Manny Mazariegos’ passion for physical therapy began in high school after experiencing multiple knee injuries while competing in soccer, cross country, and track & field. As a three-sport athlete, he relied on physical therapy to keep up with the high demands of his training and competition. The strong relationship he built with his physical therapist was transformative, inspiring him to pursue a career in sports physical therapy. Having personally experienced the importance of returning to play at peak performance, Manny is driven to help athletes recover, stay healthy, and perform at their highest level.
Manny completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Chicago in May 2022, majoring in Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Disability and Human Development Studies. He went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Delaware, graduating in December 2024. During his DPT program, he also completed a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Health Sciences in August 2024, further deepening his expertise in evidence-based rehabilitation.
Throughout his clinical education, Manny gained hands-on experience working with sports-specific populations in three different outpatient clinics, including his final rotation with True Sports PT. While in Illinois, he assisted with injury prevention programs for local high school soccer and cross country teams, focusing on reducing injury risk and optimizing athletic performance. Additionally, he spent time in high school training rooms, working alongside athletic trainers to assist with injury screenings, taping, and rehabilitation.
Manny specializes in lower extremity injuries, particularly ankle and knee conditions, ranging from overuse injuries to post-operative ACL reconstruction. His deep-rooted background in soccer and running gives him a unique understanding of the demands these sports place on athletes, allowing him to create sport-specific recovery and injury prevention programs tailored to soccer players and runners at all levels.
Beyond his clinical work, Manny has a strong interest in research and evidence-based practice. In his undergraduate studies, he conducted a capstone project analyzing factors that influence patient adherence to home exercise programs, aiming to optimize rehabilitation outcomes. He also assisted in research on health literacy within the Latino community and its impact on physical therapy services, reinforcing his commitment to culturally sensitive care and ensuring that patients of all backgrounds receive high-quality, personalized rehabilitation.
Manny Mazariegos is passionate about helping athletes recover, prevent injuries, and optimize their performance. His firsthand athletic experience, clinical expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care make him a dedicated and empathetic physical therapist, focused on keeping athletes strong, resilient, and game-ready.
