National Basketball
Physical Therapy
Association
Promoting Excellence In Sports Medicine
Values + Mission
About the NBPTA
The National Basketball Physical Therapy Association (NBPTA) is dedicated to elevating the role of physical therapists in professional sports by advancing expertise, promoting recognition, and fostering collaboration. Through uniting professionals, promoting best practices, and sharing the latest research, NBPTA enhances the impact of physical therapy across the NBA and affiliated leagues.
The Role of Physical Therapists in the NBA
Decades of Excellence
For decades, physios have been a cornerstone of athlete care, playing a pivotal role in health and performance teams. Their expertise in movement, injury prevention, and performance optimization has helped countless athletes reach and sustain their peak potential. The NBPTA was established to honor this legacy and continue advancing the profession. By promoting excellence, fostering collaboration, and raising awareness, the NBPTA shines a spotlight on the elite physical therapists across the NBA, ensuring their critical contributions are recognized and their practices elevated.
Member Spotlight:
Meet Alex McKechnie
With nearly 30 years in the NBA and six championship rings, Alex McKechnie has been instrumental in advancing player health and performance. From his early days in Glasgow to his current role as Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Toronto Raptors, McKechnie's journey is a testament to innovation and dedication.
His pioneering work has not only shaped the careers of elite athletes but also set new standards in sports physiotherapy. Discover more about his remarkable contributions and the evolution of sports science in our latest article.
Physiotherapist vs Physical Therapist:
What’s the Difference?
The NBA employs practitioners from all over the globe, making identifying titles a bit challenging. The terms "physical therapist" and "physiotherapist" refer to the same profession, with the primary difference being regional language preferences. In the United States, "physical therapist" is commonly used, while "physiotherapist" is the term more often used in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
In order to practice in the United States as a physical therapist, one must pass the NPTE. Within the NBA, the terms are interchangeable. Many practicing physios within the league are dual credentialed and bring a unique background to player care.
An Athlete-Centered Approach
Care + Collaboration
In the NBA, physical therapists/physiotherapists play a vital role within the team of health and performance experts. Collaborating closely with athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physicians, dietitians, and mental health experts, we use our unique skills to help deliver comprehensive, athlete-centered care beyond injury management. Acting as movement specialists, we integrate an expertise in biomechanics to not only safely return players from injury but to mitigate future injury risk and optimize performance throughout the season. Learn more about the role of a physical therapist within in the NBA Health & Performance Staff
Our Valued Partners
At the NBPTA, we deeply value our partners who share our commitment to advancing the field of physical therapy and sports medicine. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we work together to push boundaries, set new standards, and enhance care for athletes at the highest level.
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Our preferred education provider
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Education for high performance specialists
Meet The Physios
Get to know the physical therapists passionate about advancing the level of care across the NBA
STEFANIA RIZZO
President
AMANDA JOAQUIM
Vice President
AMY ATMORE
Treasurer
SEAN JOHNSON
Vice President
MARILYN ADAMS
Secretary
Become A Member of the NBPTA
Join The Movement
As a member, you’ll gain access to a network of peers, exclusive resources, and tools to help you elevate your practice and impact. To see if you qualify, click on the link below and become a member today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Any physical therapists or phyiostherapists working in the NBA, WNBA, and G League will have the opportunity to apply.
You must be a full-time employee and maintain your physical therapy/physiotherapy credentials and licenses in “good standing”, regardless of the state/country.
For example, you may still join if you have up-to-date physical therapy training and licensing even if your current role is not exclusively a physical therapy title.
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Click on the link here to create your account and purchase your membership.
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Yes! Check out our blog where we regularly feature guest writers providing educational content on topics from return to play to career development.