Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC

Whether you're logging miles through Shandon, hitting PRs at your CrossFit box, or trying to play 18 on your favorite course without back pain, nagging injuries shouldn't keep you on the sidelines. At Salerno Sports Therapy, we help active adults in Columbia train through rehab, build real strength, and return to sport with confidence.

Our Columbia Location

Visit us in Columbia

We're located on Millwood Ave, convenient to Shandon, Forest Acres, and neighborhoods throughout Columbia.

How We Help Columbia Athletes

Physical therapy built for your sport

We treat runners with knee pain, lifters with shoulder issues, and golfers who lose power by the back nine.

Two men in a gym; one is dragging a weighted sled while the other watches on artificial turf.

Physical Therapy

One-on-one strength-focused sessions tailored to your training. We address pain from lifting, knee issues, and back problems—getting you stronger and back to what you love.

Running Physical Therapy

Gait analysis, strength assessments, and return-to-running plans for runners with knee, shin, hip, or back pain.

Golf Physical Therapy

TPI-based movement screens and body-focused training to help golfers play without pain and improve power.

Trainer coaching a woman lifting a barbell with weights in a gym with American and other flags in the background.

Performance Programs

Structured coaching and training programs for athletes

Why Columbia Athletes Choose Us

One-on-one sessions in a gym, not a clinic

You get a full hour with your PT every session—no assistants, no rotating therapists, no treatment tables lined up in rows. We work in a space with racks, barbells, and turf because that's where real strength gets built. You'll leave every session knowing exactly what to do, why it matters, and how it connects to your sport.

What Columbia athletes are saying

Real results from runners, lifters, and golfers who refused to settle.

Jay was fantastic. I was apprehensive about going for therapy but my ability to run and recovery time have dramatically improved. Alot of knowledge and I enjoyed each session in addition, he did not waste my time at all.
Tyler Livezey
I highly recommend Salerno Sports Therapy as both a golfer and crossfitter. Jay helped me with PT and an exercise program to increase hip rotation and flexibility, which has made a big difference on the course and at the gym. Whether you're recovering from an injury or looking for a way to break through a training plateau, this is the place to start putting in the behind the scenes work that will help you get better.
Joseph Thickens
Jay has helped me go from feeling old with pain in my lower leg, to my legs feeling stronger than ever. He provides great attention and responsiveness to what I need. Highly recommend Salerno Sport Therapy to anyone trying to improve themselves.
Sam Cartin
I have seen Jay a couple of times - for various problems with my feet, knees, and hamstrings. As a 'woman of a certain age' there are a lot of issues that seemingly appear overnight. Jay explains how a weakness here could lead to pain there over time and has given me great exercises to strengthen and correct my issues. I've been doing some of these for years, which has allowed me to continue to lift heavy and improve in my CrossFit adventures. Highly recommend Salerno Sports Therapy!
Kathy Ferguson
The top team of sports PT professionals in Columbia. Trust me, I've tried most of them. Couldn't recommend Jay and the team enough.
Rebecca Haynes
One of the best things about Dr. Salerno is that he not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. His service is matched by his own active lifestyle in the gym, on the water, on the course, and the streets. I know that Dr. Salerno will know exactly how to get me out of whatever rut I get my self into and back in the gym the right way.
Tyler Ainsworth

Common questions from Columbia athletes

Everything you need to know about getting started at Salerno Sports Therapy.

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can schedule your free discovery call and evaluation without seeing a doctor first. If your insurance requires a referral for potential reimbursement, we can help coordinate that after your first visit.

How long are sessions, and how often will I need to come in?

Every session is a full hour, one-on-one with your physical therapist. Most people start with one to two visits per week, then adjust based on progress and goals. We build your schedule around your training, not the other way around.

Will I have to stop running, lifting, or playing golf while I'm in PT?

Not usually. We work with your training plan and help you modify loads or intensity when needed, but our goal is to keep you moving. For most people, smart training is part of the rehab process.

Why is this more expensive than other clinics in Columbia?

We're intentionally out-of-network and premium because it lets us give you a full hour of one-on-one attention, coach you through exercises in real time, and build a plan around your sport instead of insurance codes. You're paying for expertise, time, and results.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Wear athletic clothes you can move in—shorts or leggings and a t-shirt work great. If you're a runner, bring your current shoes. If you're working on a lifting issue, we may ask you to demonstrate movements, so dress like you're going to the gym.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your free discovery call and take the first step back to your sport.

Stop letting pain keep you on the sidelines

Whether you're chasing a PR, working through a tweak, or just want to train without worry, we're here to help you get stronger and get back to what you love.