Dr. Nicole Sabes, PT, DPT

Dr. Nicole Sabes, PT, DPT · Clinic Director at Renew Physical Therapy

Helping Runners Recover, Stay Healthy & Perform at Their Best

6+ Years at Renew PT
12+ Certifications
D1 College Athlete
BQ Boston Qualifier
Dr. Nicole racing at Twilight 5000 Renew Physical Therapy running community Dr. Nicole racing on the track

About

Dr. Nicole Sabes, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, running specialist, and Clinic Director at Renew Physical Therapy–San Francisco, where she has led clinical and program development for more than six years.

A former Division I track and field athlete at UC Santa Barbara, her personal experience with sports injuries inspired her career in physical therapy. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary's University and has dedicated her career to helping runners and athletes recover, stay healthy, and perform at their best.

At Renew, she developed the Video Running Analysis program using Runeasi and Onform technologies, as well as an evidence-based Strength Training for Runners program—both of which have become core services for runners in San Francisco.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Nicole regularly teaches workshops and remains engaged in current running research and health technology. She serves as Physical Therapy Advisor for Couro gait analysis technology and contributes to the Celutions Running Research Newsletter. She remains active in community organizations including Golden Gate Triathlon Club, Run Club SF, San Francisco Road Runners, Marina Run Club, and Orangetheory Fitness.

Dr. Nicole is currently training for the Boston Marathon in April 2026.

Specialties

  • Running Injury Prevention & Performance Optimization
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy – Lower Extremity Focus
  • Video Running Analysis
  • Strength Training for Runners
  • Run Coaching/Programming
  • Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR)
  • Pilates Reformer & Mat Training

Experience & Approach

Nicole takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to care, combining evidence-based treatment, hands-on therapy, and movement training to help athletes recover, stay healthy, and perform at their best. She focuses on identifying the root cause of symptoms and injuries—not just relieving pain—and prioritizes patient education so clients can better understand their bodies and remain active long term.

She strives to take a collaborative, team-based approach to support each individual on their journey toward better health and performance. Whether you're trying to optimize performance or returning from injury, she is committed to providing clear, practical, and effective care that supports your goals.

Dr. Nicole at San Francisco Women USA 100 x 1 Mile Relay

Programs & Services

Video Running Analysis session

Video Running Analysis

Developed using Runeasi and Onform technologies—a core service for runners in San Francisco.

Strength Training for Runners

Strength Training for Runners

Evidence-based program designed to keep runners strong, injury-free, and performing at their best.

Phone Consultations

Message Dr. Nicole Sabes, PT, DPT to connect via a phone call to discuss what next steps are best for you.

"On a daily basis, the effects of our actions are imperceptible; cumulatively, though, their consequences are enormous."

Credentials

Certifications & Training

  • California Licensed Physical Therapist
  • CPR/AED Certified (American Heart Association)
  • Road Runner's Club of America – Coaching Certification (2026)
  • Run DNA – Endurance Coach Certification
  • Run DNA – Certified Gait Analysis Levels 1 & 2
  • Runeasi Video Running Analysis Certification
  • Barbell Rehab Certification
  • McKenzie Method: Parts A, B, and C
  • Balanced Body Pilates Mat (Levels 1 & 2)
  • Balanced Body Pilates Reformer (Levels 1 & 2)
  • Boston Marathon Qualifier
  • Division I Cross Country & Track and Field Athlete

Past Workshops

  • Strength Training for Runners
  • Recovery for Runners
  • Video Gait Analysis
  • Overuse Injuries: An Orthopedic Perspective (with Pacific Crest Orthopedics)
  • Basic Strength for the Female Triathlete
  • Running Drills: Why, When, and How
  • The Running Readiness Assessment
  • Core for Runners
  • Injury Prevention Workshop Series: Bulletproof Knees, Hips, Ankles
  • Posture & Ergonomics Series

"Nicole at Renew Therapy in San Francisco is absolutely the best. I've taken three of her strength training for runners classes over the past year, and the difference in my strength and balance as an athlete has been huge. The classes are incredibly well-designed, with lots of thoughtful single-leg work that has really helped even me out and address weaknesses I didn't even realize I had. Nicole is knowledgeable, encouraging, and clearly understands runners and how to make strength work both challenging and effective. I always leave feeling stronger! Can't recommend Nicole or Renew Therapy enough for runners looking to improve performance and stay healthy."

— Google, 2025

"A couple of old running injuries remained painful and prevented me from training fully for my first marathon in SF. Nicole immediately gave me an evaluation and PT exercises to increase mobility and strength in my ankles and knees to alleviate the pain. I was also able to get a gait analysis to identify and be able to treat running imbalances that likely started from the injuries. As a result, I was able to complete the SF marathon and make my time goal!"

— Google, 2025

"Nicole is the GOAT. After the SF Marathon, my IT band was messed up - went through a whole cycle of PT elsewhere and still couldn't run properly. Any runner knows how painful it is not to be able to run, both physically and mentally. Came to Renew under Nicole's care, and she got me back to running at a respectable weekly mileage. She taught me enough that I feel empowered to deal with any flare-ups I might have. Nicole is also just a lot of fun to talk to. I recommend any runner with an injury to her."

— Google, 2025

"I had a calf issue during training and was a bit worried PT was going to require me to ease off, but Nicole helped me get back to full strength while still being able to keep up with my program. I ended up with a huge PR, and will definitely keep going back to keep getting my strength up and get ready for my next race."

— Google, 2025

"If you are looking for an amazing PT clinic that is going to help you heal from an injury, improve your athleticism, and get you to your goals -- look no further. I tore my ACL skiing in January, first time I had ever injured myself or had a major surgery. I had absolutely no idea what to expect and the idea of doing PT for a year + came with so many questions and uncertainty. A lot of people recommended I see a PT prior to surgery so I went in and had a consultation with Nicole where she set me up with a full treatment plan for the lengthy healing journey I was about to embark on. I am currently 14 weeks post op and can't even believe the progress I have made, I truly did not think I would be feeling this way after only a few months. I feel strong, my range of motion is almost back to normal and I have a positive outlook on how the rest of my journey is going to go. I seriously look forward to going to my sessions every time and they are great at making you feel so welcome and encouraged."

— Google, 2025

"I had four PTs last year before I found Nicole. She really is a game changer. Best in SF!"

— Google, 2025

Get in Touch

Visit Renew Physical Therapy in San Francisco for running analysis, strength training, and physical therapy services.

659 Commercial St, Suite 101 · San Francisco, CA 94111 · (415) 904-8707