At Spark Physical Therapy and Performance, we help injured athletes and active adults recover faster and perform better — without shortcuts or gimmicks. Whether you’re bouncing back from ACL surgery, a UCL tear, or a nagging overuse injury, our collaborative team delivers science-based, individualized rehab built entirely around your goals. Rated Raleigh’s Best Physical Therapy for 2024 & 2025. 5 stars across 195 reviews. No physician referral required.
Still Hurting After Generic PT Didn't Work?
Too many athletes and active adults waste months on cookie-cutter treatment plans — only to re-injure themselves or never fully return to the sport they love.
One-Size-Fits-All Treatment
Cookie-cutter protocols mean your individual movement patterns, history, and goals are never truly addressed — leaving you stuck in a frustrating recovery cycle.
Insurance Cuts You Off Too Soon
Traditional PT clinics stop treatment when your benefits run out, even when you still need care to reach full strength and return to sport.
No Clear Path Back to Performance
Without objective testing and a structured return-to-sport plan, you’re left guessing whether you’re truly ready — risking re-injury when it matters most.
Why Raleigh Athletes Choose Spark PT
Spark Physical Therapy and Performance was built for athletes and active adults who demand more from their recovery. We don’t use pre-set treatment timelines or scripted visit plans. Every program is built solely around your needs, your body, and your goals — supported by a collaborative care team using advanced tools like ForceDecks VALD force plate testing, Blood Flow Restriction training, WINBACK TECAR therapy, and dry needling. The result: faster, smarter recoveries that stick.
- Awarded Raleigh’s Best Physical Therapy for 2024 & 2025 — zero cookie-cutter programs, zero gimmicks
- Objective return-to-sport testing using ForceDecks force plates to confirm you’re truly ready before going back to play
- No physician referral required — direct access means you start recovery sooner with flexible self-pay and insurance options
“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.
Getting Back to Your Sport Is a 3-Step Process
Step 1: Evaluation
Book your 60-minute evaluation. Your therapist will assess your pain and movement history to determine root causes. Treatment begins the same day so recovery starts immediately, not next appointment.
Step 2: Plan
Your therapist builds a personalized, science-based treatment plan around your specific injury, goals, and lifestyle — not a generic protocol designed for the average patient.
Step 3: Perform
Execute your plan with one-on-one guidance, objective testing, and progressive loading — until you’re not just recovered, but stronger, more resilient, and performing at your peak.
Sports Physical Therapy for These Conditions
From acute sports injuries and post-surgical rehab to chronic overuse conditions and UCL tears, our team treats the full spectrum of orthopedic and sports medicine diagnoses. If you’ve been searching for sports physical therapy near me, you’ve found a team with the specialized expertise to treat what’s holding you back — and the tools to get you stronger than before.
- Knee & Hip: ACL injuries, meniscus tears, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, hip impingement (FAI), and labral tears
- Shoulder & Elbow: Rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, UCL tears, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow
- Spine & Lower Leg: Low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and ankle sprains
Raleigh's Top-Rated Sports PT Clinic
5 Stars · 195 Google Reviews · Raleigh, NC
“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.
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 physician referral to start physical therapy at Spark?
No. North Carolina is a direct-access state, which means you can begin sports physical therapy at Spark without a referral from your doctor. Simply contact us to schedule your first appointment or take advantage of our free injury screening.
Do you accept insurance?
We offer flexible payment options including self-pay and select insurance plans. We also accept out-of-network benefits. Contact our office directly at (919) 764-4932 to discuss your coverage options before your first visit.
What is the Free Injury Screening?
Our complimentary 10–15 minute orthopedic screen gives you direct access to our sports PT team at no cost and with no obligation. We assess your injury, answer your questions, and help you understand your best path forward.
How is Spark different from other physical therapy clinics near me in Raleigh?
Unlike clinics that use scripted, diagnosis-based routines, every Spark program is built individually around your goals and body. We use advanced tools — including VALD ForceDecks force plates, Blood Flow Restriction training, WINBACK TECAR therapy, and dry needling — and our collaborative care team includes licensed DPTs, a certified athletic trainer, and support staff working together under clinical supervision.
How do you know when an athlete is truly ready to return to sport?
We use objective return-to-sport testing algorithms — including force plate testing, hop testing, Y-Balance, mobility screening, core stability assessment, and fear of re-injury evaluation — to confirm that athletes meet measurable benchmarks before going back to play. We don’t guess; we measure.
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday through Thursday, 7 AM–7 PM, and Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. We are closed on weekends. Call us at (919) 764-4932 or request an appointment online.