Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist-Sports Performance and Longevity Part Time

Orthopedic Physical Therapist – Sports Performance & Longevity | Part-Time

COVA Physical Therapy | Solana Beach, CA

Pay: $52–$65 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Job Type: Part-time, with potential to grow into full-time

Schedule: Flexible weekday and/or weekend-only opportunities

Job Description

Help active people recover, perform, and build strength for life.

COVA Physical Therapy is a growing, independently owned specialty practice in Solana Beach, California. We are seeking an exceptional Orthopedic Physical Therapist who is passionate about bridging the gap between rehabilitation, sports performance, and longevity.

Our philosophy is simple

Keeping Active People Active.

At COVA, we combine evidence-informed orthopedic rehabilitation with advanced biomechanical testing, exercise physiology, and individualized performance programming.

Our clients include competitive and recreational athletes, active adults, dancers, tactical professionals, and individuals focused on maintaining strength and physical capacity as they age.

We're looking for a clinician with strong orthopedic skills who enjoys strength training, objective testing, and helping clients progress beyond traditional rehabilitation.

This position includes opportunities to work in our growing Human Performance & Longevity Lab, where we assess strength, power, aerobic capacity, metabolic health, and functional performance to guide individualized training and longevity programs.

What You'll Do

Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation

• Provide individualized, one-on-one orthopedic physical therapy
• Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries and movement dysfunction
• Design progressive strength and rehabilitation programs
• Guide clients through return-to-sport and return-to-activity
• Integrate injury prevention, strength development, and long-term physical capacity into care

Human Performance & Longevity Lab

• Assist with VO₂ max and resting metabolic rate testing
• Perform biomechanical assessments using force plates, dynamometry, and functional movement testing
• Evaluate strength, power, balance, and physical performance
• Interpret objective testing results and contribute to individualized action plans
• Help clients translate testing results into practical exercise and performance programs
• Participate in testing programs for athletes, active adults, and tactical professionals, including firefighters
• Collaborate with other clinicians and healthcare partners to develop performance and longevity services

Training on COVA's specific testing equipment and protocols will be provided.

Why Work at COVA?

One-on-one patient care. Focus on meaningful outcomes rather than high-volume productivity.

Clinical autonomy. Apply your expertise and clinical reasoning to create individualized treatment plans.

Beyond traditional rehabilitation. Help clients move from injury recovery to improved strength, athletic performance, and lifelong physical health.

Advanced technology. Work with force plates, dynamometry, VO₂ max testing, resting metabolic rate assessment, and objective biomechanical testing.

Active, motivated clientele. Treat athletes, active adults, dancers, tactical professionals, and people who want to remain physically active throughout their lives.

Professional growth. Contribute to the development of specialty programs and help shape our growing Human Performance & Longevity Lab.

Flexible scheduling. Begin part-time, with weekday and weekend-only opportunities and potential to grow into a full-time position.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current California Physical Therapist license or eligibility for licensure
• Strong orthopedic examination and clinical reasoning skills
• Experience with progressive therapeutic exercise and functional rehabilitation
• Knowledge of strength training principles and exercise progression
• Minimum 3 years clinical experience
• Excellent communication and patient education skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to evidence-informed, individualized care
• Interest in human performance, exercise physiology, and longevity

Preferred:

• OCS or SCS board certification, or actively working toward certification
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Experience treating athletes and active adults
• Experience with return-to-sport testing and performance programming
• Knowledge of VO₂ max testing, exercise physiology, and cardiovascular training
• Experience with force plates, dynamometry, or other objective assessment tools
• Experience working with tactical athletes, firefighters, or dancers
• Interest in healthy aging, strength preservation, and preventive healthcare

Advanced certifications are valued but not required. We welcome motivated clinicians with strong orthopedic skills and an interest in developing expertise in human performance and longevity.

Compensation & Schedule

• $52–$65 per hour, based on qualifications and experience
• Flexible part-time weekday opportunities
• Weekend-only position available (Saturday and/or Sunday)
• Additional weekend compensation
• Potential to grow into full-time employment
• Opportunities to contribute to specialty program development and practice growth

About COVA

COVA stands for Curated Outcomes for Vitality and Active Lifestyles.

Located in Solana Beach, COVA Physical Therapy brings together specialized orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, women's health, and human performance and longevity services.

Our mission is to help people not only recover from injury, but develop the strength, resilience, and physical capacity to continue doing what they love.

Keeping Active People Active.

Learn more at www.covapt.com.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief introduction describing:

• Your orthopedic or sports physical therapy experience
• Your experience or interest in strength training, human performance, or longevity
• Any advanced certifications or specialty training
• Your preferred schedule: weekday part-time, weekend-only, or both

We look forward to connecting with clinicians who are excited to help shape a growing, outcomes-focused specialty practice.

Pay: $52.00 - $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 4.0 – 24.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Continuing education credits
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunities for advancement

Work Location: In person