Sports Physical Therapist in Columbus, OH

Built for the Ones Who Refuse to Stop.

You train hard. Something is getting in the way. We find the root cause and build the plan back to full training.

A tattoo artist wearing gloves and a cap is tattooing a person's lower back while they lie face down on a black padded table.
Our Services

Sports and Orthopedic PT Built for Active Adults

Find the care that fits where you are right now.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Root-cause PT for runners, CrossFitters, and orthopedic injuries.

Running Physical Therapy

Running injury PT with gait analysis for runners who refuse to stop.

Performance Training

PT-led sport and performance programming for active adults.

Why Choose Us

What Makes The Way Physical Therapy Different

Most PT clinics move you between aides and equipment with minimal one-on-one time. Here, every session is with your PT from start to finish. Cash-based means we build the plan around what you need, not what an insurance company allows.

1-on-1 Every Session

Your PT runs every session start to finish. No aides, no handoffs, no 15-minute check-ins between other clients.

Root Cause, Not Band-Aids

We find why the injury happened, not just where it hurts. That focus is how we break the cycle of re-injury.

Trainer guiding a woman using a resistance band exercise in a gym with weights and medicine balls in the background.

No Insurance, No Limits

Cash-based means session length and treatment are built around what you need, not what an insurer will approve.

Built for Performance

The goal is not just no pain. It is better movement and more resilience than before you got hurt.

How It Works

Our Process: Outthink. Outwork. Outlast.

Step 1: Outthink

Assess, clarify, and plan. We identify the true driver behind the pain, map how training and recovery are interacting, and build a clear, individualized roadmap.

Step 2: Outwork

Execute, adapt, and build. Hands-on treatment, progressive loading, and performance programming that holds up in the real world and adapts as you improve.

Step 3: Outlast

Build the resilience and understanding to stay active, prevent re-injury, and perform at your best. The goal is not just recovery. It is lasting durability.

Meet Your Provider

Dr. Drew Wayman

PT, DPT, CF-L2

I'm a physical therapist with a background in exercise physiology and nutrition, and everything I do is focused on helping people move better and feel confident in their bodies again. I earned my degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from the University of Cincinnati, where I also became deeply involved in CrossFit, founding the UC Club CrossFit team and later competing at a professional level myself. That experience gives me a firsthand understanding of how demanding training, work, and everyday life can be on the body.

I went on to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy so I could help people not just work through pain, but understand it and move forward in a smarter, more sustainable way. My approach blends hands-on care with individualized exercise plans built around your goals, whether that's returning to training, staying active without pain, or simply feeling better in daily life. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, supported, and confident throughout the entire process.

5-Star Google Reviews from Active Adults

Serving active adults in Columbus and Central Ohio.

