Meet The Physios

Get To Know the Physical Therapists Taking Care of Your Favorite Athletes

NBPTA Founding Members

Elevating the Practice

NBPTA secretary marilyn adams DPT
NBPTA treasurer DPT Amy Atmore
NBPTA vice president DPT amanda joaquim
NBPTA president stefania rizzo DPT

Vice President
Amanda Joaquim

President
Stefania Rizzo

Treasurer
Amy Atmore

Secretary
Marilyn Adams

Vice President
Sean Johnson

  • President of the NBPTA

    Head of Rehab Therapy for the Brooklyn Nets
    BSc(Bio), BSc(PT), MClSc, DPT, IOC Sports Dip, FCAMPT, MHPS(c), MSD(c), CGIMS

    Why starting the NBPTA was important to me:  I know we would all benefit from building a network / community where we can open channels of communication & collaboration and share knowledge more easily.  I hope that we can create a high quality platform that advocates for our unique and important role in athlete care and performance, that promotes & elevates our profession and gives us a representative voice in the league.

  • Vice President of the NBPTA

    Lead Physiotherapist for the Toronto Raptors
    BSc Hons, MScPT, MCISc, FCAMPT, SPD, RISPT

    Why starting the NBPTA was important to me: Community, Connection, Continuing Education, Collaboration, Critical Reasoning and Cutting Edge Education. With the creation of this, I hope that we as Physios can come together to not only elevate and establish our role within basketball and provide education about our skills and scope but also establish a community for Physios by Physios.

  • Secretary of the NBPTA

    Director of Performance Therapy for the San Antonio Spurs
    BScPT, MCISc, DPT, PgCert Med MSK Ultrasound

    Why starting the NBPTA was important to me:  Starting the NBPTA was a deeply personal milestone for me, witnessing firsthand the vital and multifaceted role physical therapists play in professional basketball.  We have long recognized the need for an organization that not only elevates our profession through fostering collaboration and networking with peers, but also ensures we have a trusted and united voice with key stakeholders. We are excited for the NBPTA to provide access to cutting-edge education and expertise, empowering all members to deliver exceptional player care and leadership within their teams.

  • Treasurer of the NBPTA

    Director of Rehabilitation for the New Orleans Pelicans
    PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, CMTPT/DN

    Why starting the NBPTA was important to me: To connect other Physios in the NBA together, create more opportunities for continuing education in the league, while promoting our profession of Physical Therapy as an integral part of athlete injury prevention and rehabilitation.

  • Vice President of the NBPTA

    Physical Therapist for the Portland Trail Blazers
    PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

    Why starting the NBPTA was important to me: I wanted to join the NBPTA Board to collaboratively lead efforts in establishing a legacy within the NBA for the profession of Physical Therapy and further facilitate and establish our voice within the league.  Additionally, I am passionate about creating avenues for networking, collaborating, and connecting within our profession and other professions with the focus of providing high level athlete centered care. 

Commitment to Excellence

Honorary Members

Honorary members of our association are individuals who may not be actively employed within the league but have demonstrated significant, ongoing contributions to the growth and success of the association. Their dedication, expertise, and support will leave a lasting impact, and as a result, they are awarded honorary membership as a token of our appreciation.

David Clancy

MSc BSc HC

  • David is a dedicated honorary member of the NBPTA, committed to enriching the association’s educational resources. Beyond creating high-quality content, he actively collaborates with industry experts to source and deliver relevant materials, ensuring physiotherapists have access to the latest advancements in the field. His efforts help elevate the professional development of members, reinforcing the NBPTA’s mission to foster excellence in education and clinical practice.

Tim Rigby

DPT BSpSc CSCS ASCA L2

  • As an honorary member of the NBPTA, Tim contributes his expertise to the association’s educational initiatives by translating clinical research into practical knowledge for members. His ability to synthesize complex research into clear, actionable insights supports the ongoing professional growth of physiotherapists, ensuring they stay at the forefront of best practices. By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, Tim plays a crucial role in strengthening the knowledge base of the NBPTA community and advancing the profession.

What’s With All of the Letters?

Certifications, Credentials, + Specialties

Ever wonder what all those letters mean after your physio or PT’s name? That “alphabet soup” represents years of education, specialized training, and a deep commitment to providing top-notch care. The “PT” you’ll see first is the official, protected title of a licensed physical therapist or physiotherapist —your guarantee that they’re highly qualified to help you move, perform, and recover better.

Physical therapists often earn advanced certifications to meet the unique demands of elite athletes. For example, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) highlights their advanced education, while SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist) signals advanced sports training. You might also see CSCS, blending strength and conditioning expertise, or FAAOMPT, showcasing mastery of manual therapy techniques. Many PT’s are also dual trained as AT’s as well.

It can get confusing: there are many options for certifications and specialties, plus there can be nuances between international classifications. Some physical therapists list every credential while some only list ones most relevant to their area of expertise. To make things a bit easier, we provided some of the more common credentials and certifications you’ll see among our physios. Know that any collection of letters after a therapist’s name shows their dedication to both their own personal growth and the advancing the level of care for our athletes.

  • BScPT: Bachelor of Science PT
    DPT: Doctor of Physical Therapy
    MClSc: Masters of Clinical Science
    MHPS: Masters of High Performance Sport
    MScPT: Masters of Science in Physiotherapy
    MSD: Masters of Sports Directorship
    MPT: Masters of Physiotherapy
    PhD: Doctor of Philosophy degree
    PT: Physical Therapist

  • SCS: Sports Clinical Specialist
    IFSPT: International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy
    IOC Sports Dip: International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Physical Therapies
    RISPT: Registered International Sports Physical Therapist
    SPC: Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy
    SPD: Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy

  • OCS: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
    FAAOMPT: Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
    FCAMPT: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
    COMT: Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

  • ATC: Certified Athletic Trainer
    CGIMS: Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation
    CMTPT/DN: Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist Dry Needling
    CSCS: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
    DNS: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
    LAT: Licensed Athletic Trainer
    MSK Ultrasound: Certificate in Medical Ultrasound
    PES: Performance Enhancement Specialist
    PRI: Postural Restoration Institute
    RSCC: Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach