Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Kim.
Jonathan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy was long and filled with challenges. I was not the strongest college student early on, and my grades reflected that. But even during that time, I knew I wanted to work in physical therapy. I spent six years working as a PT aide while I was in college and later during PTA school. That experience confirmed that this was the field I truly wanted to be in.
Determined to improve and move forward, I retook several classes at Montgomery College and eventually applied to their Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. After being accepted, I completed the program and began working as a PTA. I practiced in that role for five years, gaining valuable hands-on experience with patients and learning what truly makes rehabilitation effective.
Encouraged by my wife, who believed I could go further, I decided to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. By God’s grace, I was accepted into the DPT program at Neumann University—one of the few programs that offered weekend classes. For three years, I worked full-time as a PTA during the week and then traveled nearly three hours to Pennsylvania on the weekends to attend school. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I managed it, but the journey strengthened my commitment to the profession and to my patients.
About five years ago, I founded ESR because I saw a growing need in the physical therapy field. Too many clinics were rushed, driven by insurance limitations or productivity numbers rather than patient outcomes. I wanted to create something different—a clinic where quality of care comes first and where patients are treated with the time, attention, and respect they deserve.
At ESR, both adults and student-athletes receive the same level of dedicated care. We believe that successful rehabilitation happens when practitioners and patients work together as a team. Collaboration, education, and individualized treatment are at the core of everything we do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. My road to owning a business was been difficult but blessed. My wife has been such a support and encouraging figure to me. Along the road I had gain encourage and smart mentors who have helped me throughout this process of owning a business. Shout out to Ken Gosnell and Daniel Ra!
We’ve been impressed with Elevated Strength Rehab, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ESR is a minority-owned physical therapy clinic, a distinction I take great pride in. Representation matters, and there are few Asian American physical therapists in ownership or leadership roles—ESR is helping to change that.
We specialize in one-on-one, performance-based physical therapy for athletes of all levels—from students to adults—who are ready to return to their sport or daily activities. Our expertise spans a wide range of injuries, including ACL rehabilitation, post-operative care, low back and neck pain, overhead athlete injuries, and rotational athlete programs.
At ESR, we collaborate closely with physicians—including orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, pain management specialists, and other healthcare professionals—to ensure every client receives optimal care. We also leverage advanced technology, like VALD systems, to track progress, guide rehabilitation, and make informed return-to-sport decisions.
Our services include: Performance Physical Therapy, Dry Needling, Manual Therapy, Compression Therapy, Post-Operative Care, ACL Rehab, Return-to-Sport Testing, Strength & Conditioning, and Personal Training
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
High energy and love being around people.
Love watching and going to DC/MD sporting event and playing sports. Golf is a love and hate relationship.
God fearing and church going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevatedstrengthrehab.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkimstrength_rehab
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElevatedStrengthRehab
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkimstrengthrehab/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedstrengthrehab/featured
- Other: https://elevated.merchlaunch.shop/ecommerce