Dr. Drew has an unmatched level of knowledge, patience, and encouragement that truly made all the difference in my recovery before and after a microdiscectomy. He demonstrated a deep understanding of my complex condition, took the time to listen to my goal of returning to CrossFit, and created a personalized and thoughtful rehab plan to get me back to the sport pain free. I cannot recommend Dr. Drew enough!
Erika Copeland
Can’t say enough good things about Dr Wayman. From the moment we started our treatment, he took so much care and asked about everything I was feeling. As a CrossFit athlete, he understanding the physical therapy needs of elite athletes all the way down to the everyday person. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my or my family’s care.
Jason PETERS
If you need hair tips, training programs, physical therapy, or dry needling, this is THE guy! Stop wasting time and do what's best for you. 🦵
spenser fenner
Drew is the best! Very personable and modifies treatment based on my needs to make movement pain free!
mary kate munz
I have seen a few PTs and chiros for my back pain and Dr Drew has been the best by far! Not many PTs really understand the higher level needs of athletes quite like drew does. 10/10 would recommend him for anyone pain or trying to get back to lifting/training. thanks dude!
scott wilkerson
Drew is awesome - continues to help me in my mobility and issues with back and shoulder. Solid PT and would highly recommend seeking him out to keep you performing at your highest level.
jamie s
Drew has been awesome to work with. I’m very happy I chose to work with him and highly recommend!
Sarah Davis
Drew was extremely attentive to my injury - making sure to do a full assessment to get to the root of the issue. Between the exercises I was given and the dry needling - I’m feeling a lot better and am looking forward to the journey with The Way Physical Therapy! Thank you!!
Kels Kiel
I highly recommend Dr. Drew with The Way Physical Therapy. He takes the time to understand your injury and find the right approach to helping you get back to 100%. I also really appreciate the videos that he will post on your app. It keeps you focused on your rehab. 5 stars for sure.
zachary tominack
I am no stranger to sports injuries and PT. Dr. Drew is the best provider I have ever had for three key reasons: His diagnosis and prescription is spot on; his use of Eastern Medicine and manipulation (dry needles); and he himself is an active athlete. He is worth every penny and I can’t imagine not having him on my team.
Jessica Bennett
Dr.Drew does an excellent job explaining what is expected from the treatment he provides. He listens to what I have to say concerning how I’m feeling before, during and after each treatment. I believe my progress would not be where it is today without his professional help and support. Top notch PT practice!
Craig Wayman
Drew is an incredible performance physical therapist! He helped me work through persistent shoulder pain and gave me the confidence and tools to get back to my regular daily activities and fitness goals. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for knowledgeable, supportive, and effective care!
Perrin Varland
I have been fortunate to work with Drew to keep my 68 year old self spry despite shin splints (quickly resolved with PT), an occasionally bum knee and the like. Drew listens and develops great PT regimens. Good at his job and coaching me along. Highly recommended.
Scott Doran
Drew was super professional with my care, and it really seemed like he actually cared about my progress. He even took time to explain things multiple times and never seemed upset about it. Would recommend.
Danny Vitucci
I have had a wonderful time working with Drew! His excellent hands-on help paired with his evidence-based at-home exercise regimen have been a game changer for me! I whole heartedly recommend him as your PT!!!!
Emily Glatt
I had a great experience.
Sammy Maltz
Great experience
Joel Varland
Excellent experience! So knowledgeable and easy to work with. Drew truly listened and was thorough. Highly recommend
Debi V
Dr. Drew is an amazing PT and I would genuinely recommend their practice to anyone in need. 10/10 service
edwards schleicher
Dr. Drew has helped me to increase flexibility and strengthen both of my shoulders after rotator cuff surgeries. The hospital PT got me back to baseline, but Dr Drew has helped me make substantial progress in CrossFit specific movements that I have been struggling to achieve. He's competent, accommodating, and I feel like he has individualized my treatment. Great guy, highly recommend.
Tyler Wolfe
Drew was incredible in helping me get back to my workouts after an injury. He really took the time to listen and understand what I was dealing with, and his approach made a huge difference in how quickly I was able to return to my routine. I would highly recommend him to anyone dealing with an injury!
Allison Brinkmeyer
Areas We Serve

Serving Columbus and Surrounding Communities

We help active adults across Columbus and Central Ohio get back to the training they love.

FAQs

Common questions about cash-based PT, our process, and what to expect when you start at The Way.

Do I Need a Referral to Start?

No referral needed. You can schedule directly without seeing a physician first. The process starts with a free discovery call where we talk through what is going on, answer your questions, and confirm this is the right fit before you commit to anything.

Can I Use My HSA or FSA?

Yes. HSA and FSA cards are accepted for payment. We are a cash-based practice with no direct insurance billing, but we provide a superbill for clients with out-of-network benefits who want to request reimbursement through their insurance provider.

How Is This Different from a Regular PT Clinic?

Every session is one-on-one with your PT from start to finish. No aides, no handoffs. We focus the full session on finding the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. Cash-based means we are not limited by what insurance will approve.

Will I Be Told to Stop Training?

That is rarely the answer. The goal is to find a path forward that keeps you moving during recovery as much as possible. Most clients continue modified training throughout care. We build the plan around your goals, not just around the injury.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most clients notice meaningful changes within 2 to 4 sessions. A full progression for most issues runs 8 to 12 visits. At the end of your initial evaluation, you will have a clear plan with realistic milestones and no open-ended treatment schedule.

Still have questions?

Not seeing your question? Reach out and we are happy to help.

The First Step Is a Free Conversation.

No referral needed. No commitment required. Just answers.