Dr. Michael Rodriguez, DPT, is a physical therapist, running coach, strength and conditioning specialist, and owner of Endurance Sports Physical Therapy & Performance. A native of Chanhassen, Michael attended Drake University where he was an NCAA Division I long distance runner on the cross country and track teams. He continues to compete regularly in running events ranging from one mile to the marathon.
After encountering and overcoming multiple injuries during his collegiate career, Michael became a physical therapist in order to help others rehab from injuries and return to the sports and activities they love.
A graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Michael also completed a residency in sports medicine, specializing in the treatment of endurance athletes. His areas of expertise includes the analysis of running biomechanics, gait retraining, and the diagnosis and treatment of running-related injury. Michael has successfully helped athletes of all abilities – from weekend warriors, to collegiate All-Americans, to professionals – return to running pain-free. His post-rehab programming includes mobility and strength training to maximize performance and minimize the reoccurrence of injury.
When he’s not treating patients, Michael is passionate about teaching in the physical therapy profession and implementing the latest research into his clinical practice. He enjoys lecturing on sports medicine topics at local universities and helping students learn in the clinical setting, and serves as associate faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota. As a researcher, his work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and he has presented his findings at local and national conferences. Most recently, Michael worked on a study that examined the relationship between biomechanics, strength, and muscle activation in collegiate cross country runners.
Education
Residency
Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI
Sports Medicine
Medical Training
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Undergraduate
Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Bachelor of Arts Chemistry, Bachelor of Science Mathematics
Professional Certification
Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Certified Running Coach
United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy
Emergency Medical Responder
American Red Cross
Professional Memberships
American Physical Therapy Association
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
Minnesota Physical Therapy Association