Saker Ghanayem
Chicago,IL
Summary
Physical Therapist with Division I and professional sport experience, including men’s and women’s basketball. COMT- and dry needling-certified with a strong background in orthopedic/manual therapy, integrated sports medicine collaboration, and data-informed return-to-play decision-making. Experienced in supporting athlete availability, managing in-season load, and optimizing performance readiness in high-level environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Physical Therapist/Center Manager
Rush Physical Therapy
07.2021 - Current
- Primary Physical Therapist for Division I athletics, providing orthopedic and sports medicine care for men’s and women’s basketball and other varsity sports within an integrated performance model.
- Conduct biomechanical and objective return-to-sport testing using force plates and isokinetic measures to guide evidence-based RTP decisions.
- Collaborate with athletic trainers, strength coaches, and physicians to support athlete availability and performance readiness.
- Manage multidisciplinary sports medicine staff and oversee clinic operations, budgeting, and university partnership.
Team Physical Therapist
Chicago Stars
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Provided daily in-season assessment and treatment for professional athletes, integrating performance-driven rehabilitation strategies to support availability and on-field readiness.
- Collaborated within an interdisciplinary performance team—including sports medicine, performance, nutrition, and coaching staff—to manage player workload, recovery, and volume across the competitive season.
- Supported match-day medical operations as part of the stretcher crew, assisting with on-field injury response and coordination with athletic training staff and emergency medical services.
Sports Physical Therapy Resident
Husson University/Select Medical
07.2020 - 07.2021
- Provided orthopedic and sports medicine care to athletes across NCAA Division I and III programs, delivering practice and game coverage with emphasis on return-to-play progression, movement quality, and injury risk reduction.
- Worked within integrated sports medicine teams during training and competition to support real-time clinical decision-making and continuity of care.
- Served as an Assistant Professor in a DPT program, teaching musculoskeletal evaluation, advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and applied biomechanics (running and throwing mechanics).
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program
Husson University/Select Medical
Bangor, ME07-2021
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Physical Therapy
Husson University
Bangor, ME05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Husson Univeristy
Bangor, ME05-2018
Skills
- Orthopedic & Manual Therapy
- Proficient in dry needling
- Athletic performance optimization
- Force plate and HHD monitoring expertise
- Interdisciplinary sports medicine teamwork
- Female Athlete Health & Performance Awareness
Certification
Licensed Physical Therapist- Illinois
2021-Present
Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist
2023-Present
Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT/DN)
2022-Present
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Team Physical Therapist
Chicago Stars
03.2024 - 12.2024
Team Physical Therapist/Center Manager
Rush Physical Therapy
07.2021 - Current
Sports Physical Therapy Resident
Husson University/Select Medical
07.2020 - 07.2021
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Sports Physical Therapy Residency Program
Husson University/Select Medical
Doctor of Physical Therapy - Physical Therapy
Husson University
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Husson Univeristy