Our value

Innovative, compassionate care empowering every patient to live pain-free

Our Vision

Revolutionize physical therapy, making recovery faster and more effective for everyone

01

Our Mission

Provide tailored therapy that speeds recovery and boosts quality of life

02

Our Motto

Transforming Therapy, Transforming Lives

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Our Team

Meet Our Team

Who We Are

Experience exclusive one-on-one, full hour sessions with San Diego’s premier sports physical therapy practice.

Our personalized care from a Doctor of Physical Therapy ensures faster recovery and injury prevention for individuals of all ages.

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No, we treat athletes and non-athletes alike....We welcome anyone who is in need of physical therapy or wellness services. Our treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual needs.

SDSPT is an out-of-network provider. If you have PPO insurance, we would be happy to provide you with a "superbill", which is an itemized invoice that lists the therapy services that you received, and which you may be able to file with your insurance for reimbursement. We collect full payment at the time of service and gladly accept HSA and FSA cards, as well as all credit and debit cards.

Our sessions are $175 for a full hour appointment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. If you require multiple treatment sessions, we do have package rates available. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will discuss treatment recommendations and package rates, during your first visit. Unlike other Physical Therapy clinics, you won't have to share your time with other patients or be treated by a PT Assistant. All sessions will be blocked for 60 minutes, including the last few minutes are reserved for final questions, scheduling, and payment.

One of the biggest advantages is that more can be accomplished because your physical therapist is not splitting their time among 3-4 patients/hour. So, ultimately LESS treatment sessions are usually needed, and you can get better FASTER!!! This can translate into less out-of-pocket expense and less time.
There are a lot of other advantages….We generally have shorter waiting times – no more overcrowded waiting rooms! We gain a solid patient-therapist relationship because you will be seen by the same Therapist EVERY session. This allows for better carryover of treatment and increased recovery time.
Also, treatments are not dictated by insurance companies. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy gets to know and focus on you and your goals, which will allow a more individualized and effective treatment plan.

One of the biggest advantages is that more can be accomplished because your physical therapist is not splitting their time among 3-4 patients/hour. So, ultimately LESS treatment sessions are usually needed, and you can get better FASTER!!! This can translate into less out-of-pocket expense and less time.
There are a lot of other advantages….We generally have shorter waiting times – no more overcrowded waiting rooms! We gain a solid patient-therapist relationship because you will be seen by the same Therapist EVERY session. This allows for better carryover of treatment and increased recovery time.
Also, treatments are not dictated by insurance companies. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy gets to know and focus on you and your goals, which will allow a more individualized and effective treatment plan.

No. California allows Direct Access to physical therapy for up to 12 visits or 45 days (whichever is first). Our SDSPT team will work with your doctor to obtain a prescription if more visits or time is needed.

People can now get evaluations and treatments directly from a licensed physical therapist (PT) without first obtaining a doctor's prescription or referral. It essentially means anyone can visit a physical therapist whenever they want.

Transform Your Health and Performance Today!

Take the first step towards better health and enhanced performance. Book your appointment today with SD Sports Physical Therapy and experience the difference our personalized, high-end physical therapy services can make in your life.

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Dr. Derek Rustich holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from USC and a Bachelor’s in Applied Health from Point Loma Nazarene University. His journey in physical therapy began as a baseball player overcoming injuries, sparking his passion for rehabilitation. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Derek has rehabilitated many elite athletes, focusing on overhead athletes. He honed his skills during an internship with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2023, Derek founded SD Sports Physical Therapy, expanding to a second location in 2024, making it the fastest-growing sports physical therapy clinic in San Diego. Derek is committed to providing outstanding one-on-one care to his community
Dr. Nick Barin has been practicing physical therapy in outpatient orthopedics since 2014. His interest in physical therapy began after volleyball injuries in high school and at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s in Dietetics. He obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Clarke University. A board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and certified in Clinical Management of Fitness Athletes, Nick specializes in manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to help patients return to their previous activity levels. His treatment philosophy focuses on dysfunctional movement patterns to identify and treat pain sources. He enjoys working with CrossFit athletes, weightlifters, overhead athletes, and recreational runners.
Dr. Matt Hemphill is a distinguished sports physical therapist with deep ties to the San Diego community. After attending Grossmont High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy and played NCAA baseball at Regis University. He then obtained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from San Diego State University. Specializing in CrossFit and baseball, Matt is known for his exceptional manual therapy and movement analysis skills. With extensive experience from various sports facilities, he is a trusted authority in sports rehabilitation, helping athletes achieve peak performance and swift recovery.
Dr. Gabrielle Perez’s sports medicine journey started with Division I softball and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. During her undergrad, she volunteered at CrossFit Mayhem, performing Selective Functional Movement Assessments for CrossFit athletes. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University and completed a Sports Specialty Residency at The Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, treating athletes from all levels, including professionals in football and basketball. At SD Sports Physical Therapy, Dr. Perez applies her compassion and expertise to enhance both physical and mental well-being, guiding clients to peak performance and overall wellness.
Antonio Riggins, our Lead Sports Performance Coach, was a nationally ranked triple jumper at Cal State San Marcos, where he earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on physical therapy. Specializing in functional mobility, movement, and speed training, Antonio has a proven track record of helping elite athletes achieve peak performance and reduce injury risk through tailored techniques. Known for his cutting-edge training regimens, he improves mobility, agility, and overall athleticism. Antonio is dedicated to nurturing young talent in San Diego, providing specialized training and mentorship to high school athletes, making him an invaluable asset to our team.