Raleigh’s award-winning running physical therapy clinic — where injured runners and performance-driven athletes get back on the road faster and come back stronger. Objective gait analysis, individualized rehab, and science-based training from a 5-star collaborative care team.
Still Running Through Pain — or Stuck at Home?
Most injured runners don’t need more rest — they need answers. If you’ve been told to ‘just stop running,’ managed it on your own, or cycled through generic PT with no real progress, you’re not alone.
You’re Ignored at the Root Cause:
Generic PT clinics treat your symptoms, not your stride. Without a running-specific assessment, the same issue comes back mile after mile.
You’re Left Guessing When to Return:
No objective testing. No limb symmetry data. Just a vague ‘when it feels ready’ that keeps you sidelined or sets you up for re-injury.
You’re Following Someone Else’s Protocol:
Cookie-cutter treatment timelines built for the average patient — not for your mileage, your goals, or your race calendar.
Why Raleigh Runners Choose Spark PT
At Spark Physical Therapy and Performance, our collaborative care team builds your rehab plan around you — your pace, your goals, your race schedule. We combine hands-on manual therapy with advanced running-specific technology like the Runeasi wearable assessment and WINBACK TECAR therapy to identify what’s holding you back and fix it for good.
- Runeasi Running Gait Analysis + VALD ForceDecks force plate testing — we don’t guess, we measure
- WINBACK TECAR therapy and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training for faster tissue recovery and strength gains
- Objective return-to-running testing algorithms so you know exactly when — and how — to get back to training
“I drove 45 minutes to my appointments and passed several other physical therapy offices along the way — because none of them offer the level of skill, care, and results that Brian does. Everything changed after my first session. I was genuinely shocked to feel about 80% better almost immediately.”
— Jacquelynn G.
Your Path Back to Running Starts Here
Step 1 — Get a Running-Specific Evaluation:
Your 60-minute initial evaluation includes a movement screen, running gait assessment, and hands-on exam — with treatment beginning the same day. No referral needed.
Step 2 — Follow Your Individualized Plan:
Your care team builds a plan around your body, your history, and your goals — using WINBACK TECAR therapy, BFR training, dry needling, manual therapy, and objective strength testing.
Step 3 — Return to Running Stronger:
Before you’re cleared to run full training loads again, you pass objective return-to-running benchmarks — including force plate testing and limb symmetry — so your comeback is built to last.
Running Injuries We Treat in Raleigh, NC
From overuse injuries that sneak up over miles to acute trauma that sidelines you overnight, our Raleigh running physical therapy team is equipped to treat the full spectrum of conditions affecting runners, athletes, and active adults — including UCL tears, IT band syndrome, and post-surgical weakness.
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain), IT Band Syndrome, Shin Splints & Achilles Tendinopathy
- Plantar Fasciitis, Ankle Sprains, Hamstring Strains, Groin Pain & Hip Impingement (FAI)
- ACL Injuries, Meniscus Tears, UCL Tears, Low Back Pain, Sciatica & Overuse Injuries
Raleigh Runners & Athletes Trust Spark PT
200+ Five-Star Google Reviews and counting.
“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 Care Team
Experienced sports PTs, certified strength coaches & athletic trainers — all working together for your recovery.
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.
Visit Spark PT in Raleigh, NC
We’re just 18 minutes from Downtown Raleigh — conveniently located in the Poyner Place area. Head north on Capital Blvd (US-1/US-401 N), take Sumner Blvd to Triangle Town Blvd, then turn onto Middle Poyner Drive. Find us at Suite 101, right next to Poyner Place Shopping Mall.
Common Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start running physical therapy in Raleigh?
No referral required. North Carolina is a direct access state, which means you can schedule directly with our team at Spark PT without seeing a physician first. If you’re unsure whether PT is right for your injury, we also offer a free 10–15 minute injury screening — no cost, no obligation — to point you in the right direction.
Do you accept insurance for running physical therapy, or is it cash-pay only?
We work with both. Spark PT is in-network with many major insurers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Tricare Select, and Medcost. We also offer self-pay (out-of-pocket) sessions for patients who prefer to pay directly or whose insurance benefits have run out — so your recovery never has to stop. Contact us or visit sparkptnc.com for current rate information.
What should I expect at my first running physical therapy appointment?
Your initial evaluation is 60 minutes. You’ll meet with a member of our care team for a full movement screen, injury history, and hands-on assessment — and treatment begins the same day. For runners, this may include a Runeasi running gait analysis or functional movement assessment depending on your injury and goals. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s causing your issue and a plan to fix it.