Top-Rated Physical Therapy Clinic in Columbia, SC

Get back to running, lifting, and playing without pain holding you back

We treat people who do a lot, not people who do nothing. One-on-one, exercise-first physical therapy for active adults and athletes in Columbia.

Modern gym interior with weightlifting equipment, adjustable bench, kettlebells, and flags on the back wall.
What We Do

Built for Athletes and Active Adults

Whether you run, lift, or play golf, we help you get back to your sport stronger than before.

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 Salerno

We Work for You, Not Your Insurance Company

We're intentionally premium and out-of-network so we can spend the time and attention your body actually needs. Here's what that means for you.

One-on-One, Full Hour Sessions

You get 60 minutes with your PT every visit. No double booking, no rushing, no handing you off to a tech.

Exercise-First, Gym-Like Space

Barbells, kettlebells, turf, and performance tech. We train bodies to handle sport, not just calm symptoms down.

Man bench pressing a barbell with a spotter standing behind, both wearing black shirts and in a gym setting.

PTs Who Do the Sports

We're runners, lifters, and athletes ourselves. We understand what it takes to perform and what it feels like to be sidelined.

Freedom From Insurance Limits

We build your plan around you and your sport, not around what insurance approves or how many visits they'll cover.

How It Works

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 Our Athletes Say

Real results from runners, lifters, and golfers in Columbia.

For people of all ages and skill levels, preparation and recovery are key! Dr. Salerno has provided me with all the pre and post round exercises/stretches I need to keep myself in "playing" shape. I highly recommend giving SST a call!

Luke Coates

Jay and the team at Salerno Sports Therapy have always provided me great service. Whether it's a small nagging injury or a bigger problem, Jay has the knowledge to not only get me feeling better but make sure it doesn't happen again and I can keep doing the things I love to do

Jason Mohn

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!

Dylan Dylan

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

Jay helped me tremendously gain strength and help my shoulder pain feel better. He was helpful with walking us through the process of submitting a super bill to our insurance. His office is clean, new and he has all new equipment! I would see him again for future rehab needs.

Beth Eiser

I’m a college baseball and was having pain/tightness in my throwing arm shoulder. After working with Jay for only a few weeks my shoulder is feeling way stronger and healthier than before.

Charlie Compton

Dr. Salerno is a great option for sport injuries!

Jim Floyd

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.

Tyler Livezey

Had bad hip/sore back injury from my workout. Thankfully Jay Salerno @ Salerno Sports Therapy was able to take me in and fix my hip and back. Had my tightness in the forearm area also treated a few months ago, A good experience overall.. Wonderful PT. A big thank you to Dr. Jay Salerno..

NKR G

I have had a fantastic experience working through several injuries with Salerno Sports Therapy. Jay is deeply knowledgable, and is very focused on making sure you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. With his help, I have made great progress and I am back in the gym on a regular basis.

Jason Freeck

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

I saw Jay for a few months to address knee pain caused by running and biking. Jay was easy to work with and I saw improvement after just a few sessions. Having one-on-one time and the being able to easily ask questions between appointments was really helpful as well. This is the best PT experience I've had in Columbia!

Benjamin Coomes

I tore my ACL recently and was out of work due to the injury. Jay got me back on my feet and back to my job in no time. He worked closely with my personal trainer to make sure I accomplished all of my goals! Highly recommend this place

Emily Childers

Jay is the most compassionate and determined person I know. He helped me regain my strength and mobility in just a few sessions after I shattered my whole leg in an accident. He is incredibly knowledgeable and I would recommend him to anyone!

chelsea

Really enjoyed working with Jay, can’t thank him enough!

Matthew Pham

Salerno Sports therapy does a great job of getting you comfortable in doing what your used to. Coming off a meniscus tear, Jay was able to get me doing all workouts as quickly as possible with meaningful and thoughtful progressions. Highly recommend them for any pain, large or small.

