Dr. Al Starlings
Dr. Al Starlings
DPT, COMT
Clinical Director and Lead Physical Therapy
I grew up in Mt. Airy, MD and went to Shepherd University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree before going on to West Virginia for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After finishing school I worked for Ranking Physical Therapy for over three years before coming to Limitless Physical Therapy so I could get away from the corporate healthcare model and into more individualized, personal care.
My core values are always be kind, leave everyone you meet better than when you met them, be trustworthy even if it’s hard.
“You can’t cook a brisket in the microwave, good things take time.”
I am the lead physical therapist and I specialize in treating youth athletes, especially soccer, baseball, and volleyball players. while also treating our tactical and law enforcement patients.
One of my goals is to help athletes who are working to return to their sport. Not only to be as good as they were but to return at a higher level than they were prior to their injury. I have a desire to educate lifters that pain isn’t normal when lifting weights and to help them with their lower back pain when deadlifting. I especially enjoy treating ACL injuries, shoulders, and low back injuries.
What I enjoy most about working here is I get to treat patients how I see fit, and not how someone, who is not involved in the patient’s care, tells me I am allowed to. Working here allows me to see my patients succeed in returning to whatever physical activity they wish to.
What is Dr. Al Watching, Reading, or Listening to?
- Remember the Titans (Movie)
- The Lion King (Movie)
- The Avengers (Movie)
- All Harry Potter’s (Books/Movies)
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and hanging out with my beautiful wife and 2 dogs!
Patient Testimonials
“Doc Al is awesome! He has helped me lift pain free and offers great advice and exercises to prevent pain from occurring in the future. I have been to many physical therapists over the years with various problems and I was always told the same thing, which was to stop running and stop lifting. So I accepted the fact that I would always be in pain; Doc Al proved me wrong and is the only one who has been able to fix my shoulder pain and help all of my other problems. He supports and encourages my goals while using his expertise to help me achieve them.”
“Doc Al was awesome. I came in with pain in multiple places and he was able to help. Most of my pain was gone after the session and the rest was gone after 1-2 weeks of using the exercises he recommended. Even more exciting for me was that Al seemed to care about me preventing injury in the future. We spent 3 more sessions on injury prevention and I now have hope about my longtime fitness goals- something I haven’t had since having kids. Thanks- you guys rock!”
“HEART and SMART: As a retired psychologist who is active in strenuous outdoor projects, and who has collaborated with many professionals and seen several for my own physical health, I am relieved to have found Drs. Al Starlings and Christa. They have the two qualities that make them top tier professionals: Heart and Smart. Their professional focus shows in their listening and explaining, teaching and caring. And they have the diagnostic, treatment, and skills expertise to deliver understanding and relief. They patiently answer questions and provide education so you can care for yourself between sessions and beyond. They are upbeat, uplifting, and have a sense of humor. They deserve more than five stars.”