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.
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
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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![logo for the sports map network]()
Our preferred education provider
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Education for high performance specialists
Stay Up To Date
To learn more, receive updates, and explore opportunities to participate within the NBPTA, sign up for our newsletter below:
Become A Member of the NBPTA
Join The Movement
Soon, we’ll be opening membership opportunities exclusively for PTs working within the NBA, WNBA, and G League. 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 gain early access, please submit the following form
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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We are in the process of setting up an online portal that will provide PTs with access to a member directory, educational resources, and CEU content. Be the first to know by submitting the form above.
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Yes! We are working diligently to bring resources for PTs of all levels. Soon we will provide access to the latest evidence and blog posts on related topics.