Sports Physical Therapy at Riverside is a sub-specialty of our Outpatient Physical Therapy services offered in the Region. Our sports physical therapists are committed to comprehensive, coordinated, and quality care. In doing so, we provide continuing patient care in an outpatient setting with expertise and facilities that will assist in returning you to your active lifestyle in a safe manner.
We offer Sports Physical Therapy services at three locations on the Peninsula:
- Riverside Sports Physical Therapy Denbigh (Newport News)
- Riverside Physical Therapy Hampton
- Riverside Sports Physical Therapy WISC
Our Sports Physical Therapists are experts in the field, with training in Residency, Fellowship, and being Board-Certified in Sports Physical Therapy. We work with your physician as well as other members of our interdisciplinary team to deliver quality care that you can rely on.
Whether you are injured on the field, returning to your sport following surgery, or training for your next big race, we want to help you reach your goals. We know the importance of receiving a prompt diagnosis and creating a game plan for you to begin your recovery. Each patient we work with receives care in an individualized approach, focusing on your specific deficits.
Our Sports Physical Therapy team also provides Sports Performance Services, that include working with a certified Sports Performance Specialist to address return to sport function as well as working with athletes to improve various skills such as strength, power, speed, as well as simply becoming more fit.
Our Sports Physical Therapy facilities are some of the best in the area, which include multi-surface training on performance turf, state-of-the-art equipment, and technology to assist not in recovery, but to optimize your safe return to sport by including functional testing. This level of care is replicated by only collegiate and professional level organizations. Our goal is to bring that quality to the active individuals and athletes in the area.
Our Sports Physical Therapy program also offers one of the only Sports PT Residency programs in Virginia. Our Residents work within our clinics as licensed Physical Therapists, as well as taking part in other learning opportunities such as working in high school and college training rooms, collaborating with our orthopedic physicians and surgeons, as well as engaging in sports medicine-related research.
Our Sports Physical Therapy team is proud to work with athletes from:
Sports Physical Therapy – Meet Our Team
John LaRue, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Director of Sports Physical Therapy & Performance
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
John is a native of Syracuse, NY who graduated from the Clarkson University with a B.S. in Biology in 2015. He then continued at Clarkson, graduating with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2018. After graduate school, John further pursued post-graduate training, completing his Sports Physical Therapy Residency at Duke University as well as his Upper Extremity Elite Athlete Fellowship at the University of Southern California, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Angels.
Most recently prior to coming to Riverside, John was a Clinic Manager at EXOS in Scottsdale, AZ, where he specialized in the treatment of collegiate and professional athletes, specifically from the MLB, NFL, as well as professional triathletes and ultra-runners.
John earned in Board Certification from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) in 2020 as well as being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2016. John is also certified in trigger point dry needling through Double E PT Education. John resides in Norfolk with his wife, Cassandra, and their two dogs, Jack and Hank.
Megan Thacker, PT, DPT, SCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
Riverside Physical Therapy Williamsburg
Riverside Physical Therapy WISC
Megan received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Christopher Newport University before earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. Board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, she also completed Riverside's sports physical therapy residency program and became a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in 2018.
A lifelong interest and participation in athletics led Megan to pursue a career in sports physical therapy. She loves the determination and drive of athletes to succeed, along with the challenge they present on a biomechanical level.
Specializing in injury prevention, ACL rehabilitation, return-to-sport programs and shoulder rehabilitation, Megan finds the experience of restoring functional movement an amazing process. She considers it a privilege to see her patients transition from a state of pain or immobility to healing.
A true local, Megan grew up in Mathews County. After graduating from Mathews High School, she chose to remain close to home for college, playing softball for CNU. In her free time, she enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Megan and her husband Kevin have one daughter.
Lauren Moore, PT, DPT, SCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
Riverside Physical Therapy Williamsburg
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in biology from Randolph-Macon College, Lauren earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. Board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, she also completed Riverside's sports physical therapy residency program and became a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in 2019.
As a former competitive gymnast and field hockey player, Lauren's personal involvement with sports inspired her to become a Physical Therapist with an interest in serving the athletic population. Specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine and the Dartfish video running analysis, she enjoys teaching patients about how exercise can be used as a form of "medicine," effectively treating a variety of impairments and pain.
