A Wiser Way to Work:
How NBA PTs Can Use AI to Stay Ahead
David Clancy MSc, BSc, HC
In the NBA, one must perform, stay informed and be precise. These are non-negotiables for physios to survive and thrive. There is always a sense of being ‘up against it, time, wise’. Between back-to-backs, hectic travel schedules, rehab progressions, and constant communication across multiple channels, the modern PT in 2026 operates in a high-pressure, high-speed, rapidly changing environment.
Some of you have read about AI. Studied it. Did a course in it. Some may be leaning in. Some less so. Many reluctant. Some not sure how to integrate it. But, to help with efficiency and effectiveness systems, AI can help – let’s call it a wiser way to work. It can be used to offload admin. It can free up time for creativity, for thinking…for conversations with other NBPTA members even! Let’s frame this as about adopting another technique, another type of protocol if you want. The key though? The PTs who will benefit most from AI aren’t the ones looking to ‘replace’ their expertise or cut corners…but the ones who use it in the right way, smarter, to make them better, to amplify their unique craft and skillset.
AI isn’t here to replace you, unless you let it
There’s a growing narrative in high-performance sport that AI will replace practitioners in some shape and form. But sport is a human endeavour so not sure about that one. AI can’t build trust with a player going through an Achilles’ rehab. AI can’t read subtle cues in movement or behavior on the court. AI can’t make instinctive, gut decisions under high stakes with the assistant coach looking on. But - it can help remove friction, organize information, and accelerate thinking processes…and much more. And that shouldn’t be intimidating. It should feel uplifting. Liberating even.
A different type of brain
NBA PTs already operate as elite decision-makers. They are constantly processing…
Injury history
Load and fatigue monitoring
Travel, schedule and sleep disruption
Psychological and physical readiness
Coaching demands, etc.
AI doesn’t replace this complexity. However, it helps you manage it a little better. Think of it as a second brain, as Tiago Forte, a productivity expert and author of ‘Building a Second Brain’ has written about.
It is not a substitute for our brain though!
Where AI fits for the PT, in real, practical terms
The value isn’t in using AI for everything. That’s a game for lazy novices who haven’t thought about how to use it. The art is in using it intentionally. Here are some ideas for you.
Sharpening clinical reasoning
Use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to challenge your thinking:
“What are 3 alternative clinical diagnoses I might be missing with this high hamstring issue that is slow to improve?”
“What are common errors in late stage gastroc. rehab?”
“Summarize the latest evidence on tendon loading and management, for in-season.”
This isn’t about outsourcing decisions. It’s about reducing blind spots and biases, gathering other perspectives and making us better. But not to replace our thinking and clinical reasoning. To sharpen it. Read what comes back to you but ask does it make sense. Use your judgement. That’s where the wisdom comes in.
2. Faster research digestion
You don’t have time to read full scientific papers daily from the BJSM, for example. There is so much to consume, which is always a battle. Can we get to a point where we take in what we need, but then integrate and apply it? AI can summarize journal articles, compare different approaches…and even make bite-size podcasts for you based on a meta-analysis.
Consider this as a potential workflow:
Paste a paper into ChatGPT
Ask for “3 practical, reliable and valid applications for NBA players”
Save insights into a Notion document, under a tagged topic (e.g., “Athletic groin pain rehab for instance”)
3. Clearer communication
In elite environments, clarity matters. It is always a winning strategy and as the world becomes more complex, with more information, being clear and succinct will become even more valuable, and rarer. AI could help you simplify rehab plans for players returning for chondral issues at the knee joint, or draft structured updates for your VP and coaches…or perhaps craft a different angle for a RTP pathway.
Example:
“Explain this 10-day rehab plan in simple terms for a rookie player.”
“Turn these notes into a concise update for the Head Coach; he needs to understand the availability of the player for the road trip coming up.”
4. Better documentation and reflection
Clinical notes and updates are essential, and as time is tight, we can use AI to help us. It’s very easy to turn voice notes into structured summaries. It can facilitate a new habit like reflection too.
Simple step-by-step strategy to try:
Record a 30-sec voice note post training room session
Transcribe + structure with ChatGPT
Store in Notion under player/case logs for reference, if deemed appropriate
5. Building your personal knowledge management system
Accomplished and experienced PTs organize how to learn, and where to store it, to retrieve it easily when needed.
Using Notion + AI, you can save time and effort on this one:
Store case studies, rehab protocols, and your own ideas and insights
Tag by body part, phase, or player profile
Retrieve information instantly so your knowledge capital grows
Over time, this becomes your own evolving playbook for you in the NBA.
The trap to avoid
AI is a tool…but it comes with risks. Don’t accept outputs blindly. Don’t let it replace critical thinking. And don’t become passive in your learning. AI should make you more curious, not less. The physiotherapists/ physical therapists who gain the most from AI will approach it with a beginner’s mindset. They’ll ask questions of it like: “Where could I be wasting time?”, “What could be streamlined?”, or “What am I missing from this injury plan?”. They’ll experiment, iterate and adapt. Even after 10 years in the league.
Practical ways to start (this week)
Keep it simple, to not get anxious and overwhelmed…especially if this is relatively new for you.
Use ChatGPT for one clinical question per day
Challenge your thinking. Don’t replace it. It is not ‘your’ brain.Summarize one article per week
Extract 2–3 practical takeaways.Start a Notion knowledge hub
Capture insights, cases, and reflections.Use AI for communication
Simplify one rehab explanation or medical/ PT staff update.Apply one idea within 5 days
Learning only matters if it’s applied.
Black belt expertise and know-how. White belt curiosity and humility. Smarter and wiser tools. The PT who combines all these won’t just keep up with the league…they’ll stay ahead of it.
A good question to reflect on is - “What could I do better…if I worked that little bit wiser?”
About The Author
David Clancy MSc, BSc, HC
Higher Certificate in Science in Physiology and Health Science, BSc Physiotherapy, MSc Sports Medicine, Assoc. Prof., MISCP, CORU
CEO The Nxt Level Group
Editor/ Author of Essential Skills for Physiotherapists: A Personal and Professional Development Framework
David has been in the field of sports medicine, physiotherapy and performance support for over 15 years. A Physiotherapy background and MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine paved the way into high performance sport, private practice - and Isokinetic Medical Group in Harley Street, London. He was a consultant support for Europe-based players regarding Medical Care and Performance Services for the Brooklyn Nets and the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. Currently, David directs The Nxt Level Group, which is a consulting firm providing organizational design advisory, and recruitment and headhunting search processes. He also provides learning and development support to several pro sports teams.
