Running Physical Therapy in Bristol, TN
Get back to pain-free running with personalized care designed for runners in Bristol and the Tri-Cities. Full-hour sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who understands what it takes to keep you moving strong.
Don't Let Running Injuries Keep You Off the Trail
You're putting in the work at the gym, on the field, or in your training—but nagging pain and muscle tightness keep slowing you down. Traditional treatments aren't getting to the root of the problem, and you're frustrated with temporary relief that doesn't last.
Recurring Running Injuries
You've tried rest and ice, but the pain keeps coming back every time you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement.
Generic PT That Doesn't Get Runners
Cookie-cutter treatments ignore the biomechanics and demands of running, leaving you frustrated and sidelined.
Missing Your Running Goals
Every missed training day puts your race goals further out of reach while you watch other runners logging miles.
Running-Specific Physical Therapy That Gets You Back on Track
At Sparked Rehab and Athletics, we specialize in getting runners like you back to doing what you love. Our performance-based approach doesn't just treat your pain—we optimize your running mechanics and build the strength you need to prevent future injuries.
✓ Full 60-minute one-on-one sessions with Dr. Ryan, a Doctor of Physical Therapy
✓ Running-specific movement analysis and gait assessment
✓ Advanced treatments including dry needling, cupping, and targeted strength work
✓ Personalized training plans that get you back to running stronger than before
Comprehensive Running Assessment
We analyze your running mechanics, identify movement dysfunctions, and pinpoint exactly what's causing your pain or holding you back.
Your Path Back to Pain-Free Running
Targeted Treatment Plan
Get a customized strategy combining manual therapy, dry needling, and runner-specific exercises designed to address your unique biomechanics.
Return to Running Stronger
We don't just get you back to running—we optimize your form, build resilience, and give you the tools to stay injury-free for the long haul.
Common Running Injuries We Treat in Bristol, TN
Whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, running injuries can derail your goals. At Sparked Rehab and Athletics, we specialize in treating the most common injuries that keep Bristol runners off the roads and trails. From IT band syndrome to plantar fasciitis, we have the expertise to get you back to logging miles pain-free.
• Runner's knee and patellofemoral pain syndrome
• IT band syndrome and hip pain
• Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis
• Shin splints and stress fractures
• Lower back pain from running
• Ankle sprains and chronic instability
Real Results from Bristol Runners
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"Trained with Ryan with the goal of injury-free middle-aged running. Ran my first half marathon last weekend and crushed the goal we set. Highly recommend."
Anne Rife
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"Ryan is a pro! He's worked with me on 3 different injuries and I'm back to 100%. He knows what each athlete needs for each sport or activity. If you love being active and are having difficulty getting back to full health, make an appointment with Ryan!"
alan white
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"Ryan is very knowledgeable and just an all around great guy. I went in for knee pain but through a thorough evaluation found out some other areas of weaknesses that needed to be addressed. Ryan will listen to your biofeedback and adjust accordingly. I got really great care and HELPFUL advice."
Jessica Jessee
Meet Our Team
Expert care from a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in athletes and active adults
Ryan Sparks, PT, DPT
Owner & Doctor of Physical Therapy
Ryan is an accomplished physical therapist and the owner and operator of Sparked Rehab and Athletics, a leading rehabilitation and training facility located in Bristol, TN. Originally from Mitchell County, NC, Ryan moved to Johnson City to pursue his college education. He attended East Tennessee State University, where he completed his Bachelors degree in Exercise Science while interning in the university’s athletic training room.
Ryan's passion for sports and fitness led him back to ETSU, where he earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. After completing his studies, he was hired by King University as the physical therapist for their athletes.
Ryan specializes in working with athletes, weightlifters, runners, and active individuals, providing them with the care they need to get back on the court, field, or doing what they love. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Ryan has helped countless clients achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
When he's not working with clients, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, his wife Sandra and his son Leo. Ryan is an active member of the community and enjoys participating in CrossFit, pickleball, and other competitive activities.
If you're an athlete or active individual looking to overcome an injury or improve your performance, Ryan and Sparked Rehab and Athletics are here to help. With their cutting-edge treatments and personalized approach, they can help you achieve your goals and live your best life.
Ready to Get Back to Running?
Located at The Bristol Sportsplex, just 5 minutes from downtown Bristol and easily accessible from Kingsport and Johnson City. We're right off I-81, near Bristol Motor Speedway and local CrossFit gyms.
Phone
(423) 484-8488
Office
109 Raytheon Rd, Suite B
Bristol, TN 37620
We're located on Raytheon Road at The Bristol Sportsplex, just 5 minutes from downtown Bristol. Easily accessible from I-81 (Exit 74), close to Bristol Motor Speedway and local training facilities. Serving Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, and the entire Tri-Cities area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our running-focused physical therapy approach in Bristol.
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No referral needed! Tennessee allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can start your recovery journey immediately without waiting for a doctor's appointment. Simply schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. Ryan, and we'll get you on the path to pain-free running.
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Every session is a full 60 minutes of one-on-one time with Dr. Ryan. Unlike traditional PT clinics where you might be one of several patients being treated at once, you get his undivided attention for the entire hour. This allows for thorough treatment, detailed movement analysis, and personalized exercise instruction tailored specifically to runners.
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We work with most major insurance providers and will verify your benefits before your first visit. During your free phone consultation, we'll explain your coverage options and provide transparent pricing. We also offer competitive self-pay rates for those who prefer to pay directly or don't have PT coverage.
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Absolutely! We specialize in helping runners maintain their training while recovering from injuries. Dr. Ryan will work with you to modify your training plan, address the root cause of your injury, and progressively build your strength and running volume so you can hit your race day goals without setbacks.