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I had been dealing with pain in my right foot for 3 months (been training for a fall marathon and took the approach of running through the pain). It had progressed to the point where walking was extremely painful too and I decided to seek PT help. Multiple runners in Charlotte recommended the Charlotte Athlete. I’ve been working with Dr Andrew Zabala now for 2 months and am back running with no pain. It’s been a great process focused on addressing the root issues impacting my foot and working now to come back stronger and faster. Would recommend the Charlotte Athlete and Dr Andrew Zabala to anyone who needs to PT - absolutely fantastic group!!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.12.11
Thank you so much for the kind words Sam! You've done an amazing job so for and we're excited to see you grow to new heights! - TCA team
I started working with Kiley Robb over the summer for achilles tendonitis, and she was able to identify the underlying causes to tailor a program for my specific needs & abilities, and get me back to working order. Each session built upon the previous one, and she was always thinking of new ways to push me to the edge of my comfort zone without causing any pain. She was incredibly knowledgable, professional, flexible with scheduling, and the team was transparent & fair with pricing. I'm back to doing what I love and have the confidence to push myself in & out of the gym. I would highly recommend working with Kiley to anyone who has injuries or are looking for ways to stay pain free!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.12.11
Greg! Had so much fun working with you over the last couple months. Super stoked for you and this next chapter of your life. Stay in touch!
I had a great experience at the Charlotte Athlete. I saw Dr. Kiley Robb. She was incredible. My first appointment she was very detailed and thorough evaluating me to determine what was going on. I felt heard and understood. I had hurt my shoulder and was trying to get it back to where I could play sand volleyball again. She was thoughtful with my exercises. Within 2 months or less she helped me get to where I could play in a tournament I had been planning most of the year for. I am stronger and confident on what to do to keep my shoulder capable of doing the things I love. Thank you!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.12.11
Thanks so much for the kind words--Emily! Really enjoyed working with you, sending you all the good garden vibes for this upcoming gardening season haha!
I’m a 63-year-old endurance cyclist and gravel racer. Early in 2025, shoulder pain started creeping in during long rides. I did what most athletes do — tried to ignore it and hoped it would settle down. Instead, it kept ramping up: stiff after an hour, painful by the second, and downright brutal by the four-hour mark. Eventually it was affecting both training and racing to the point where I had to stop riding altogether.
I spent four weeks at an insurance-based PT clinic, and it was a complete waste of time. Every session was the same generic routine, nothing was tailored to the actual problem, and no one ever connected the dots on why it was happening. Zero progress, just frustration.
Switching to The Charlotte Athlete and working with Dr. Kiley Robb was night-and-day different. She broke down how I move as a cyclist — spine mobility, posture, nerve irritation, shoulder mechanics — and showed me exactly how those issues were feeding the pain. Her treatment has been precise, hands-on, and aimed at getting me back to racing, not just running through an insurance script. The strength and mobility work is designed to fix the root cause and keep it from coming back. I’m already about 90% recovered and continuing to rebuild durability for long races.
If a friend or family member was dealing with pain and unsure where to go, I’d tell them this: don’t wait, and don’t settle for generic PT. Go to The Charlotte Athlete. They treat athletes because they are athletes, and they understand what it takes to get you moving and performing again.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.11.25
Rick, you rock! Thank you for being a great athlete to work with.. Excited to be pursuing some of your goals for your long races.
I've been working with Dr. Andrew for a good amount of the year now after I had injured my neck in jiu jitsu and still strengthening my back from a boxing injury 2 years ago now. Anyone who trains in MMA knows that injuries unfortunately will happen, but how you address them and deal with them after can make a massive difference in recovery and speed to getting back on the mats.
Andrew has trained in MMA and has worked in the UFC as a physical therapist, he knows exactly what type of injuries to look out for and the best ways to both treat and strengthen to avoid those issues in the future.
I really can't recommend Andrew enough as someone who actually has trained and knows what he's talking about. If anyone is dealing with injuries, especially in the fighting realm I'd highly recommend seeing him.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.11.25
Hi Chris, thank you for taking the time to write this review! We know you and Dr. Z have been working hard.
No doubt this review will help encourage others to seek out the right type of physical therapy. Keep up the good work!!