Dan Cleary

Jay has helped me go from feeling old with pain in my lower leg, to my legs feeling stronger than ever. He provides great attention and responsiveness to what I need. Highly recommend Salerno Sport Therapy to anyone trying to improve themselves.

Sam Cartin

Jay was thorough in his assessment of my issues. He gave me a personalized plan to work through back and hip tightness . Very personable, knowledgeable and committed to my recovery.

Michele Branch

An outdoor enthusiast Dr. Jay understands the things that we do in pursuit of our sports and the associated injuries that can occur. This knowledge sets him apart in his approach to treatment and wellness to ensure healing and recover to return to the outdoors.

Scott Brown

One of the best things about Dr. Salerno is that he not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. His service is matched by his own active lifestyle in the gym, on the water, on the course, and the streets. I know that Dr. Salerno will know exactly how to get me out of whatever rut I get my self into and back in the gym the right way.

Tyler Ainsworth

Salerno Sports Therapy delivers tailor made therapy in each session. Every visit is different because each visit I am getting stronger. I have not only improved my physical conditioning but gained a better understanding of how to maintain strength and flexibility in the future.

Tom McManus

Jay's passion for helping others overcome injuries and accomplishing their goals is infectious. He spends extra time teaching patients so they can gain a better understanding of their body. Give Jay a call today!

Parker Moore

Jay was a huge help in strengthening my hips that improved my ability to walk and stand without pain caused by lumbar degenerative disks. I highly recommend him!

Joe Wray

I have been in pain pretty much all year. Jay was able to quickly identify the issues, set a plan, and now I am no longer in pain every morning. Its a wonderful feeling. The results speak for themselves.

Alan Parks

After participating in a community fitness challenge hosted by Salerno Sports Therapy, I decided to improve my overall well-being becoming a client. I'm pleased with my results and progress in resolving shoulder and hip concerns.

Thomas Abrams

Very responsive and thorough in answering my questions and giving me an overview of services offered and how they cater to the individual goals. A pleasure to speak with!

Drew Williams

Jay kept me running when I thought I was going to have to quit. I never had to stop and have been able to get back to my mileage way faster than I thought. Jay is professional and super easy to work with. He sets reasonable objectives and helps figure out ways to keep you working at home where you maybe don’t have the same equipment. I am so glad I went to see him!!

Jaime Walvoord

Jay is awesome. Great with communication and makes the session fun. Before Jay, I’d been working on an IT band injury for a few years now with little to no improvement. Now I’m finally on the right track and back to running regularly!!

Marissa Kennedy

Jay is the best physical therapist I’ve ever worked with, and I have had severe back issues since early childhood, and he has changed my life . At 67 years old I’m in the best shape I’ve been in in 25 years. I have great balance, flexibility and my back doctor was very impressed how much better I am... He is the best!

Anne Bagnal

I can’t recommend Jay enough. He’s extremely knowledgeable, thorough and committed to his patients recovery. He’s helped me through multiple injuries and works with me for ongoing maintenance. You won’t find better!!

Shannon Stephenson

Been going for about about a month after stopping by for a screening at strictly running and have been working with Nathan ever since. This has been and will be extremely helpful for my running goals

Derek Boucher

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

I highly recommend this place! They have helped significantly with my running injuries, and I was able to get back on the road super fast!

Anthony Cooper

Jay is the man! Extremely knowledgeable and personable with all of his clients. If you are ever in need of a PT, cannot recommend enough.

Brady Rafanan

Awesome place and awesome people. Definitely worth your time to check them out. They'll get you on the track to healthy movement for sure

Christopher Boucher

Salerno Sports Therapy was the best when I was experiencing IT band problems throughout marathon training. Their personalized treatment plan enabled me to run on race day with no pain! Besides the physical therapy, the staff was always so positive and helpful; it was a great way to start my mornings! If I'm ever hurt again, I'm going back to Salerno.

Reagan Deaton

The top team of sports PT professionals in Columbia. Trust me, I've tried most of them. Couldn't recommend Jay and the team enough.

