Columbia's Top Running Physical Therapists
Your training is dialed in, but pain keeps showing up. Salerno Sports Therapy offers running-specific physical therapy in Columbia for runners who want to stay on plan and hit their goals without shutdown.
You're Stuck Between Pain and Your Training Plan
Every Long Run Brings the Same Pain
Knee or shin pain shows up at mile 5 and won't go away. You cut runs short and watch your fitness slip while everyone else hits their paces.
You Rest and It Comes Right Back
You take time off, feel better for a few days, then the pain returns the moment you ramp mileage or intensity back up.
You're Told to Stop Running
Doctors say take weeks off or switch to the bike, but you have a race coming up and stopping isn't an option you want to take.
Running PT Built Around Your Training Calendar
We don't just treat runners—we are runners. Every plan includes gait analysis, strength testing, and a clear progression so you can keep training while we fix the root cause.
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Common Issues We Address
We help runners in Columbia work through the pain and limitations that derail training blocks. Here's what runners typically come to us with:
Pain that only shows up at certain paces or distances
Achilles tendon pain and stiffness
Recurring calf or hamstring strains
Low back pain after long runs
Hip pain or tightness with running
Shin splints and lower leg pain
IT band syndrome and lateral knee pain
Runner's knee and patellofemoral pain
From Pain to Performance in Three Steps
Talk with us
Schedule a free discovery call so we can learn about your goals, training, and what's been holding you back.
Get your assessment
Complete a full movement and strength assessment with sport-specific testing like running gait analysis or a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf screen.
Follow your plan
Work through one-on-one, exercise-first sessions that build strength, restore confidence, and get you back to your sport.
What Runners Are Saying
Hear from runners in Columbia who got back to training and racing stronger than before.
Jay is awesome! He has been instrumental in solving my knee pain and issues while marathon training. He is incredibly knowledgeable and gave me a full strategy to fix my current problems and work to prevent them in the future!
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.
Very professional and highly recommend! I went to see Jay after a week off running due to injury. I had the Chicago marathon approaching in about 2 weeks and really wanted to be healthy and run. Jay worked hard and diligently to get me ready for the marathon — in a short time— and I was able to run the marathon, snag a PR & BQ. Jay continued to work with me post marathon to make sure I had the tools to keep my hips healthy and stronger. I’m happy with my decision to choose Salerno Sports Therapy for my PT needs!
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.
I came in with hip pain from running. I had tried resting it for a month at a time multiple times, but every time I started running again, the pain came right back. When I came in and did an assessment, Jay was able to tell me what was wrong and why I was having pain which was big for me. My own google diagnosis had me worried it was something really bad. He got me well enough to run a half marathon in just a few weeks and gave me the tools/exercises to stay healthy on my own going forward. Highly recommend
I am so encouraged after seeing Jay at Salerno Sports Therapy. I am a competitive runner and in April 2023 I was diagnosed with bilateral nondisplaced labrum tears. I got PRP, and knew that I would have to make some big changes in order to continue running at a high level. I met Jay at a local race, and immediately felt confident in his ability to treat me as a runner. The amount of time, attention, and intentionality he devotes in each session is next to none, and he provides exercises that immediately translate to sport. 1000/10 recommend for all the runners out there! He'll get you back on the road.
Serving Columbia and more
We're located in Columbia and serve active adults and athletes across Forest Acres, Shandon, Heathwood, Melrose Heights, and the greater Columbia area. If you're looking for performance-focused physical therapy near you, we're here to help.
FAQs
Common questions about running physical therapy at Salerno Sports Therapy.
Not usually. We work with your training plan to adjust volume and intensity while we address the root cause. The goal is to keep you running safely, not shut you down.
It depends on your timeline and injury. If your race is 8-12 weeks out, we can usually build a solid plan. We'll be honest about what's realistic after your assessment.
Absolutely. If you have a coach or follow a specific training plan, we'll coordinate so everyone is on the same page and your programming makes sense.
We do a full movement screen, strength testing on force plates, and video gait analysis. You'll leave knowing exactly what's weak, what's tight, and what needs work.
Yes. Many runners come in for performance work to build strength, improve mechanics, and stay healthy through a training block.
Still have questions?
Reach out and we'll walk you through how it works.
Ready to Run Without Pain?
Schedule a free discovery call and let's build a plan to keep you on track for your next race.
