At Spark Physical Therapy and Performance, we don’t guess when it comes to your comeback — we measure it. Our evidence-based return to sport testing uses VALD ForceDecks force plates, functional movement assessments, and sport-specific protocols to determine exactly when you’re ready to compete again. Trusted by athletes across Raleigh and North Raleigh for 200+ five-star Google reviews and named Raleigh’s Best Physical Therapy for 2024 & 2025. Recover Faster. Perform Better.
Cleared to Play Isn't the Same as Ready to Play
Too many athletes return to sport too soon — not because they pushed too hard, but because no one measured whether they were truly ready. The cost of getting it wrong is high.
Guesswork-Based Clearance
A timeline alone doesn’t tell you if your strength, power, or movement patterns are ready. Protocols based on weeks — not data — leave athletes vulnerable to re-injury from day one back on the field.
Hidden Asymmetries That Derail Comebacks
Limb strength imbalances and faulty movement mechanics often go undetected without objective testing. These hidden deficits are among the leading contributors to ACL re-tears, UCL setbacks, and chronic overuse injuries.
Cutting Recovery Short Costs You More
When insurance benefits run out, many athletes stop PT before they’re truly prepared. Returning too early — without completing a structured return to sport testing protocol — puts your entire season, and long-term health, at risk.
Why Raleigh Athletes Choose Spark for Return to Sport Testing
At Spark, every return to sport decision is backed by objective data — not a calendar date. Our performance physical therapists combine VALD ForceDecks force plate testing, hop testing, neuromuscular reactivity assessments, and sport-specific movement screens to build a complete picture of your readiness. Our collaborative care team works with you from day one of your 60-minute evaluation, with no cookie-cutter timelines and no two plans alike.
- Objective testing algorithms using VALD ForceDecks, hop testing, limb symmetry indices, and neuromuscular reactivity — we measure readiness, not just time
- Individualized plans with no preset visit counts or scripted protocols — every athlete’s sport, position, and recovery are unique
- No physician referral needed — North Carolina is a direct access state, and self-pay options are available when insurance benefits run out
“With Brian’s guidance and a well-structured return to throw program, I was able to regain strength, stay healthy, and return to playing baseball nearly a month earlier than expected. I highly recommend Spark Physical Therapy to anyone looking for quality care and a team that makes you feel like more than just another patient.”
Your Path Back to Sport Starts With a Plan
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
Your 60-minute initial evaluation is where treatment begins on day one. Your physical therapist assesses your injury, movement patterns, strength baselines, and sport-specific demands to build a plan that’s uniquely yours.
Step 2: Science-Backed Rehabilitation
Progress through an individualized program using advanced tools — VALD ForceDecks force plate testing, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, WINBACK TECAR therapy, dry needling, and targeted therapeutic exercise — designed to rebuild strength, power, and confidence.
Step 3: Objective Return to Sport Clearance
Before you return to practice or competition, you’ll complete our full return to sport testing battery — including limb symmetry testing, hop testing, neuromuscular reactivity, and psychological readiness assessments. We don’t guess. We measure.
Conditions We Treat with Return to Sport Testing
Our performance physical therapists work with athletes and active adults recovering from a wide range of orthopedic injuries and post-surgical conditions. Whether you’re returning from an ACL reconstruction, a UCL tear, rotator cuff surgery, or a persistent overuse injury near Raleigh, we pair hands-on care with objective testing to ensure you’re not just healed — you’re ready to compete at your highest level.
- Knee & Lower Extremity: ACL injuries, meniscus tears, IT band syndrome, runner’s knee, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and hip impingement (FAI)
- Shoulder, Elbow & Upper Extremity: UCL tears, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder labral tears, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and throwing-related injuries
- Spine & Overuse Injuries: Low back pain, sciatica, shin splints, tendinopathy, arthritis, and other overuse injuries common in runners, throwers, and multi-sport athletes
Real Athletes. Real Outcomes. Real Reviews.
200+ Five-Star Google Reviews from Raleigh Athletes
“Brian is experienced, empathetic, and patient focused. I have confidence in his judgment and skills. His staff are compassionate and friendly. I highly recommend Spark PT.”
— Amy T.
“Spark PT provided the BEST physical therapy and customer experience I have ever had at any Physical Therapy practice. I have never walked out of the first visit with reduced pain — until being seen at Spark by Justin Taylor, DPT.”
— Brian H.
“Each session Justin took the time to ensure I understood what we were doing and why, and my rehab was successful. The staff at Spark create an atmosphere that is supportive and comfortable.”
— Pam R.
Meet the Spark Physical Therapy and Performance Team
Expert clinicians. Real athletes. One collaborative care team.
