Running shouldn't hurt.

But right now it might feel like every step takes more effort than it should. Tight hips, stubborn knee pain, lingering Achilles issues, or a hamstring that never seems to fully heal can turn even your favorite loop into a chore.

If you have been told to “just rest,” or try the same generic exercises over and over, it is easy to feel stuck.
Especially when all you want is to get back to the Stone Mountain PATH, the soft trails of Legacy Park, or your training plan for the Peachtree.

You are not alone in this.
And you deserve a clinician who sees you as a whole person, not just an injury.

Someone who listens. Someone who understands the Atlanta running community. Someone who knows how much running means to you.

What Makes Us Different

Care Built Around You and Your Running Story

At OutRun Physical Therapy, nothing is rushed and nothing is cookie-cutter. You receive care that respects your goals, your history, and your journey as a runner.

Here is what you can expect at our Decatur clinic:

  • A full, 55-minute session with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who listens first

  • A running assessment that helps us understand how your body moves and why pain shows up

  • Hands-on treatment that helps you feel relief and move with more ease

  • Strength and mobility work tailored to your body and the demands of Atlanta’s hills and heat

  • Guidance that helps you transition from rehab back to confident, joyful running

This is not about chasing numbers or perfection.
It is about helping you feel strong in your body again and supporting the runner you want to be.

Our 3 Step Process

Link to: https://outrunpt.janeapp.com/

Book An Initial Evaluation

Schedule a personal evaluation to assess your movement patterns.
Train With Purpose

Train With Purpose

Develop and implement a customized treatment plan to unlock the road to recovery.
Get Back to What You Love

Get Back to What You Love

Experience relief and feel empowered.

Who We Help

We support runners of all levels across Atlanta and Decatur who want to:

  • Come back from injury without fear

  • Build mileage in a sustainable, healthy way

  • Improve form and efficiency without overthinking

  • Break through plateaus or long-standing aches

  • Feel connected to their body and their running again

If running feels like part of your identity or your community, you are in the right place.
You deserve care that honors that.

Our Services

Running Injury Rehab

Running Injury Rehab

Evidence-based manual therapy, mobility work, and targeted strength training for common running injuries including knee pain, hip pain, Achilles issues, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and more.
Running Gait Analysis

Running Gait Analysis

A slow-motion, biomechanical breakdown of your running form to identify inefficiencies, asymmetries, and movement patterns contributing to pain or performance loss.
Performance and Strength Training for Runners

Performance and Strength Training for Runners

Strength makes you faster, more efficient, and more resilient. Programs are designed to fit around your training schedule and racing goals.
Return-to-Run Programming

Return-to-Run Programming

A structured, progressive plan that safely transitions you back to running after injury.
Maintenance and Performance Sessions

Maintenance and Performance Sessions

For runners who want ongoing optimization, movement tune-ups, and training support.

Why Runners Love Us

No waiting room. No assistants. No insurance hoops. Just:

  • Transparent pricing and direct access to your PT

  • Flexible, individualized care that moves at your pace

  • Support that continues long after the pain fades

  • A long-term partner in your running journey

You are never just another case or another injury.
You are a runner with a story, and we are here to help you keep writing it.

Meet Dr. Melissa Curl, PT, DPT

I’m a physical therapist, running specialist, and movement nerd who helps runners ditch pain and feel strong again. OutRun exists because you deserve care that makes sense for your sport, your mechanics, and your goals and not a one-size-fits-all clinic routine.

About Melissa

Testimonials

Trusted by everyday athletes

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Andy C

I had been experiencing severe lower back pain which kept me from running. Melissa helped me strengthen my core and gluts which contributed to the pain. After several visits and recommendations for exercises I am back to running. I now have strength, stretching, and pre and post run activities that will allow me to Run for my Life!
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Alex R

Awesome PT! Dr. Curl assessed chronic neck pain I've had for most of my life, walked me through each step of the assessments and tests, identified the underlying issues (muscle tightness and imbalances in my chest and back that I never would have guessed I had), and prescribed a set of exercises. The "Home Exercise Program" Dr. Curl uses makes it way easier to keep track of what I'm supposed to do and make sure I'm doing the PT exercises correctly. It was all an easy and helpful experience.
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Julia S

Dr. Melissa is fantastic! She provides a thorough assessment and creates personalized exercises to help you recover quickly and effectively. I highly recommend her if you’re looking for a physical therapy experience that’s truly tailored to you.
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David H

I am a runner who is not currently injured. I went to Dr. Curl for preventative treatment and to create a routine to work on my weak spots and keep me injury-free. Dr. Curl assessed my overall state of flexibility and motion. I went over the exercises and stretching that I was currently doing and then she taught me some exercises to work on my flexibility, balance, and fine tune some of the things I was already working on. Melisa is very thorough and listens intently, and I am sure her help will greatly reduce my chance of injury.

You do not have to give up running.

You simply need a plan that respects your body and your goals.

Let’s get you back to the miles you love.

Schedule A Discovery Call