Job Summary:
The MiLB Physical Therapist provides comprehensive rehabilitation and sports medicine services at the St. Louis Cardinals training complex in Jupiter, Florida. This role delivers specialized physical therapy care, injury prevention strategies, and performance support for players throughout the year, including off-season, spring training, extended spring, in-season, and instructional league periods. The position requires collaboration with sports medicine staff, athletic trainers, team physicians, and baseball personnel to optimize player health, facilitate injury recovery, and support return-to-play progressions. This role demands advanced clinical expertise, knowledge of baseball-specific movement patterns, and the ability to deliver high-quality care in a professional sports environment.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Clinical Excellence: Provide comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, treatment plans, and rehabilitation programs for minor league players
- Injury Management: Implement evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and collaborate on return-to-play decisions with the sports medicine team
- Movement Assessment: Conduct movement screenings and develop corrective exercise programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with performance and skill staff to deliver integrated player care
- Emergency Response: Provide immediate sports medicine intervention for acute injuries as needed
Job Duties:
- Provide on-site physical therapy services at the team’s training complex in Jupiter, Florida
- Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations including musculoskeletal assessments, movement analysis, and functional testing for injured and when appropriate, at-risk players
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans incorporating manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based interventions aligned with organizational philosophy
- Design position-specific return-to-play progressions for baseball activities including throwing, running, hitting, and fielding in coordination with the performance team and baseball coaches
- Monitor player progress through detailed documentation, objective measures, and regular communication with the interdisciplinary care team
- Lead injury prevention initiatives through pre-participation screenings, movement quality assessments, and corrective exercise programming
- Collaborate with team physicians regarding medical referrals, diagnostic testing, and treatment recommendations to ensure coordinated care
- Utilize technology and data analytics to inform treatment planning, track outcomes, and optimize rehabilitation protocols while maintaining compliance with healthcare privacy regulations
- Coordinate with off-site rehabilitation facilities and provide telemedicine support to ensure continuity of care for players at affiliate locations
- Educate players and staff on injury prevention strategies, movement optimization, and rehabilitation principles through individual instruction and group presentations
- Maintain current CPR/AED certification and participate in emergency action planning and response protocols
- Engage in professional development activities and contribute to mentorship of interns, students, and support staff as appropriate
Experience/Education Required:
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited physical therapy program
- State licensure in Florida or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of employment
- Current CPR/AED certification and basic life support training
- Minimum 3 years of clinical physical therapy experience in sports medicine, orthopedic, or athletic settings
- Experience working with athletes at the collegiate, professional, or elite amateur level
- Knowledge of overhead athlete biomechanics and baseball-specific movement patterns
Experience/Education Preferred:
- Residency or fellowship training in sports physical therapy or orthopedic physical therapy
- Board certification in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Manual therapy certification through recognized programs such as NAIOMT, Maitland, or Mulligan
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential
- Advanced coursework in movement science, biomechanics, or sports medicine
- Post-graduate training in baseball-specific rehabilitation or overhead athlete management
- Dry needling certification where legally permitted
- Mental Health First Aid certification
- Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish preferred) for effective communication with diverse player populations
- Familiarity with workers’ compensation systems and professional sports insurance protocols
- Experience with sports performance technologies and data analytics platforms
To Apply: https://stlcardinals.aaimtrack.com/jobs/1258126