National Running Center

About the National Running Center

The Mass General Brigham National Running Center, affiliated with Spaulding Rehabilitation, provides expert, evidence-based care to help runners recover from injury, optimize their performance, and stay injury-free.

Our team includes physicians, physical therapists, and biomechanists, many of whom are runners themselves, offering a unique blend of clinical insight and lived experience. Drawing on decades of sports medicine research, the Center delivers innovative, personalized solutions for runners that incorporate on-site gait analysis, proven injury prevention techniques, and low-impact, easy-to-learn rehabilitation exercises.

Conveniently located at Boston Landing in Brighton—parallel to mile 22 of Boston’s historic marathon route—the Running Center is a trusted resource for runners and multi-sport athletes throughout New England.

In addition to our Boston Landing location, physical therapists at participating Spaulding Rehabilitation locations offer specialized evaluations and treatment for running-related injuries, making expert running care more accessible throughout the region.

Part of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

What we do

Drawing on decades of sports medicine research, the Center delivers innovative, personalized solutions for runners that incorporate on-site gait analysis and the latest evidence-based rehabilitation.

Whether you’re recovering from a running injury, preparing for race day, or seeking expert medical advice on your gait and training regimen, our team helps you run strong and healthy. Our integrated team provides comprehensive evaluation and coordinated treatment for runners, including medical care, physical therapy, and gait retraining.

Many running injuries, especially those that emerge gradually, stem from how your body moves during a run – your form. If poor form isn’t addressed, your risk of reinjury when you recover and resume running stays high.

With access to advanced imaging, diagnostic tools, and a full network of orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists, we deliver coordinated care that gets you back on your feet safely. Our researchers and scientists can use motion capture technology and real-time feedback devices to assess and optimize your run, helping you reach your personal best.

Beyond providing gait assessment and medical care for athletes, the Center serves as an international training and research site, shaping the next generation of sports medicine specialists as they work to prevent and treat running injuries.

Our mission is to advance the science of running injury treatment and prevention through innovative research and compassionate clinical practice. Our shared goal is simple: to keep our patients running for the long term.

Managing injury

The Mass General Brigham National Running Center helps runners of all ages and experience levels understand and manage injuries that can interfere with training or everyday movement. From nagging aches to serious setbacks, our team evaluates and treats:

• Shin splints
• Stress fractures
• Achilles tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
• IT band syndrome
• Hamstring and calf strains
• Hip and groin pain
• Low back pain from running

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of our approach, helping runners regain strength, improve mobility, and return to running with confidence.

Scheduling an evaluation

New and existing patients can schedule a 90-minute physical therapy evaluation for a running-related injury with an NRC-trained physical therapist at participating Spaulding Rehabilitation locations. These evaluations include gait analysis and recommendations for treatment.

For more comprehensive evaluations at Boston Landing, or if you have questions about which appointment is right for you, call the National Running Center at 617-952-6711.

Before scheduling:

• Online appointments are subject to review for insurance eligibility and clinical appropriateness. Our staff may contact you for additional information or to review your insurance coverage.
• You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment, but most insurance plans require one to cover physical therapy services. Please contact your referring provider to obtain a referral if needed.
• Insurance coverage varies by plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for National Running Center service

What to expect during your first visit

Your initial evaluation will depend on the type of appointment you schedule.

Physical therapy evaluations

National Running Center physical therapists at participating Spaulding Rehabilitation locations offer 90-minute evaluations for running-related injuries. These appointments include gait analysis and an assessment of your injury, with recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation.

Comprehensive running evaluations

More comprehensive two-hour evaluations are available at Boston Landing. These appointments may include:

• Running analysis on an instrumented treadmill
• Slow-motion video assessment
• Strength, flexibility, and alignment screening
• Footwear review
• Discussion of physical therapy options and exercise planning

You'll receive a detailed report with videos, data, and expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

Your personalized treatment plan

Based on your initial evaluation, your care plan may include:

• Gait retraining to improve running form
• Targeted strength and flexibility exercises
• Adjustments to your training routine
• Footwear suggestions

Our treatment plans often include physical therapy sessions tailored for runners and focusing on strength, mobility, and safe progression back to activity.

What is gait retraining?

Gait retraining helps runners optimize their mechanics to move more efficiently while running, leading to decreased pain, reduced injury risk, and improved performance. Our team guides you through these adjustments gradually, using video and motion analysis to ensure safe, effective results.

Gait retraining is especially helpful for runners dealing with chronic issues like shin splints, stress fractures, or knee pain—or if you’re simply looking to move more comfortably and efficiently.

Gait analysis and running injury care for athletes in any sport

Whether you run the bases, chase down rebounds, or sprint the length of a soccer field, healthy running mechanics matter. At the Mass General Brigham National Running Center, we treat athletes from all sports who rely on efficient, pain-free running and dynamic movement.

Our expert team uses gait analysis, strength and mobility assessments, and advanced imaging to help you identify issues that could lead to injury—or already have. We guide you through customized treatment plans and training strategies to help you heal, move better, and reduce your risk of future injury.

Supporting research and performance in elite sprinters

Uninjured sprinters and elite runners can also participate in biomechanical performance testing and research through our Center for Sports Performance and Research in Foxborough, MA. This facility delivers next-generation sports science and motion capture research for athletes seeking to optimize every stride.