Capitol Rehab of Arlington, the chiropractic and physical therapy practice that started in the basement of Gold’s Gym in Clarendon in 1996, is celebrating 25 years of service in 2021 with a celebration that spotlights its community relations.

Now located in the Quincy Crossing Building at 801 N. Quincy Street in the Ballston area, Capitol Rehab has served more than 8,000 patients in its 25 years. The current staff includes three chiropractors, three physical therapists, two massage therapists, and several support team members.

“The biggest compliment we receive from our patients is that not only do they feel better after a visit but also that they feel like they are seen and heard when they are here,” said Capitol Rehab founder Dr. Bill Booker. “Several people have told us that they appreciate that the staff knows their name when they visit, recognizes their faces, and remembers their stories.”

“As we celebrate 25 years, we have had many gratifying moments,” said. Dr. Edward Beck, a chiropractor and a partner in the practice. “One recent moment was reading a Google review by a patient who said she doesn’t even live in Arlington anymore, but she still squeezes in an appointment when she is passing through town. That is the kind of loyalty we strive to earn from our patients and we earn it by providing the care and maintenance that enables patients to live the highest quality lifestyle they can.”

Capitol Rehab’s relationship to the Arlington community is grounded in strong local ties. Dr. Booker relocated to Arlington from Philadelphia, where he interned following his doctoral studies in Chiropractic at the Cleveland College of Chiropractic, Los Angeles. An undergraduate of the University of Virginia, Dr. Booker opened his practice in the basement of the Gold’s Gym in Clarendon. Like many small businesses, the company launched on a shoestring budget.

“We had an open concept — partitions separated the three patient rooms. When the gym was hot, we were boiling. When the gym was cold, we were freezing. Our office ‘audio system’ consisted of whatever music the spin class on the floor above us was playing,” Dr. Booker said.

The business expanded rapidly, and Dr. Booker brought in Chiropractor John Doepper and physical therapist Lyn Stewart.

“Apparently, the Gold’s Gym guys liked us. Shortly thereafter, they asked us to open 12 additional locations,” he said.

Dr. Doepper and Dr. Booker opened up across the Northern Virginia corridor, starting in Rosslyn, and spreading to Herndon, Sterling, and Ashburn, among other locations. Dr. Doepper and his wife Michelle, who was the company’s office manager in Clarendon, eventually relocated to Winchester, Va., where they still operate a Capitol Rehab office.

In 2002, Dr. Booker moved the practice to Quincy Street, bringing along then-massage therapist Jorge Obando and Lyn Stewart. Stewart remains with the practice today.

“It’s hard to believe that we have been in this location since 2002,” Dr. Booker said.

In 2006, Dr. Booker formed a new alliance with Dr. Beck at the Quincy St. location. Dr. Jared Hatch, DC, joined the practice in 2013. The current medical personnel also include Drs. Lauren Shaub and Miri Choe, both physical therapists. James Moore and Rita Sandidge are in-house massage therapists.

As part of their philosophy to be active members of the Arlington community, the practitioners participate in several local organizations. “Doc Beck” – as he is known by his son’s travel baseball team – can be found in the dug-out, on the field, or cheering for his children at their basketball, flag football, and softball games. He also serves as the team doctor from a variety of Division I schools, including Georgetown University and George Mason University track and field teams. In addition, Dr. Beck enjoys working with the region’s elite running community as well as many Ironman triathletes.

Arlington resident Lauren Shaub is an assistant coach for Capitol Area Runners and volunteers for the Arlington Medical Reserve Corps and at the Arlington Free Clinic. Lyn Stewart helps the Kids Arlington Triathlon Club and is developing and implementing prehab and conditioning program for gymnasts at several area clubs.

Dr. Booker has worked as a mentor and a doctor for athletes at several local universities. Over the years, Capitol Rehab has developed relationships with many local businesses in support of health and wellness programs and is a frequent participant in Clarendon Day.

With an emphasis on maximizing outcomes for younger athletes, Dr. Booker has worked with students in top AAU basketball programs, club soccer programs, and nationally ranked track teams. In 2019, he founded IMPACKD, which is an injury prevention and training program for student athletes on the college recruitment track.

Capitol Rehab has won several awards over the years, including the 2021 Best of Arlington Award in the Chiropractors category by the Arlington Award Program and 2019 and 2017 Best of Arlington awards by Arlington Magazine for its chiropractic and physical therapy services. The practice has also been featured in Washingtonian Magazine.