Performance Manual Therapist - Department: Basketball Operations - Health & Performance

The Sacramento Kings are looking to expand their medical and performance staff with a new specialized role focused on hands-on player recovery.

The Sacramento Kings are seeking an experienced Performance Manual Therapist to join its Basketball Operations – Health & Performance team. The position reports to the Sr. Director of Athlete Health, and carries a projected salary range of $120,000 to $140,000.

This role is designed to integrate deeply with the team’s existing sports medicine, rehabilitation, and sports science frameworks. The primary objective is to provide individualized care that supports the health, development, and physical performance of professional basketball players throughout a demanding season.

The incoming therapist will be responsible for delivering advanced manual treatments, including sports massage and soft-tissue mobilization. These interventions aim to address muscle soreness, mobility limitations, and various soft-tissue restrictions that arise from the physical rigors of professional play.

Beyond standard massage, the position requires a sophisticated understanding of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise. The candidate must be able to adapt treatment intensity and timing based on specific clinical considerations and the team’s competition schedule.

The role also involves significant collaborative work. The therapist will support rehabilitation programs developed by the team’s licensed medical and rehabilitation professionals and work alongside physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and other Health & Performance staff to ensure continuity of care for players managing acute injuries or postoperative recovery.

The job description notes that the successful candidate will provide treatments during high-demand periods, such as back-to-back games, travel, and intensive training blocks.

Travel is a core component of the position. The therapist will be expected to accompany the team on road trips, managing the logistics of setting up and breaking down treatment spaces in various arenas and team hotels. This includes the responsibility of transporting and maintaining all necessary manual therapy and recovery equipment.

The Kings are seeking candidates from several allied health backgrounds. While the role is centered on manual therapy, the organization is open to applicants with professional licensure or certification in the following disciplines:

Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Athletic Training

Regardless of their primary discipline, all applicants must possess the appropriate credentials to perform these duties within their professional scope of practice and meet California state requirements. A current CPR/AED certification is also mandatory.

The Kings’ Health & Performance team operates under a specific set of organizational values: being Competitive, Tough, Team-Oriented, Professional, Accountable, and Disciplined. These values are intended to guide the staff in building trusted relationships with players.

Because the role involves working with athletes, the position demands a high level of discretion and strict adherence to confidentiality regarding player medical information. Documentation is a critical component of the workflow, as the therapist must maintain accurate records to track progress and support injury reporting.

The position requires a high degree of flexibility, as the workload is dictated by the needs of the players and the team’s movement.

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