Brian Schiff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS — Owner & Performance Physical Therapist
With 29+ years of experience in orthopedic and sports PT, Brian is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, strength & conditioning coach, and former S&C coach for the Columbus Crew MLS team. He has worked with athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, USTA, WTA, and US Rugby, and serves as a PT consultant for the Carolina Hurricanes. Specialties: ACL Rehab, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Throwing-Related Injuries, Post-Op Rehab.
Justin Taylor, DPT — Performance Physical Therapist
A former athlete who overcame chronic pain through sports PT, Justin earned his Doctorate from South College. He specializes in strength-based rehabilitation for active adults and athletes recovering from ACL injuries, meniscus tears, Achilles injuries, shoulder conditions, and post-surgical weakness. Specialties: Strength-Based Rehab, ACL, Meniscus, Achilles, Shoulder, Post-Surgical Recovery.
Georgia Brandt, DPT — Performance Physical Therapist
A multi-sport athlete who played softball, field hockey, and basketball through college, Georgia earned her DPT from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is committed to personalized, goal-oriented care that empowers patients to return to sport, recover from injury, or move with greater confidence. Specialties: Sports Rehabilitation, Injury Prevention, Movement & Performance.
Brad Hudson, PT, DPT, CSCS — Director of Clinical Excellence
A former Division I baseball player at Southern Illinois University, Brad earned his DPT from Duke University and completed a Sports PT Residency with the University of Utah, where he worked with Utah Athletics and USA Ski & Snowboard. His expertise centers on sports rehabilitation, overhead athletes, and data-driven return-to-sport testing. Specialties: Sports Rehab, Overhead Athletes, Return-to-Sport Testing.
Ashley Yartin, MS, ATC, LAT — Director of Operations & Athletic Trainer
A Board Certified Athletic Trainer with an MS in Kinesiology from LSU and BS from Florida State, Ashley brings 6 years of experience as an Associate Athletic Trainer at East Carolina University. She is PBFR Certified, Cupping Certified, and is the welcoming face of Spark who makes every patient feel like family from their very first contact. Specialties: Athletic Training, Blood Flow Restriction, Cupping Therapy.
Kate Wallace, BA — Physical Therapy Aide
Kate graduated from Elon University with a degree in Media Analytics and is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Columbia University. As a former high school basketball player who rehabbed following ACL surgery, Kate brings firsthand appreciation for the impact of quality physical therapy to every patient interaction. Specialties: Patient Support, Clinical Assistance.
Find Return to Sport Testing Near You in Raleigh
Spark Physical Therapy and Performance is conveniently located in North Raleigh near Poyner Place and Lafayette Village, just off Capital Blvd. We’re only 16 minutes (8.1 miles) from Downtown Raleigh via Capital Blvd (US-1 N / US-401 N) — turn right on Sumner Blvd, left on Triangle Town Blvd, and right on Middle Poyner Drive. We’re in Suite 101. No physician referral needed. Call us at (919) 764-4932 or request an appointment online. | Address: 7810 Middle Poyner Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27616 | Phone: (919) 764-4932 | Hours: Mon–Thu 7 AM–7 PM | Fri 8 AM–5 PM | Sat–Sun Closed
Your Questions, Answered
What is return to sport testing and do I need it?
Return to sport testing is a battery of objective assessments — including force plate testing, hop testing, limb symmetry analysis, functional movement screens, and psychological readiness evaluations — used to determine whether an athlete is physically and mentally prepared to safely return to practice or competition. If you’ve had an ACL reconstruction, UCL repair, meniscus surgery, rotator cuff repair, or a significant overuse injury, return to sport testing near me is one of the most important steps you can take before getting back on the field.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy at Spark?
No. North Carolina is a direct access state, which means you can schedule an evaluation at Spark Physical Therapy without a physician’s referral. You can call us directly at (919) 764-4932 or request an appointment online to get started.
What does a 60-minute initial evaluation include?
Your first visit is a full 60-minute evaluation where treatment begins on day one — not a week from now. Your physical therapist will assess your injury history, movement patterns, strength baselines, and sport-specific goals, then develop an individualized plan tailored to you. No scripted protocols, no preset visit counts.
Does Spark accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans (in-network and out-of-network) and also offer self-pay cash rates for patients who prefer flexibility or whose insurance benefits have run out. Contact us at (919) 764-4932 for self-pay rate information.
What technology does Spark use for return to sport testing?
Our return to sport testing protocols incorporate VALD ForceDecks force plates for jump height, limb symmetry, reactive strength index, and concentric/eccentric power; functional hop testing; BLAZEPOD neuromuscular reactivity training; Y-Balance testing; and video-based movement analysis — the same standard used by university athletic programs and professional sports organizations.
Can Spark help if I want a free injury screen before committing to a full evaluation?
Absolutely. We offer a complimentary 10–15 minute injury screening with no cost and no obligation. It’s a great first step if you have a nagging pain or want to understand your options before scheduling a full evaluation.