Dr. Daniela Zapata, PT, DPT | Stay Active. Feel Empowered.
I help Active adults with back and Neck pain transition from their day jobs to their favorite hobby without a second thought.
950 n Washington St, STE 312, Alexandria, VA, 22314
About Your provider
My name is Daniela, and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in helping working adults fix the chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain that comes from spending hours at a desk, as well as movement limitations holding you back from being active.
As someone who understands the demands of a professional lifestyle, I know how frustrating it is when pain interferes with your work, workouts, and daily life. My approach focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain- not just treating symptoms- through comprehensive movement assessments and personalized treatment plans.
I take the time to understand how your daily habits, work setup, and movement patterns contribute to your pain, then give you practical solutions you can actually implement.
Education:
Doctorate in Physical Therapy - George Washington University
B.S. in Neuroscience - Johns Hopkins University
Continuing education and training in corrective exercise, movement system impairments, and integrative dry needling
For fun:
Salsa dancing
Running- just did my first half marathon!
Exploring Alexandria with my two dogs
Binge-watching Netflix
Back and Neck-Related Issues
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Upper back tension and stiffness
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Headaches from poor posture
Forward head posture
Conditions Treated
Common Issues in Active Adults
Hip pain or discomfort
Knee pain
Ankle sprains and instability
Tendonitis and overuse injuries
Post-injury rehab
Treatment Strategies
Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. I use targeted manual therapy to address tight neck and shoulder muscles, restricted thoracic spine mobility, and trigger points that develop from prolonged sitting and poor ergonomics.
Dry Needling is available.
Manual Therapy
Customized strengthening and mobility exercises designed to correct muscular imbalances and build resilience. I'll teach you exercises you can do at your desk, at home, or in the gym to maintain the progress we make in sessions and prevent pain from returning.
Corrective Exercise
Comprehensive assessment of how your daily habits and work setup contribute to your pain. I analyze your sitting posture, workstation ergonomics, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of dysfunction - not just treat symptoms.
Posture Check
When pain is no longer a limiting factor, and a strong foundation of posture education and corrective exercise is laid down, it’s time to get specific. We’ll chat about the demands of your sport or hobby and get you back in the game. This is my favorite part as an avid dancer and runner!
Goal-specific Drills
Your Path to Pain-Free Movement
Initial Evaluation (60 min)
Comprehensive evaluation of your movement, posture, work setup, and pain patterns. We identify the root cause and create your personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Sessions (60 Min)
Hands-on manual therapy, corrective exercises, posture education, goal-specific training, and real-time feedback to address your specific issues. Sessions are scheduled based on your needs and goals.
Home Program & support
You'll get a customized exercise program and ergonomic recommendations to maintain progress between sessions. Text/email support for questions as you implement changes.
Most clients see significant improvement in 4-8 sessions, with tools to manage their pain independently moving forward.
Pricing & Packages
Initial Evaluation ($220)
Comprehensive posture assessment, medical history review, goal setting, and personalized treatment plan. Includes hands-on treatment and your first exercise program. No referral required.
Treatment Session ($185)
One-on-one treatment session including manual therapy, exercise progression, postural re-education, and program updates based on your progress. Initial evaluation required.
Discounted rates available for clients committing to multiple sessions. Details provided during your initial evaluation based on your treatment plan.
Multi-Session Packages
HSA/FSA funds accepted as payment. Superbills provided for potential out-of-network insurance reimbursement (coverage varies by plan).
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No, I operate on a cash-based model, which means sessions are not billed through insurance. This allows for longer, more personalized one-on-one care without insurance restrictions or referral requirements!
You'll receive a detailed receipt (superbill) after each session that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan. Many clients also use HSA/FSA funds to cover sessions.
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Each session begins with discussing your progress and any changes since your last visit. I will guide you through targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, and movement assessments tailored to your specific needs. Sessions are hands-on and collaborative. You'll understand not just what you're doing, but why it matters. You'll leave with clear takeaways and exercises to practice between visits.
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The number of sessions varies based on your condition and goals. Some clients see significant improvement in 4-6 visits and are able to continue their exercise program independently, while others with chronic or complex issues may benefit from ongoing care. I will discuss a personalized treatment plan during your first session and adjust as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No- one of the benefits of cash-based physical therapy is that you can schedule directly without a physician referral. Virginia allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can see me as your first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues. If your condition requires further medical evaluation, I will guide you toward the appropriate next steps.
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I work in the Movement & Media studio located at 950 N Washington Street, Suite 312, Alexandria, VA, 22314, on the third floor with elevator access.
There is free street parking available on surrounding streets. The studio is easily accessible by multiple bus lines, and a 10-minute walk from the Braddock metro stop.
You'll receive detailed access instructions when you book an appointment.
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With traditional insurance-based PT:
30-45 minute appointments where you're often handed off to aides or assistants
Cookie-cutter exercise sheets printed from a database
Bouncing between different therapists each visit with no continuity of care
Treatment dictated by insurance guidelines, not your actual goals, often resulting in more visits that you actually need
Waiting weeks for authorization approvals before starting treatment
Limited number of approved visits regardless of your progress
With cash-based PT:
Full 60 minutes of one-on-one care and attention, every time
Consistent care with the same provider who knows your history and progress
Direct access to your provider for timely response to questions and plan adjustments
Personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your body, goals, and lifestyle
Treatment focused on actually fixing the root problem, not just meeting visit quotas
Visit summaries and high quality online exercise programs to keep you on track
Clean, private space for you to focus on your goals without distractions
Start immediately - no referrals, no authorization delays
Flexible scheduling that works around your life and helpful visit summaries to keep you on track