Dr. Melissa Curl, PT, DPT

Owner/Physical Therapist

Build a Better Runner: Rehab, Prevention, and Peak Performance Certification

Originally from the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, I have lived in Atlanta off and on for over a decade. After graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina including minors in Dance and Psychology, then graduating from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, I officially made Atlanta my home in 2020. Since then, I have become increasingly involved with the running community and realized how much I love working with runners. No matter where you are on your running journey, I want to help you accomplish your goals and ensure that you are able to Run For Your Life.

My Story

After graduating from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, I moved back to Atlanta to begin my career at a busy outpatient clinic. It wasn’t my dream job, but it was a place where I could learn, get my feet wet, and gain valuable experience that would eventually help me land my dream job - which at the time I thought was in neurologic physical therapy.

After working with primarily orthopedic patients for a few years, I found I wanted something different. I was seeing so many patients in a day that I couldn’t give my patients the quality care that they deserved. I couldn’t do my job the way that I wanted to - the way patients should be treated. Not knowing that there was another way, I ended up leaving physical therapy to pursue a different career.

For the following 2 years, I worked as a clinical sales specialist for a small tech startup. This company manufactured and sold medical devices for stroke rehabilitation which meant I had finally broken into the neuro space - and I could not have been happier. The world of a tech startup was one I had never known, but because the company was so small, I got to see everything. I learned how to use Excel and Google Workspace. I got to see and learn about the manufacturing process and work closely with the engineers and software team. I also learned about business processes and how to implement new business strategies.

During my time there, I realized 2 things. First, I realized how much I missed being a physical therapist. I wanted to go back, but I wanted to treat patients one-on-one without insurance dictating how to treat patients. The second thing I realized was that neurologic physical therapy wasn’t where I wanted to be. Since my family moved to the Atlanta area in 2013, we’ve all participated in a running group in Decatur. It has provided us with an incredible social and physical outlet and allowed us to get more involved in the broader Atlanta running community. I decided that this was the community I wanted to dedicate my career to. I wanted to give back since the running community has given so much to me.

So, I took the leap. With the knowledge I had acquired working at the tech startup, I quit my job and began working to start my own company (while working part time at a running store, of course). Now, as OutRun Physical Therapy, I get to do what I love and help patients Run For Their Life, staying active without stopping due to injury.

OutRun's Guiding Principles

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Mission

To empower patients by showing them what they are capable of and encouraging them to take charge of their recovery
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Vision

To help patients stay as active as possible, for as long as possible, no matter their age

OutRun at its core

Values
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Integrity

Integrity means being honest and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It requires building trust and respect with others by following through on your word and keeping your actions aligned with your values. It is essential when treating patients as quality patient care cannot exist without high levels of integrity.
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Persistence

In the face of challenges, we have an incredible ability to adapt, persist, and find a way forward, even if it means changing our approach. Overcoming setbacks isn’t about immediate success—it’s about refusing to be defeated, learning from the struggle, and finding strength in the process. Giving up is never an option.
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Community

No one accomplishes anything alone—everything we achieve is connected to the people around us. Whether it's through support, teamwork, or just having someone to lean on, community is the key to success and longevity.
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Gratitude

By appreciating what we already have, we prioritize what brings real fulfillment and joy, making more intentional choices and staying aligned with our values. Gratitude helps us stay focused on what’s truly important.

Behind the Name OutRun

The Name

As a huge fan of the show Survivor, the name OutRun was inspired by its iconic slogan: Outwit, Outplay, Outlast. The show is a testament to the human ability to adapt to the circumstances in front of you. The name OutRun reflects this spirit of perseverance - encouraging the idea that no matter the obstacle, we have the ability to face unexpected challenges with creativity and strength, just like the contestants on Survivor. Whether it’s in the game or in real life, it’s all about facing adversity with a mindset that no matter what, we’ll find a way to keep moving forward.

The Logo

The circular nature of the logo represents continuity and the ability to remain active throughout your lifespan without having to stop doing what you love due to injury or illness. The layers of rings represent the ability to do this at all stages of life. The rings also mirror rings you might see on a smart watch which track your activity and help you reach your movement goals.

The Mantra

Run For Your Life is, of course, a play on words. It is not about running as fast as you can - as if your life depends on it. The mantra is about being able to run throughout your lifespan - being able to run and stay active for your entire life.

Discover the Difference

Reach Out and Start Your Journey with OutRun

Schedule a one-on-one session to experience these principles in action and get back to doing what you love.

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