I don’t like to guess if I don’t have too, so if I cannot make a clear diagnosis or don’t have the treatment tools needed, I am proud to refer to other healthcare provider so my patients can get out of pain and back to what they love ASAP and/or perform at their optimal level.
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I complete an Orthopedic Residency in 2009. This included more than 400 additional hours of training, research, and mentoring. Less than 5% of Physical Therapists complete a residency because it is alot of work and doesn’t pay more. But I was and still am driven to do what it takes to take care of my patients.
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I have served as an adjunct faculty at Marymount University and the University of Utah, focusing on orthopedics and foot/ankle care. Also, I have been the director and a key mentor in an Orthopedic Residency, Sports Residency, Foot/Ankle Fellowship and Upper Extremity Athlete Fellowship.
This unique career opportunity has enhanced my evidence base, and allowed me to stay close to the science and the craft of physical therapy and fitness.
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I have always had a diverse interest in sports, as a way to stay fit and build community. From soccer, to swimming, football, baseball/softball, volleyball, mountain biking, endurance sports, and the obstacle course racing, I have done it all.
I love sports because they make fitness feel like fun and community feel like home. They keep us moving, keep us connected, and remind us that play isn’t just for kids — it’s part of being human.
That is why I have recently coached soccer, baseball and basketball. Not just to support my kids, but to support Reston and nearby communites.
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Paired with my advanced clinical training in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) allows me to bridge high-level rehabilitation with true performance-based care. It ensures that pain management, movement quality, and tissue healing are seamlessly integrated with evidence-based strength, power, and load-progression principles. For patients, this combination means not only recovering safely from injury, but rebuilding capacity and confidence in a way that supports durable, real-world performance and reduces the risk of future setbacks.
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My original dream was to be the CEO of a large hospital. I studied health care systems, policy, and law and loved it. I thought I could be part of the solution to make the American healthcare system better. But I fell in love with patient care, not spreadsheets, politics, and insurance company policies.
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I chose to work at MovementX because it provides the business infrastructure and community support that allow me to focus on the craft of physical therapy rather than the demands of marketing and operations. With those systems handled, I can devote my time and energy to clinical excellence, thoughtful programming, and building strong patient relationships—ultimately delivering higher-quality care within a clinician-first model.
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I chose Reston because it reflects the values I care most about—diversity, family, and intentional community—while also sitting within a broader Northern Virginia region I have proudly called home for the past 18 years. I value Reston’s commitment to recreation, walkable spaces, and community connection, as well as the richness and opportunity offered by the surrounding NOVA communities. Together, they create an environment that supports living well and delivering truly community-rooted, patient-centered care.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once we find the underlying cause of the pain (and stop chasing symptoms), the most important puzzle piece is education. Are you empowered to manage it as independently as possible. Pain is influenced by tissue health, movement patterns, loading history, and nervous system sensitivity. My approach blends targeted assessment, hands-on care when appropriate, progressive loading, movement retraining, and education to restore confidence in movement and build long-term resilience, not just short-term relief.
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Yes. I have been extensively trained in manual therapy and have used hands-on care nearly every day for the past 20 years. When appropriate, treatment may include spinal and extremity joint mobilization or manipulation, manual massage, trigger point therapy, assisted stretching, dry needling, neural mobilization, cupping, and kinesiotaping for pain or swelling. Roughly in that order of frequency used. These techniques are never used in isolation, but are integrated with active rehabilitation and education to ensure improvements translate into durable, real-world function rather than temporary relief.Yes. I have been extensively trained in manual therapy and have used hands-on care nearly every day for the past 20 years. When appropriate, treatment may include spinal and extremity joint mobilization or manipulation, manual massage, trigger point therapy, assisted stretching, dry needling, neural mobilization, cupping, and kinesiotaping for pain or swelling. Roughly in that order of frequency used. These techniques are never used in isolation, but are integrated with active rehabilitation and education to ensure improvements translate into durable, real-world function rather than temporary relief.
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See our contact page to email me directly, this is the best way to connect. I do publish my phone number as well, see the contact page or call/text me at: 703-672-0618
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I charge $200 per hour. Sessions typically last 60 minutes, but some sessions can be shortened to 30. Evals are preferred for 90 minutes so that we can have ~45 minutes of treatment after ~45 minutes of assessment. Notably if there is more than 1 body parts involved.
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No. Although I have an athletic background in my personal and professional life and deeply enjoy treating this population, my expertise is broad and I enjoy treating a range of patients.
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Click the menu and navigate to the schedule page. Then, click “Book Appointment”. This will direct you to the MovementX page to schedule.
Contact Me
If you have a question about whether I am a good fit for you, or if you want a free 20’ discovery call, reach out!