Sports physical therapy is a dynamic field. It offers rewarding career opportunities for people passionate about sports medicine and rehabilitation. There are many avenues available to find a sports physical therapy job in your area. These avenues can be helpful for recent grads or experienced therapists looking for a change. Read on to learn strategies for a job search, the future outlook and where sports physical therapists can work.
Finding sports physical therapy jobs in your area
When you’re looking for a sports physical therapy job, some places like online search engines, professional associations or internships are easy ways to get started. However, they’re not the only places to turn to when looking to land a new job at a sports physical therapy clinic. You can think outside of the box and also look at places like :
- Social media — It’s incredibly easy to get connected on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Give clinics like Alliance Physical Therapy Partners (Alliance PTP) a follow. You can stay updated on any job openings we may announce on these platforms. You can also learn more about the Alliance PTP culture and techniques we use across our locations.
- Alumni networks — Get connected with your alumni network from your physical therapy program. Alumni associations can be great for finding resources and networking opportunities. They usually have alumni who can help you make connections for job opportunities.
- Conferences — Attending physical therapy-specific events like physical therapy conferences can give you the chance to make new networking connections with representatives from sports clinics, like some of our Alliance PTP locations.
- Local sports teams — Getting connected with your local sports teams, or even your alma mater, can give you a potential lead to get connected with a clinic they’re partnered with or a recommendation of other great sports physical therapy clinics. These teams often need physical therapy services to help prevent injuries, provide rehabilitation or boost performance enhancement programs. Getting connected with a team can help you network in a different avenue.
- Industry publications and journals — Keep your eye out for classified sections or job postings for Alliance PTP clinics in publications and journals that are focused on physical therapy, sports medicine or sports rehabilitation.
- Specialty job boards — While perusing online, try to filter for specific sports physical therapy job listings or explore job boards or websites specifically dedicated to sports-related physical therapy jobs. This may lead you to a listing you might not have found in a general online job search.
- Community events — This can be a beneficial way to discover potential job opportunities, especially if you are new to an area. Maybe you moved because of a spouse’s job relocation or just looking for a change in a new city. Attending sports-related community events, tournaments or races where a sports physical therapy clinic may have a presence or sponsorship can allow you to network with clinic representatives and ask about job opportunities.
Future outlook for sports physical therapy
The future outlook for sports physical therapy is promising. It is driven by several factors shaping the health care landscape and sports medicine industry:
- Growing demand for sports medicine services — The growing emphasis on health and wellness is leading to an increased demand for sports medicine services. These services can help people looking to prevent or recover from sports-related injuries. Sports physical therapists play a vital role in health and wellness. They can provide specialized care, rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies. They can help support active lifestyles and optimize athletic performances.
- Advancements in sports rehabilitation technology — Advancing technologies in sports rehabilitation are changing the field of sports physical therapy. These innovations help therapists to customize treatment plans and track progress. This can lead to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Integration of sports science and performance training — Sports physical therapists work with sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports performance specialists. This collaboration is integrating sports science with performance training. This allows physical therapy to optimize athletes’ biomechanics, movement patterns and functional performance. This can help injury prevention and athletic development.
- Expansion of sports physical therapy settings — Sports physical therapists work in many places. The expansion of sports physical therapy allows for ample opportunities for jobs specializing in specific sports, populations or areas of expertise.
Where do sports physical therapists work?
Sports physical therapists can work in a range of settings, including:
- Sports medicine clinics — Sports medicine clinics are specialized clinics. They are dedicated to treating sports-related injuries, rehabilitation, and performance programs. They work with athletes of all ages and skill levels.
- Orthopedic practices — Orthopedic clinics and surgical centers provide pre- and postoperative rehabilitation. These patients are usually undergoing orthopedic surgeries or musculoskeletal procedures.
- Rehabilitation centers — Rehabilitation facilities help people during their recovery period, usually recovering from sports injuries, surgeries or orthopedic conditions. Specialized programs may be offered, tailored to athletes’ needs.
Sports physical therapy offers exciting career opportunities for those who are passionate about sports medicine and rehabilitation. By using effective job search strategies, staying informed about industry trends and exploring diverse practice settings, you can build a rewarding career in sports physical therapy. You can find pride in your work helping make a positive impact on athletes’ health, performance and quality of life.
Is finding a sports physical therapy job posing a challenge for you? Alliance PTP is here to help
Need a partner to help you address challenges like finding a sports physical therapy clinic job? Alliance Physical Therapy Partners’ nationwide partnership in care is here for you.
We’ll help you get the support you need as a newly graduated physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. Even better, you’ll get full access to our employee support services while still maintaining full control over how you’re working to improve your skills.
Find out if our Alliance PTP partnership has a career opening for you today.