Five dedicated individuals, including two USC alumni, have created the first-ever National Basketball Physical Therapy Association.

BY MICHELLE McCARTHY

A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS working in professional basketball. Five dedicated professionals — two of whom are Division alumni — have come together to establish the National Basketball Physical Therapy Association (NBPTA), a group aimed at fostering collaboration among NBA physical therapy professionals, growing the field further and ensuring physical therapists in the NBA, WNBA and G League receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Leading the charge is Stefania Rizzo, a 25-year veteran in the field who serves as the association’s president and a physiotherapist and director of performance rehabilitation for the Brooklyn Nets. She is joined by Vice Presidents Sean Johnson DPT ’08 and Amanda Joaquim, Treasurer Amy Atmore DPT ’11 and Secretary Marilyn Adams. For these pioneers, the creation of the NBPTA was long overdue. “There was no real network,” Rizzo explains. “When I tried to find other PTs in the league, I didn’t know who they were. We had no identity.”

The role of physical therapists in professional basketball has grown significantly, yet their presence and contributions can go unrecognized. Similar to athletic trainers and strength coaches — who have long-established associations — they would like to create an organization to connect physical therapists, share best practices and advocate for their roles. “Physical therapists are still very much trying to find their footing,” says Johnson, who currently works with the Portland Trail Blazers. “Teams are recognizing our value, and we want our players to experience this through having a positive impact on their health and performance.”

Atmore, now with the New Orleans Pelicans, echoed this sentiment. “We needed a way to connect. When you’re working in a high-stakes, fast-moving environment like the NBA, having a support network of professionals who understand your challenges is invaluable.”

From an Idea to a Reality

The concept of an association had been circulating for years, with past efforts failing to gain traction due to the demands of the season. But in 2024, the committed group of five took decisive action. By early 2025, the NBPTA had officially launched. “It’s been piece by piece,” Atmore says. “Once we got in touch with an attorney who believed in our mission, we realized this was actually going to happen.”

The NBPTA’s initial priorities are clear: recruitment, networking and advocacy. “Step one is getting members, creating excitement and encouraging physical therapists across the NBA, WNBA and G League to join,” Johnson says. The association aims to provide a formal space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, much like the NBA’s Athletic Trainers Association.

Beyond internal connections, the NBPTA seeks to elevate the profession’s status within the league. “Long term, we want it to be mandatory for every team to have a physical therapist,” Rizzo says. “Our skillset is essential, and ensuring teams prioritize hiring PTs is a key goal.”

The USC Connection: A Foundation for Success

For Johnson and Atmore, the journey to professional basketball was significantly shaped by their education at USC. “I wouldn’t be where I am currently if it weren’t for going through USC’s physical therapy program,” Johnson says. “It honed my critical thinking skills, which are crucial when working with professional athletes.”

Atmore’s path was not without challenges, but USC provided her with the support she needed to succeed. “It was a rigorous curriculum, but it prepared me tremendously. I wouldn’t know everything I do today without my professors and the foundation they provided.”

For students and early-career physical therapists hoping to break into professional sports, Atmore emphasizes persistence and networking. “Don’t give up and always believe in yourself. Set short-term goals and be open to different pathways.”

Joining the Movement

Currently, the NBPTA is open to full-time physical therapists employed by NBA, WNBA or G League teams. However, the association is already exploring ways to involve aspiring physical therapists and those working in other leagues. “We’re brainstorming ways to engage people outside of the NBA,” Rizzo says.

While still in its early days, NBPTA founders are committed to ensuring physical therapists in professional basketball have a voice, a network and a seat at the table. For those interested in joining, reaching out to any of the founding members is the best first step. As Johnson puts it, “This is just the beginning. A year from now, this association is going to look very different — and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”