Dr. Brittany Elkins earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of St. Augustine in 2013. She is recognized as a leading specialist in Northern Virginia for the Parkinson’s Disease community, holding specialty certifications in the LSVT BIG protocol and extensive continuing education focused on Parkinson’s care. Additionally, Dr. Elkins is certified in Advanced Dry Needling, offering effective pain relief and enhanced range of motion for patients dealing with both acute injuries and chronic pain.
As the owner and operator of Balance Physical Therapy, Dr. Elkins oversees two convenient locations in Haymarket and a newly opened clinic in Warrenton. Under her leadership, Balance Physical Therapy has earned numerous accolades, including being a two-time winner of Best of Virginia, five-time winner of Best of Prince William, and two-time winner of Best of Haymarket/Gainesville.
Balance Physical Therapy prides itself on its expert team, equipped to treat a wide range of conditions—from pediatrics to geriatrics, vertigo and vestibular disorders, pelvic floor and women’s health, sports injuries, pre- and post-operative conditioning, gait and balance challenges, chronic pain, and more. Multiple therapists on staff are also trained in dry needling, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, specialized care tailored to their unique needs.
About Dr. Brittany Elkins, DPT
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family that keeps me grounded and inspired every day. I’m married to a retired Air Force pilot, whose dedication and discipline have always been a source of strength for me. Together, we’re raising three incredible young children who keep our household full of laughter, curiosity, and nonstop activity. Balancing family life with my work as a physical therapist can be challenging, but my family’s support makes it all possible. They remind me daily of the importance of health, resilience, and patience—not just in the clinic, but at home as well.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been a practicing physical therapist for over a decade, and each year deepens my appreciation for this profession. My career began in a subacute neurological rehabilitation hospital, and today I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of patients here in Northern Virginia—helping everyone from young athletes recovering from sports injuries to older adults regaining mobility after surgery or illness. What I love most about being a physical therapist is witnessing progress—sometimes it’s subtle, like a patient walking a few extra steps without pain, and other times it’s life-changing, like helping someone return to work, hobbies, or simply being able to pick up their grandchild again. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s healing journey and to offer not just physical guidance, but emotional support and encouragement along the way. Looking ahead, I’m excited about integrating more community wellness initiatives into my work. I’d love to continue educating people on injury prevention and healthy movement, not just in the clinic but through outreach in our local schools, gyms, and senior centers. Gainesville is such a vibrant and supportive community, and I’m proud to play a role in helping our neighbors live healthier, more active lives.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take care of your body now so it can take care of you later. You don’t have to be an athlete or a gym regular to benefit from movement—just staying active in ways that fit your lifestyle can make a huge difference over time. Whether it’s walking, stretching, gardening, or dancing in your kitchen, consistent movement keeps your joints, muscles, and mind healthy. I also tell people: listen to your body. Pain is your body’s way of asking for attention—not something to push through or ignore. The earlier you address a small ache or limited mobility, the easier it is to treat and prevent bigger problems down the road. And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Physical therapy isn’t just for post-surgery or serious injuries—it can be a powerful tool for prevention, balance, posture, and even stress relief. You don’t have to wait until something’s “wrong” to prioritize your health.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Ultimately, I want to continue making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s helping someone recover from surgery, return to a sport they love, or simply walk without fear of falling. If I’m still doing that, and still learning along the way, I’ll consider it a success.