No doubt this review will help encourage others to seek out the right type of physical therapy. Keep up the good work!!
After 5 years of trying to do rehab right, Dr. Kiley Robb saved my right leg.
I tore my ACL & meniscus 6 years ago in 2019 and had a second meniscal surgery in 2020 and have been cleared multiple times to return to sport but never truly felt "back" to where I was after virtual rehabbing over COVID.
Something was still wrong and over 5 years after surgery but before landing at The Charlotte Athlete I tried:
*Sticking to the original return to sport plan
*Calling original rehab place that was 1000 miles away
*Going to two rehab clinics in Charlotte*Consulting two family members who are PTs with videos and exercise plans
*Getting frustrated and Youtubing & Chat GPTing my own program
The other rehab places here weren't giving great attention to detail in balancing multiple patients, most of whom required more supervision (felt like getting punished for being a good patient) and weren't really pushing me (or seemed interested in it, playing it safe more than anything) and I never saw a Doctor of Physical Therapy a single time. Pretty frustrated, I made up my own plans, but honestly it was a bit of experience+gut feeling, and if it worked, I would have no way of knowing what it was.
So I saw a QR code on a gym wall for The Charlotte Athlete, looked at the insane 5 star rating over 270+ reviews with people GUSHING over their doc, read every single thing on the website, and thought it looked pretty different from everything else I'd done. I decided to give rehab another shot.
The difference was immediate.
After telling my right knee's life story for the 15th or so time, we did something I never had done before: test & measure everything knee-related. The first day was testing, giving a baseline, and sure enough, the things I thought were wrong (remarkable difference in force on jumps & landing) were wrong but Dr. Kiley found a ton more over my next 10 sessions.
Turns out my ankle mobility reeked to high heaven. And those stiff ankles affected my squatting form to where I wasn't hitting the right muscles even though it "felt" right.
Turns out my hamstrings weren't weak...I was perpetually pulling them by...sleeping wrong? So sleeping on my side without a pillow between my knees turns out to impact my hammies.
Turns out I was oblivious to the fact that I was cheating on most of my reps by half-locking my knee and using my chest as a counterweight because my brain still didn't trust the knee but was getting sneaky about it now.
Just these three things gave me tremendous gains in 10 visits more than what I had gotten in half a decade of rehab.
The physical gains were remarkable (around 30-40% force increase over 10 weeks), but the really transformative part was the mental aspect. I'm jumping and making cuts with the confidence that I did pre-ACL tear, no worries, but overall there's a clearer roadmap to recovery than there has ever been and the confidence to go with it.
Dr. Kiley watches attentively the whole time and makes quick adjustments where needed. She's made a plan as flexible or as rigorous as needed depending on what I've asked for and how much time I can allocate in the week. She's done adjustments on hips and ankles to balance out all of the goofiness that playing rugby, laying out for frisbees, running 10+ miles, or lifting weights that I might find myself doing any given week.
And not to get all cheesy, but Dr. Kiley isn't just a doc: she's your coach, one of your biggest fans, and someone I'm excited to see every time I come in. I've come in from a horrific day or two of work and she has made me completely forget all about the workday blues by being a joy to be around. Dr. Kiley's positive energy, infectious enthusiasm at doing what she loves, and engaged & attentive approach to each exercise in each session. I'm sure I'd still be searching on Year 6+ of rehabbing my knee properly without her.
If you're still reading all the way down here, give The Charlotte Athlete a shot. It's been worth every penny for me.
Your Future Self 5 years from now will be so much happier & healthier that you did.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.10.27
Kyle!!! Thank you so much for the kind words. Your work ethic is unmatched and I appreciate you trusting in the process. More success to come for you!
Dr. Leah is awesome! I went in because of an injury to my hip that made it hard for me to do things I love like golf and exercise. Honestly I felt like runny poop. Dr. Leah figured out exactly what the issue was and immediately started working on getting my body feeling athletic again. I left the first session feeling golden. and after several months of treatment I have literally gone from feeling like runny poop to a solid gold bar which is nothing short of a miracle. The team there is great and I always look forward to my session. They are now a non negotiable. So if you feel like poop and want to feel golden again please stop putting it off and make an appointment!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.02.03
It’s all about feeling like an athlete! Always here to help you out! Thank you so much Chris!
