What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.88
Average wait time
4.65
Bedside manner
4.95
“Wonderful doctor -- knowledgeable, kind and caring. I would highly recommend Dr. Lu to anyone interested in obtaining excellent non-surgical treatment from a very considerate clinician.”
Initials hiddenMarch 23, 2026
“Dr. Michael was courteous and extremely knowledgeable regarding my injury. He was also able to show me the best practices on how to heal my injury. ”
Romaijn W.March 9, 2026
About Dr. Michael Lu
Dr. Michael Lu is a physician specializing in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He holds board certification in both fields and focuses on non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, sports injuries, and other conditions causing pain and affecting movement. Dr. Lu is passionate about promoting lifelong wellness and believes movement is medicine for everyone.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland and completed training in Internal Medicine at MedStar Harbor Hospital. He further specialized with residencies and fellowships at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Sports Medicine.
Common conditions he treats include tendonitis (e.g., tennis elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles), arthritis and joint pains, sports injuries (sprains, strains), back pain and sciatica, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, hip, and foot/ankle disorders, and nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Lu cares for a diverse patient population, from high school athletes striving for peak performance to older adults seeking to stay active and healthy. He listens closely to patients and works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle modifications, tailored physical therapy, and non-surgical procedures.
He has extensive training in ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and fluoroscopically guided lumbar spine injections, aiming to relieve pain and promote healing without surgery. His goal is to help patients recover fully and return to activities they enjoy—whether on the field, court, or in everyday life.
In addition to general sports injuries, Dr. Lu has a special interest in injuries related to adaptive sports, golf, and racquet sports such as tennis, pickleball, and paddle. My goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each individual's unique needs.
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In-network insurances
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Aetna
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UnitedHealthcare
Office locations
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Education and training
- Medical School - University of Maryland, Doctor of Medicine
- MedStar Harbor Hospital (Internal Medicine)
- Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)
- Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Sports Medicine)
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1477059640
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.88
Wait time
4.65
Bedside manner
4.95
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
83 reviews
Most relevant
Very competent and courteous physician. Dr. Lu showed compassion, patience, and empathy. Highly recommended!!
February 6, 2025Initials hidden
Dr. Lu is a compassionate doctor. Takes his time to listen and answer questions.
December 9, 2025Diane C.Verified patient
I understood my options clearly and trusted my doctor's opinion and recommendation. Highly recommend.
January 14, 2025James C.Verified patient
He is awesome. Very knowledgeable, friendly and straight to the point. I would recommend him to others.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lu was great. He was patient, kind, and knowledgeable. .
December 29, 2025Timothy S.Verified patient
Friendly staff; knowledgeable and personable doctor; very clean; only waited a few minutes
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lu is fantastic. He listens great and is very thoughtful
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lu listened and explained his findings and the next steps.
June 21, 2025Helen O.Verified patient
Very knowledgeable and definitely recommend Dr. Lu.
September 25, 2025Diane C.Verified patient
Took the time to listen to my concerns and to explain his findings.
February 20, 2025Ellen M.Verified patient
Michael seemed very interested in attending to my concerns
March 9, 2024Michael R.Verified patient
Wonderful doctor -- knowledgeable, kind and caring. I would highly recommend Dr. Lu to anyone interested in obtaining excellent non-surgical treatment from a very considerate clinician.
March 23, 2026Initials hidden
Dr. Michael was courteous and extremely knowledgeable regarding my injury. He was also able to show me the best practices on how to heal my injury.
March 9, 2026Romaijn W.Verified patient
My follow-up appointment with Dr. Lu and his assistant was very good. Dr. Lu listens to my concerns, is pleasant and knowledgeable and offers suggestions/procedures to solve my chronic back pain. He never rushes my appointment. I appreciate his manner and his patient care. He has a great bedside manner. Compliments also for his assistant.
Christine Hamilton
February 21, 2026Christine H.Verified patient
Certainly recommend Dr. Lu who is patient and listens. I do not like the constant email reminders for the one appointment requiring the same information the system already has. Then, checking in, one goes through the entire rigamarole once more.
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
The time spent in the doctor’s office was excellent from the time I checked in and left. It took just under an hour. Although I arrived 30 minutes early, the nurse took me in and I saw Dr. Lu immediately. Our conversation and examination were just right in length of time. I left satisfied.
January 23, 2026Paige F.Verified patient
Dr. Lu is a qualified, very kind clinician who listens closely to what the patient has to tell him and responds in kind. He is respectful and concerned with the patient's needs. Highly, highly recommended.
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lu listens and offers alternative therapies.
October 31, 2025Helen O.Verified patient
Dr. Lu was quite prompt for my scheduled appointment. He was friendly and professional and the examination was comprehensive. He asked several times during the visit if I had any questions, which is very important to patients to hear from their provider. I would highly recommend him to family and friends.
September 26, 2025Initials hidden
Dr, Lu was very thorough and listened carefully to my concerns. He has
a kind and friendly demeanor. I highly recommend him.
August 29, 2025Jacqueline S.Verified patient
I was seen within 10 - 15 minutes after I arrived. Nurse Emma seemed very knowledgeable about her job. Dr. Lu seemed so young, yet he displayed excellent medical knowledge about my condition and explained every step of the treatment. His bedside manner was awesome!
