Expert Running Physical Therapy in Lake Mary, FL
Whether you’re sidelined by a running injury or pushing toward your next PR, Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness Center delivers one-on-one, hands-on care built for runners. From biomechanical gait analysis to personalized injury rehab, our experienced team helps Lake Mary runners move better, train smarter, and get back to the miles they love — without the guesswork.
Running Shouldn’t Mean Running Through Pain
Too many runners push through discomfort, settle for generic advice, or bounce between providers — and end up further from the finish line than when they started.
Generic clinics treat your symptom. We treat the runner.
Pain That Keeps Returning
If knee pain, IT band tightness, or plantar fasciitis keeps coming back no matter what you try, the root cause hasn’t been found yet.
Cookie-Cutter Care That Misses the Mark
Production-line PT — shared sessions, rotating therapists, one-size-fits-all protocols — rarely accounts for your unique biomechanics, training load, or goals.
Lost Training Time and Missed Races
Every week spent guessing is another week off the road. Without a clear plan, small issues become chronic injuries that cost you months, not days.
Why Lake Mary Runners Choose Transitions PT
At Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, you work one-on-one with the same therapist for a full hour — every visit. Founder Dr. Dana Dambrauskas brings 25+ years of clinical experience and real-world competitive running expertise including marathons, Ironman triathlon, and gravel racing.
This isn’t just physical therapy. It’s running physical therapy designed around you.
- Running Gait Analysis & slow-motion video feedback to uncover the biomechanical root of your injury
- Advanced modalities including dry needling, Graston Technique, Summus Class IV laser therapy, and blood flow restriction — all under one roof
- A personalized return-to-running plan built by a clinician who is also a competitive runner — not a generic protocol
“After my consultation with Dr. Dana 8 weeks ago, she executed a plan to get me back on the road again starting with 4 weeks of dry needling. No ‘one size fits all’ from Dr. Dana — she is a professional who truly cares about her patients.”
— Greg Ramsdell
Your Path Back to Running in Three Simple Steps
Step 1: Assess
We begin with a thorough physical therapy examination and Running Gait Analysis, using slow-motion video to evaluate how your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and core work together. This uncovers the true source of pain or inefficiency — not just where it hurts.
Step 2: Rebuild
Your personalized plan combines hands-on manual therapy, advanced modalities (dry needling, laser therapy, BFR), and targeted therapeutic exercise to reduce pain, restore function, and build the strength and mobility you need to run safely.
Step 3: Perform
Return to running with confidence. We guide your training progression, refine your form with individualized coaching drills, and equip you with a video exercise library and prevention strategies to keep you on the road long after your last session.
Running Conditions We Treat at Our Lake Mary Clinic
Runners face a unique set of demands — and a unique set of injuries. Our team is trained to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of running-related conditions, from acute strains to chronic overuse injuries that keep recurring no matter how much rest you get. If it’s keeping you off the road, we can help you find out why and fix it for good.
- Runner’s Knee / Patellofemoral Pain, IT Band Syndrome & Knee Pain — the most common training-load injuries that sideline recreational and competitive runners alike
- Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy & Shin Splints — lower-leg and foot conditions diagnosed with precision and treated with evidence-based modalities including laser therapy and dry needling
- Hip Pain, Hip Impingement (FAI), Hamstring Strain & Sciatica — often missed contributors to altered running mechanics that lead to compensatory injuries throughout the chain
Rated 5 Stars by 200+ Lake Mary Patients
Real results from real runners and active adults.
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“Dana and crew are outstanding. I’ve been through the production line physical therapy offices after several back surgeries. One on one with Dana or Jed, designed for my issues, is 1000 percent better. Dana is an athlete herself, which I think is a big help. She has personally shown herself to be superb at diagnostics.”
–David Nesor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Dr. Dana and the entire team made me feel welcome and heard. If you are looking for a physical therapy and wellness center where you will receive excellent care and truly feel like a person — not just a patient — I highly recommend Transitions Physical Therapy and Wellness.”
–Heather Ruland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It’s been a pleasure working with the amazing team at Transitions Physical Therapy & Wellness in Lake Mary! Dr. Dana is so knowledgeable in physical therapy, especially as it pertains to the issues I’ve experienced with my spine. I highly recommend dry needling.”
