Developing Well-Rounded Sports Physical Therapists at Rehab 2 Perform
Becoming a confident sports physical therapist takes clinical experience, guided mentorship, and opportunities to learn from people who approach athlete care from different perspectives.
The Rehab 2 Perform Sports Physical Therapy Residency brings those experiences together. Through patient care, sports coverage, structured education, and collaboration across our clinical network, residents build the knowledge and judgment to support athletes of all ages and competitive levels.
Now leading the program is Dr. Sam Curbelo, R2P’s first sports resident and new Sports Residency Director, with support from Dr. Zach Baker, who built the program.
In the video below, Sam shares her connection to the residency, what residents can expect, and how the program continues to grow.
A Structured Path Toward Sports Specialization
R2P’s 13-month sports residency combines full-time clinical practice with focused professional development. Residents work as R2P physical therapists from day one, receiving a salary and full-time employment benefits while completing:
- 1,500+ clinical hours delivering outpatient physical therapy
- 200 hours of sports venue coverage in high school and collegiate settings
- 300 hours of didactic education focused on sports physical therapy
- 150 hours of one-on-one mentorship with senior physical therapists or board-certified clinical specialists
Residents also have full access to R2P’s new-hire mentorship program, journal clubs, book clubs, community outreach opportunities, and attendance at a professional conference. New this year, physician shadowing adds another perspective on the athlete’s care experience.
Together, these opportunities help residents connect evidence, clinical reasoning, and practical application throughout their training.
Learning From a Broader Clinical Community
One of R2P’s greatest strengths is the depth and diversity of experience across our clinical network.
Residents receive individual mentorship while also learning from senior physical therapists and board-certified sports clinical specialists who serve as didactic faculty. These clinicians bring different specialties, experiences, and approaches to evaluating, treating, and preparing athletes for the demands of their sport.
Across R2P, that experience includes working with performance athletes, jiu-jitsu athletes, tactical athletes, soccer players, weightlifters, runners, and youth athletes, among others.
Faculty bring those perspectives into teaching and discussion, helping residents expand beyond their individual interests and develop a more well-rounded approach to sports physical therapy.
Expanding Sports Exposure at The St. James
Beginning with the next cohort, residents will also train at R2P Springfield, located inside The St. James.
This setting adds opportunities to observe and learn from R2P’s on-staff certified athletic trainers, complementing the residency’s high school and collegiate sports coverage.
Working across clinical and athletic environments helps residents better understand the demands athletes face and how different professionals contribute to their care. Physician shadowing further broadens that exposure, creating opportunities to learn across disciplines and strengthen collaboration.
Building Competence, Confidence, and Clinical Judgment
The mission of the R2P Sports Physical Therapy Residency is to combine outpatient clinical experience, sports exposure, guided mentorship, and didactic education to develop highly competent and confident clinicians prepared to pursue board certification in sports physical therapy.
That preparation extends beyond an exam. Our goal is for graduates to deliver exceptional care through a collaborative, evidence-informed approach, helping athletes and patients of all ages and competitive levels move forward with confidence.
Every R2P sports residency graduate to date has passed the Sports Clinical Specialist certification exam on the first attempt.
Apply for the Next Cohort
R2P is accepting applications for three residency positions. Applications close November 30 through RF-PTCAS, with placement through the Sports PT Residency Match.
Whether you are a physical therapist ready to specialize or a DPT faculty member helping someone identify their next step, we welcome the conversation.
Contact Dr. Sam Curbelo at drcurbelo@rehab2perform.com or Learn More & Apply HERE
About Rehab 2 Perform
Rehab 2 Perform is a cutting-edge health and wellness company changing expectations of the healthcare experience. With 15+ locations across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, R2P delivers a gym-based, movement-driven approach to rehabilitation and performance. The company’s team of physical therapists is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and abilities move, feel, and perform better for life.