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Marissa for 3 months to address my intense lower back pain and it was worth every penny! As an aspiring powerlifter, you can imagine my disappointment when I realized that my lower back pain wasn’t just going away, it had been over 3 years of this sharp & shooting pain. I took the time to research physical therapists in the area and was so excited to find TCA. Dr. Marissa broke it down for me and let me know exactly what was going on with my body & what we needed to do to address it. She educated me on all of my movements & was always available for check ins via text or email btwn our sessions. She’s so kind and encouraging, such an amazing provider!
The environment is an open space, easy parking, and never crowded. Each session helped me feel more confident and I’m so excited to finally work towards competition for next year!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.11.25
Hi Haddy - thank you for taking the time to write this. We can appreciate all the research you put into finding a medical provider since you are one yourself.
Look forward to having you back in the gym. Keep up the good work!
Look forward to having you back in the gym. Keep up the good work!
I came to the Charlotte Athlete looking for help overcoming hip pain in order to prepare for a half Ironman. Since starting PT with Dr. Kiley Robb, she has done a fantastic job in helping me treat my hip pain along with other problems, including shin splints and knee pain, that arose during my training process. Dr. Kiley is always focused 100% on me during each session. She is a true genius and even creates unique workouts for me targeted to address my specific issues instead of only using the standard exercises most other PTs will prescribe. My body feels stronger than ever, and I now have an arsenal of workouts to use to stay healthy while swimming, biking, and running. I would highly recommend The Charlotte Athlete and Dr. Kiley to anyone struggling with nagging injuries that is looking not only for treatment but also the keys to maintaining an injury free workout journey!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.10.09
Hey Alexia! Thanks so much for the kind words. It has been so much fun working with you and seeing you accomplish goals that used to be just dreams. And you're not done yet! Thanks for all your hard work and trust in the process.
I love The Charlotte Athlete!! Dr. Marissa always makes me feel seen, safe, and prepared to tackle the next step of my healing and strengthening journey. The hour long visits create plenty of room for asking questions so I can understand what's going on in my body and how to move forward in the healthiest way possible. And it's always a bonus when you get to see the resident furball, Moose!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.10.06
Thanks for the review Abby! Keep up all your hard work, Moose agrees with us that you’re crushing it💪
I started having pain behind my right knee back in January, and nothing I tried seemed to help. After months of rest, stretching, and even standard PT without any improvement, I finally got an MRI. Thankfully, everything was intact, but my orthopedic doctor recommended I see The Charlotte Athlete.
By that point, I had been dealing with pain for almost five months. I kept waiting to see if it would go away on its own, but it didn’t — and it was frustrating. What made it even harder was that it kept me from playing pickleball, which I used to play four times a week. For over nine months, I had to stop completely, and it really limited something I loved doing.
On my very first visit with Michelle at The Charlotte Athlete, she pinpointed the exact issue that was causing my pain. That felt like such a relief, especially after months of not knowing what was wrong. She and the team gave me targeted exercises each week to strengthen and correct the problem, and they even had me do gym movements that mimicked real pickleball motions — so treatment was directly tied to what I wanted to get back to.
By my 7th session, I was cleared to return to the pickleball court, pain-free. After thinking I might just have to live with this pain, I couldn’t be more grateful. The Charlotte Athlete truly are experts, even with unusual or tricky diagnoses.
If I had a family member or friend dealing with pain and feeling unsure whether PT could help, I would tell them not to wait. The Charlotte Athlete’s unique mobility-focused approach is highly effective. SO GRATEFUL for Michelle and the whole team!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.10.09
Thanks so much, Corinne! We're thrilled to hear you're back on the pickleball court pain-free and know you will absolutely crush it! 🏓🙌 You worked hard and trusted the process. So glad we could be part of your comeback!
I started seeing Marissa after having surgery for right thoracic outlet syndrome. Marissa and all of the Charlotte Athlete team have been amazing at assisting me in recovering. From managing pain to properly strengthening Marissa has been great, not to mention the education given while doing so on my specific issue. It’s also great that they are readily available at all times if I have new symptoms or pain in between sessions. An easy recommendation to give!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Thanks for the review Nina! We’re happy to be a part of your rehab team and look forward to helping you reach your goals.