–Karen Keene
Meet the Team Behind Your Running Physical Therapy Care
Clinicians, trainers, and specialists — all under one roof.
Dr. Dana Dambrauskas
Founder & Lead Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy with 25+ years of clinical experience. Competitive runner, Ironman triathlete, and gravel racer who specializes in sports rehab, running gait analysis, dry needling, and manual therapy. Dr. Dana brings firsthand athlete experience to every patient plan.
Dr. Ged Fiorese
Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida and former certified personal trainer. Dr. Ged combines a deep foundation in movement science with a patient-centered approach to help people reduce pain, restore function, and rebuild strength after injury.
Michelle Nyquist
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Certified Personal Trainer with 5+ years of experience and a marathon finisher. Michelle creates practical, sustainable strength and conditioning programs that build long-term mobility, confidence, and independence for clients of all ages and fitness levels.
Madelyne Magiera
Kinesiologist & Exercise Physiologist
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and kinesiologist specializing in VO2 Max and RMR metabolic testing, performance training, and mobility. Madelyne works with athletes, active adults, and older adults to optimize fitness, function, and independence through evidence-based programming.
Soraia Cano
Body Concepts Patient Care Coordinator
Patient care coordinator for the Body Concepts wellness programs, including hormone therapy and medically supervised weight loss. Soraia holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a master’s in Taxation from Nova Southeastern University, and brings warmth and professionalism to every patient interaction.
Shannon Booth
Office Administrator
Shannon brings over two decades of organizational expertise to the Transitions front desk. A graduate of Florida Southern College and a former Seminole County educator, she ensures every patient’s scheduling and administrative experience is seamless, welcoming, and stress-free.
Find Us in the Heart of Lake Mary
Just 5 minutes and 1.5 miles from downtown Lake Mary via W Lake Mary Blvd and Middle St — conveniently located near Colonial TownPark and Seminole Centre. Whether you’re searching for running physical therapy near me or coming in from across Seminole County, we’re easy to find and ready to help.
Email
info@transitionsportspt.com
Phone
(407) 446-2328
Office
145 Middle St., Suite #1121
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Hours
Monday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Thursday: 7 AM – 12 PM
Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Just 5 minutes from downtown Lake Mary — head west on W Lake Mary Blvd, then turn right onto Middle St. We’re located at 145 Middle St., Suite #1121, approximately 1.5 miles from the center of town.
Running PT Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know before your first visit to our Lake Mary clinic.
What is running physical therapy, and how is it different from regular PT?
Running physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that combines clinical rehabilitation with a deep understanding of running biomechanics and training demands. At Transitions, your therapist conducts a full physical exam alongside a Running Gait Analysis — using slow-motion video — to identify the mechanical root cause of your injury, not just the symptom. This allows us to build a return-to-running plan that is specific to your body, your goals, and your training load.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start running PT in Florida?
No. Florida is a direct-access state, which means you can begin physical therapy at Transitions without a physician referral. Simply call us or book online to schedule your first appointment.
Do you accept insurance for running physical therapy?
Yes. Transitions Physical Therapy is in-network with many major insurance plans and also offers self-pay options. Medicare patients may qualify for coverage through our Transitions Longevity Solutions program. Contact our office at (407) 446-2328 to verify your specific benefits before your first visit.
What should I expect at my first running PT appointment?
Your first visit is a full one-on-one hour with your physical therapist. We’ll review your injury history, training background, and goals, then perform a comprehensive movement and functional assessment. If appropriate, we’ll also conduct an initial running gait analysis. You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan — no waiting, no shared time.
How many sessions will I need to return to running?
Every runner is different. After your initial assessment, Dr. Dana or Dr. Ged will give you a realistic timeline based on your diagnosis, activity level, and goals. Many patients see meaningful improvement within 4–8 weeks, though more complex or chronic conditions may require a longer course of care. We also offer a 5-Session Running Technique Coaching Package for runners focused on performance and injury prevention.
Do you offer gait analysis even if I’m not currently injured?
Absolutely. Our Running Form Assessment and Biomechanical Gait Analysis are available as standalone services for injury prevention, performance optimization, and runners returning to training after a break. A free biomechanical screening is also available as part of your discovery visit.
Still have questions?
Contact us today — we’re happy to help.