Rebecca Haynes

Choosing them was the best decision I’ve made for my golf game. I saw noticeable improvements within just three rounds.”

Proctor Williams

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 Nathan has helped me immensely with my neck and shoulder pain. He is kind, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. He is committed to every patient he sees, and it shows in his high level of care. Definitely recommend Nathan, or any therapist at Salerno Sports Therapy!

Sarah Moyer

Highly recommend Salerno Sports Therapy! They provide a one on one session to assure you receive the best treatment possible! Their communication is clear and transparent. Nathan is very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. You won’t find a better PT in the midlands!

Michael Klawer

Dr. Nathan Adelman did a great job with me getting a long term back problem under control that no one else could quite figure out for long term results. Highest recommendation.

Tyson Neil

Before Salerno, I had been going to PT for years with not much changed; however, as soon as I started with Nathan at Salerno, i saw immediate progress! Everyone there is so knowledgeable and friendly and truly have your best interest! Always a pleasure being in there.

Camille Darwich

Facing some challenges of the hardest experiences in injury as an athlete was so much easier thanks to Jay! He made it possible for me to go on to play collegiate softball after tearing my ACL twice. He not only helped me build strength, but confidence in my athletic ability.

alyssa bukszar

Working with Dr. Nathan Adelman at Salerno Sports Therapy has been the best decision to help me recover from injuries and learn about preventing them from reoccurring. If you are looking for a truly patient-centered approach to physical therapy, with a PT who actually cares about your recovery and wellbeing, I can't recommend Nathan at Salerno Sports Therapy enough.

Gillian Shaughnessy

Jay and Nathan are truly such amazing people. I love coming to physical therapy to get stronger while also chitchatting the entire time. I always leave feeling awesome and happy. Love this place!

Emma Kubikian

So glad I found Salerno Sports Therapy. Nathan has been so helpful on my path to getting back into a more active life.

Jessie Rosebrock

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

I have an amazing experience every time i step into Salerno for my PT. The people are so welcoming and Dr. Nathan does a great job.🏋️

Quade Wilson

My 13 year old began working with Dr Nathan after a stress fracture while running cross country. Since coming back, she has PR’ed twice and her body is much happier post race.

Emily Bull

Dr. Nathan at Salerno Sports Therapy did an outstanding job creating a personalized program that improved my flexibility, strength, and overall movement for golf. I’ve seen noticeable improvements in my posture, mobility, and consistency, and I couldn’t recommend him and the team more.

Michael Adelman
Proudly Local

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 working with Salerno Sports Therapy.

Will I have to stop training while I work with you?

Not necessarily. We work with your training plan whenever it's safe to do so. Many people keep lifting, running, or playing while we address the root cause. If you do need to modify, we'll give you clear guidance on what to do instead so you don't lose fitness or feel stuck.

Why is this more expensive than other physical therapy clinics?

We're intentionally premium and out-of-network because it allows us to spend a full hour one-on-one with you every visit. You're not paying for volume—you're paying for time, expertise, and a gym-like space built for athletes. Most people need fewer total visits because we address the real problem instead of just managing symptoms.

Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?

We operate as an out-of-network provider. While we don't bill insurance directly, we can provide documentation for potential reimbursement through your plan. Contact us to discuss payment options and what to expect.

What should I expect at my first visit?

Your first visit is a full assessment. We'll review your history, test your movement and strength, and may include sport-specific testing like a running gait analysis or TPI golf screen. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and know exactly what we're addressing.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your situation, goals, and how your body responds. Most people notice progress within a few sessions, and many complete care in 6 to 12 visits. We'll give you an honest timeline after your assessment.

Still have questions?

We're happy to walk you through what working with us looks like.

Ready to Get Back to Your Sport?

Stop letting pain hold you back. Schedule a free discovery call and find out how we can help you move, train, and perform without limits.

Man pushing a weighted sled on green turf in a gym, another person walking beside him.