August 26, 2025Paulette C.Verified patient
Dr. Lu was very professional and very helpful. He listened carefully to all I said and took numerous notes. He asked pertinent questions and set me up with an MRI. He gave appropriate meds to minimize pain and enhance sleep. He made excellent suggestions on other medical avenues to pursue. He also expedited my entry into the PT system. All his work is much appreciated. I would visit him again if ever in need.
August 8, 2025Harold G.Verified patient
Dr, Lu is a very well informed, compassionate physician who explains things well and completely understands the patient's concerns. I highly recommend him to anyone who prefers a non-surgical treatment approach to sports medicine maladies and orthopedic issues.
July 24, 2025Jan E.Verified patient
Dr. Michael Lu did a thorough exam, listened well to my observations, and provided useful info to assist with my muscle strain.
July 22, 2025Harold G.Verified patient
Dr. Michael Lu was very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. He listened well, explained what he understood to be my issue, and showed me diagrams that helped me understand where my hip pain was coming from. I'd highly recommend him.
July 2, 2025Patrick C.Verified patient
Fantastic
May 29, 2025Monica L.Verified patient
Dr. Lu is an excellent physician/physiatrist. He is a clinician who specializes in non-surgical interventions. He is very competent, friendly, and explains things well. He also gives you ample time in the office. I highly recommend him.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great doc! He was very thorough, professional, and friendly. He took the time to explain the issue and I didn’t feel rushed. Thanks!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lu is an excellent clinician with an outstanding bedside manner. He explains things well, shows empathy, and puts the patient at ease.
Every physician should be as well rounded as Dr. Lu.
I very highly recommend him.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Michael is a wonderful doctor. Very knowledgeable and professional. He explained everything very clearly and he makes sure I understand. The office is very clean and staffs are very friendly. Highly recommended this office and doctor.
February 6, 2025Tsui C.Verified patient
Dr. Lu is very personable. He listened to my concerns and answered all of my questions. Together we came up with a plan for my care. I highly recommend Dr. Lu.
November 8, 2024Sharon J.Verified patient
Dr. Lu was thorough and listened well. He did a great job showing me what was causing my shoulder pain and describing the treatment.
October 18, 2024Charles R.Verified patient
I’m sure Michael is great, but I booked this visit under the impression that he was located within Washington DC as zocdoc and MedStar had stated. I found out the night before my appointment that he was taking the appointment in Olney, MD, which took me over an hour to commute to. I arrived 8 minutes after the 15 minute grace period, and after calling and alerting staff twice an hour before my arrival to update them on my progress, they refused to see me. I waited 3.5 weeks for this appointment and am in chronic pain after suffering two major injuries. Jennifer at front desk was extremely unfriendly, though at the very least consistent with rejecting my pleas for leniency. Gotta respect it. Will not be returning or recommending.
October 14, 2024Miles L.Verified patient
Dr. Lu is an excellent physician in all aspects of his profession. He was very articulate and efficient during my physical exam. I was particularly impressed by his skillful use of the ultrasound machine to diagnose my shoulder problem. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to get help for a physical injury or theraphy.
July 15, 2024Initials hidden
Doctor Lu was patient, thorough, knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I was impressed that the exam, detailed analysis of my images, and diagnosis was done in a very unhurried manner. I highly recommend Doctor Lu to other patients!
July 5, 2024Thomas M.Verified patient
Professional and efficient
March 29, 2024Godfrey N.Verified patient
Dr. Lu was an attentive listener, engaged me in his decision for treatment. Used pictures, sculpture to point out areas in need of treatment. Best of all, he is extremely well-informed and communicates well, is genuinely kind, interested. I trust him implicitly. Ellen F. 11/15/31. Appt date: 3/4/24
March 4, 2024Alan H.Verified patient
Dr. Lu performed a very throughout evaluation, and recommended an MRI for my neck based on the results of the evaluation. After looking at the image from the MRI scan, he recommended several options for treatment, and listened to what would work best for my lifestyle.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
it is great to find such a thoughtful doctor on a first visit that actually seems like cares about what you're saying. Grade A+++ in active listening skills.
January 24, 2024Joyce S.Verified patient
March 23, 2026David H.Verified patient
March 20, 2026Joseph M.Verified patient
Less than 1 month agoInitials hidden
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
February 6, 2026Zhiyuan L.Verified patient
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
January 24, 2026Christine H.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
December 15, 2025Latonia G.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Lu?
Generally, Dr. Michael Lu has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Lu's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Michael Lu accepting new patients?
Dr. Michael Lu generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Lu's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Michael Lu accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Lu is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Lu online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Lu using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Michael Lu work with?
Where is Dr. Michael Lu's office located?
Dr. Michael Lu has 2 office locations, including in Washington and Olney, view full addresses on Dr. Lu's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Michael Lu have?
Dr. Michael Lu is certified by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Michael Lu?
Dr. Michael Lu frequently sees patients for Arthritis, Back Pain, Hand Problems, Knee Problems, and Sports Injury. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Michael Lu on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Michael Lu speak?
Dr. Michael Lu speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Michael Lu in reviews?
83 patients have reviewed Dr. Michael Lu. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.88/5. They have a 4.95/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.65/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.