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.

Nate and Jay are great! My husband and I both go to see them and they have helped tremendously with our mobility, strength, and recovery. You can tell they truly care and are extremely knowledgeable.
Ashley Brondell
Can not recommend enough! I worked with another physical therapist for four months. I spent the same amount of money, with little to no progress. Within three visits with Jay, My pain had drastically minimized, strength and range of motion increased, and just like that, I was back to lifting. Nala is also so kind and helpful with scheduling.
Danielle Shealy
SST was key to my training and prep for my first half marathon. Jay helped me stay injury free as I ramped up the intensity of my runs, and he was willing to help me remotely when I couldn't make in person sessions.
michael salerno
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
I came to Salerno sports therapy with 2 separate issues (knee pain and pulled hamstring) and after working with Jay for a few weeks I forgot I even had an injury! Sessions were enjoyable, I highly recommend.
Mia Flack
Dr. Jay helped me strengthen my legs to better support my knee after an injury. He was knowledgeable, resourceful in his repertoire of therapeutic exercises, kind, encouraging, and was able to show me how much progress I had made at the end of the treatment period. I would highly recommend him!
Katie Buckner

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.