Jonathan Pavon, PT, DPT, SCS, Certification. DN has always had an unwavering passion for gaming. Growing up near Atlanta, Georgia, he spent his free time playing and watching organized sports like ultimate frisbee, basketball and baseball. When it came time to choose his career path, Dr. Pavon decided to bring his love of people and sports to his profession.
“I have always been interested in human anatomy and helping others.
Pavon is a residency-trained physiotherapist and currently works as a minor league physiotherapist assistant. Atlanta Braves.
He won a role in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) in February 2023, which he said was a lifelong goal fulfillment. “Growing up in a community and working for an organization that I admired was a dream come true.”
He said he loves practicing every day. “It doesn’t feel like work. That’s something a lot of people can’t say.”
Pabon focuses on both preventative and post-injury care. He primarily sees athletes with shoulder injuries (rotator cuff and labrum), elbow disorders (ulnar collateral ligament sprain/post Tommy John surgery), knee ligament sprains or tears, and hamstring strains. His 95% of his work is with minor league players doing long-term rehabilitation.
If a player needs more than two weeks of rehab, they will likely be sent to the facility in Northport, Fla., where Pavon works. “we [Pabon and another therapist] I’m in charge of rehabilitating the players so they can get back on the field,” he explained.
What does a day in rehab look like? Players arrive in the morning to warm up and then participate in PT activities and daily practices. During the baseball season, Pavon treats athletes six days a week. Spring training requires 7 days of rehab, while offseason requires 5 days of rehab.
Physiotherapy teams and athletes have exclusive access to innovative tools and equipment. “We have state-of-the-art resources to provide optimal care for the athletes we work with,” Pavon said.
USAHS PT Alumni, Jonathan Pavon, PT, DPT, SCS, Certified. DNs
Pavon graduated in 2020 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of St. Augustine University of Health Sciences (USAHS). When she was a freshman in college, she wanted to work in the field of rehabilitation science.
He chose USAHS for its emphasis on hands-on practice and manual therapy. But it’s the relationships he’s built through the program that continue to influence his work.
“I immediately got in touch with the USAHS faculty and staff and was grateful that most of them were also working in the field.”
He credited several professors for taking a mentoring role and encouraging them to be active in their community through volunteer activities, 5km walks/runs, and weekly Ultimate Frisbee games at local parks.
“The USAHS DPT program has a great personality. It may be a large group, but if you take the time to get to know each person individually, it doesn’t feel that way,” Pavon said. He still talks and shares advice with former classmates who work in the field of sports medicine.
Pavon frequently uses practical techniques she learned at USAHS, such as soft tissue and joint mobilization. “This skill set sets us apart from other physical therapists (PTs) and is extremely helpful, especially when working with athletes in Maintenance her program.
There are no dull moments in Pavon’s career and the Braves organization encourages PTs to keep learning. “I am inspired to grow professionally through continuing education and networking opportunities,” he said.
His biggest opportunity is finding ways to make rehabilitation programs innovative and transformative.
“Meeting with athletes every day creates a positive challenge to build a program that is personalized, progressive and relevant,” he said.
Pabon adds value to the team with his positivity and dedication. “I’m optimistic and hardworking. In professional sports, you have to give it your all every day.”
He is also bilingual and often acts as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking athletes. Pavon’s parents are from Puerto Rico. He spent his summers on a Caribbean island and spoke Spanish with his older brother and grandparents.
Pavon encourages aspiring sports PTs to pursue promising opportunities. “Once you find a residency or fellowship that interests you, that’s a good start. Build your network, talk to people in your industry, and get your name out there. Apply if there’s a job opening, even if you don’t think you’re the best candidate. Not applying is a definite no.”
He wants to be the best clinician possible in his field. “My role is to continue to expand my knowledge and stay up to date with evidence-based practices in sports rehabilitation and other areas. I am committed to providing cutting-edge care for cutting-edge players,” he said.
Perhaps one day he will pay it forward and look for opportunities to teach future PTs. All home runs so far.