Dr. Brittany Elkins, DPT & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Our community has such a great mix of local spots—it’s hard to choose just a couple! One of my go-to favorites is Zandra’s. The food is always fresh, the atmosphere is upbeat, and it’s a great place to unwind after a long day at the clinic. Their tacos never disappoint! I also really enjoy AKA Sushi for a quick, healthy bite that is always delicious. And when I’m in the mood for something cozy and local, Rockwood is a top pick—their brunch is fantastic, and it’s always nice to see familiar faces there. Supporting local restaurants is something I really value—it’s a great way to stay connected to the community and enjoy all the flavor Gainesville has to offer.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
10+ years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That’s a tough one—Gainesville is full of interesting people! But one person who really stands out to me is a patient I worked with a few years ago, a retired Navy veteran who had traveled the world and had stories that could fill a book. What made him so memorable wasn’t just his background, but his attitude. Even while recovering from a tough surgery, he approached every session with humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life. He reminded me that physical therapy isn’t just about the body—it’s also about connecting with people, understanding their experiences, and helping them get back to the things they love. I learned just as much from him as he did from me, and that’s something I carry into my work every day.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
One of my favorite things about our community is how it blends small-town warmth with a growing, dynamic energy. As a physical therapist, I get to work with people from all walks of life—teachers, veterans, young athletes, grandparents—and what always stands out is the genuine sense of connection people have here. It’s a place where neighbors still wave to each other, where local businesses support one another, and where you truly feel part of something bigger. What’s unique is how much pride people take in this community. Whether it’s volunteering at local events, showing up for school sports, or simply supporting a new business, there’s a real spirit of togetherness. That kind of support makes a big difference—not just in business, but in health and healing too. It’s one of the many reasons I feel lucky to live and work here.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be Dr. Lorraine Ramig. She’s a speech-language pathologist and the creator of the LSVT LOUD® program, which has made a tremendous impact on people living with Parkinson’s disease. While our fields are different, there’s so much overlap in how we approach patient care—especially when it comes to neurorehabilitation and quality of life. Her dedication to evidence-based treatment and her passion for empowering patients through their own recovery journeys really resonate with me as a physical therapist. I’d love the chance to learn from her perspective, talk about interdisciplinary care, and hear the story behind her groundbreaking work firsthand. We’d probably meet at Rockwood for Brunch—it’s casual, welcoming, and has the kind of energy that encourages good conversation. I’d have a million questions, but mostly I’d just want to thank her for the difference she’s made in so many lives, including patients I’ve worked with personally.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is A Good Year starring Russell Crowe. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Max Skinner is both charming and relatable, making it easy to connect with his journey of rediscovery and transformation. The film’s setting in the picturesque vineyards of Provence adds a magical, almost dreamlike quality that feels like an escape from everyday life. What I love most is how the movie explores themes of slowing down, appreciating life’s simple pleasures, and finding happiness beyond material success. It reminds me to value family, love, and the moments that truly matter. Plus, the blend of humor, romance, and drama keeps the story engaging from start to finish. Overall, A Good Year leaves me feeling inspired and uplifted every time I watch it.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I’m kind of the unofficial baby animal rescue specialist around here—if there’s a tiny, helpless critter in need, somehow it ends up in my care. I’ve brought home everything from squirrels to baby birds, and my house sometimes feels a lot like an animal rehab center! My family jokes that I have a “paw-scription” for every animal in need—though I’m still working on getting the squirrels to do their physical therapy exercises. Honestly, though, it’s taught me a lot about patience and creativity, which comes in handy when working with my patients. Plus, I’ve gotten pretty good at explaining to neighbors why there’s a baby bunny living under my porch!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I’d say the feeling of helping a patient reach a goal they once thought was impossible—that moment when they walk without pain, regain their independence, or return to an activity they love—those moments are a perfect 10 out of 10 for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to see hard work, determination, and therapy come together to transform someone’s life. On a lighter note, I’d also give a 10 out of 10 to a good, homemade meal shared with family or friends after a long day. Both in therapy and in life, those connections—whether with patients or loved ones—are what truly make everything worthwhile.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
At the core of everything I do, I’m inspired by Jesus. His example of compassion, kindness, and unconditional love reminds me daily to approach my work—and life—with humility and grace. In physical therapy, it’s not just about healing bodies, but also about caring for people’s whole experience: their fears, hopes, and struggles. When I face challenges, whether in my career or personal life, I lean on that inspiration to be patient, to serve with empathy, and to always strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those I’m privileged to help. His example continually pushes me to be better—not only as a therapist but as a neighbor and member of the Gainesville community. I aspire to love like Jesus, serve like Jesus and forgive like Jesus.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love. Comfort. Connection. To me, home is first and foremost about love—the unconditional support and care that make a place feel safe and welcoming. It’s where comfort surrounds you, both physically and emotionally, and where deep connections with family, friends, and neighbors thrive. As a physical therapist, I see home as the foundation for healing and well-being, the place where people rebuild strength not just in their bodies, but in their hearts as well.