Dr. Marissa has been a rock star in my rehab journey. I can’t thank her enough for guiding me towards strengthening areas I did not realize I needed! It’s true that the Charlotte Athlete goes beyond treating the symptoms and truly finds the source. I highly recommend CA!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Thanks so much Maci! I’m excited to see all that you accomplish!
I went to CLT Athlete PT midway through my recovery from a trimalleolar ankle surgery, and Dr. Marissa was wonderful to work with. She’s very knowledgeable and made sure I was progressing the right way. I always felt like I was in good hands, and her guidance made a big difference in my recovery. Highly recommend her and the team at CLT Athlete PT!
-Tai Le
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Appreciate the review Tai, we’re here for you!
I started coming to The Charlotte Athlete in July after developing intense shin splints from my sprint triathlon. Dr. Michelle has been my consistent provider from the start, and she’s been amazing! She is not just treating the shin splints themselves, but also tackling the root cause, like my lack of ankle and foot mobility. Her drills have helped me become a stronger runner, and while the dry needling is definitely not for the faint of heart, the results have been absolutely worth it.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
You handle the dry needling like a champ! Excited to see you continue to progress on your half and full marathon journey!
I was battling shoulder for a while. It wasn’t until my kids, who are both at the University of Wisconsin studying to get their DPT, advised me I needed to go to physical therapy. And not just any PT, specifically the Charlotte Athlete. I’m a true yogi and the pain began to interrupt my practice. So on the advice of my children I made an appointment at the Charlotte Athelete.
I began working with Dr. Marissa about 4 months ago and I couldn’t be happier. The results I have seen are amazing. I’m now on my way back to a pain free yogi practice. Dr. Marissa hasn’t only helped me to be pain free but she has made me stronger.
I know PT can be time consuming but it is well worth it. I would highly recommend Dr. Marissa and the Charlotte Athlete to lead you back to a pain free work out. Thank you!!
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Feeling strong is the best! Keep up all the hard work Janiece.
I came to The Charlotte Athlete after having elbow surgery and began my rehab soon after to make sure I could regain mobility and strength as quickly as possible. Working with Dr. Michelle has been a great experience. She guided me through the process and helped me regain the strength and mobility I had before my injury.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
You rock Zach! Keep up the good work
I will be recommending Dr. Michelle Case and The Charlotte Athlete to anyone struggling with an injury.
After being a cyclist for years, I began experiencing pain in my knee that would not go away on its own. Loving the activity so much, I quickly sought the help of a Primary Doctor, an Orthopedic Doctor, and two other physical therapists. Not a single one of them ever took the time or care to investigate the reason this all began. No one ever evaluated my movements or asked me to move in my natural way to find my actual movement problem. So, I wasted months doing the prescribed exercises incorrectly to no avail. After months of no recovery, inevitably, I gave up and decided it was here to stay. That was over two years ago!
Thankfully, I found the Charlotte Athelete website and booked an appointment. In the first session, Dr. Michelle found my problem! Unlike other therapists I have seen, she has and continues to take the time to educate me and help me learn my bad movements that are causing this problem. With the attention I have received from her, I am not wondering if I am learning proper technique and training my body to move as intended. I am seeing significant progress, and I am now cycling and doing other movements pain-free!
The most exciting aspect of Dr. Michelle's care has been the confidence I have gained to achieve my goal of cycling again. More importantly, I've received valuable education on how to address my current issue and prevent future problems by learning how to enjoy cycling and other activities in the correct form.
I am excited about being active and moving again! I would recommend that anyone struggling with nagging pain and an endless cycle of therapists prescribing exercises without care, see Dr. Michelle or any of the therapists at The Charlotte Athlete. You need the one-on-one attention that they offer here.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Thank you for the kind words Jeremy! You have been doing absolutely amazing with your rehab. Can’t wait to see the continued progress!
Dr. Kiley helped resolve my knee pain with short-term care so I could compete, while also building a long-term plan to fix it for good. She was professional, thorough, and took a full-body approach to keep me moving well.
Reply from The Charlotte Athlete
2025.09.15
Thanks for the kind words—Sean! Happy to help.