Lauren grew up locally in Yorktown and still enjoys living close to her family and the beach. Lauren can often be found spending free time with her husband and their two huskies or working out at the gym.
Alecia Bell, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
Alecia received her Bachelors in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from The University of Delaware. She then attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she received her Master’s in Exercise Science. In May 2021, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Hampton University. Alecia has played basketball since the age of six and now enjoys coaching high school and AAU girls basketball here in Newport News.
James Turner, LPTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
James is a graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Riverside College of Health Careers. James has been practicing since 2018 and was excited to rejoin the Riverside family upon graduation. Prior to Riverside, James attended Christopher Newport University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology. James also played D3 collegiate football at CNU where his interest in orthopedic conditions and return to sport athletes developed. He plans to further pursue continuing education to broaden treatment strategies for rehabilitating athletes. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family.
Lauren Sabatini, PT, DPT, SCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Hampton
Lauren Sabatini received a bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise from Virginia Tech before obtaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy from VCU. She completed the Riverside Sports Residency program and is board certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Lauren played volleyball in high school, but it was her time working as a student athletic trainer with the Virginia Tech football team that led her to become a physical therapist. Since graduating PT school, she has worked in the outpatient therapy setting with a strong interest in orthopedic and sports injuries.
Lauren grew up in a military family, moving every few years, before finally landing in Hampton Roads. After school, Lauren moved back to the Tidewater region to be closer to the beach.
Sean Hercules, LPTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Riverside Physical Therapy Hampton
Sean is a graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Riverside College of Health Careers. Since graduation Sean has worked in the outpatient therapy setting, with a strong interest in orthopedic and sport injuries. In his free time Sean enjoys going the beach, fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his family and friends. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and will be found in front the TV all Sunday during football season.
Marcus Rivera, PT, DPT, SCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Williamsburg
Marcus received a bachelor's degree in biology from Christopher Newport University before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. He is board-certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
A highly trained Physical Therapist with specialty expertise in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention, Marcus's practice emphasizes function above all else. He believes that every movement has a purpose-either for sport, leisure or work. Restoring the body to that optimal function is his goal, achieved by a personalized plan for exercise, manual therapy or combination of methods.
After moving frequently as a child whose father served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Marcus and his family eventually arrived in Williamsburg. He graduated from Lafayette High School and remained in Hampton Roads for his undergraduate and post-baccalaureate education. Marcus and his wife Kristina have two young children, Alaina and Landon. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family as well as volunteering with a local high school athletic team.
Matthew Barrick, PT, DPT, CMTPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
Matthew received a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise from Virginia Tech prior to earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Matthew interned for three years with the Virginia Tech athletic training staff, working extensively with the football, baseball and track and field programs. Matthew’s experience at practices, events, ACC championships and in the training-room is what led to his career in sports physical therapy. Matthew also spent time interning with the strength and conditioning staff at Tidewater Performance and at Marymount University, prior to becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Prior to coming to Riverside, Matthew spent the past seven years working locally with professional, collegiate and young athletes of all ages. Matthew has spent the entirety of his professional career as a physical therapist for Christopher Newport University athletics. He maintains certification in blood flow restriction (BFR) training as well as trigger point dry needling (CMTPT).
Born in Newport News at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Matthew was quite literally born and raised here. He continues to participate in many local sports as a competitor, a coach and a fan. He is a passionate Hokie and enjoys rooting for the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Orioles and Arsenal Gunners. Matthew and his wife Jessica love spending time at the beach, on the water and out on the ball fields with their daughter Olivia, son Landon and two golden retrievers Cali and Mia.
MaryElizabeth Gurley, PT, DPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Riverside Physical Therapy Denbigh
MaryElizabeth received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Kinesiology from James Madison University prior to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. MaryElizabeth grew up swimming locally for Coast Guard Blue Dolphins competing at the national level and went on to swim collegiately at Auburn and then JMU. Prior to coming to Riverside, MaryElizabeth spent the last three years working locally with collegiate and young athletes of all ages. She maintains her certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). MaryElizabeth is passionate about keeping athletes in the sports they love safely and without pain.
MaryElizabeth grew up locally in Yorktown and still enjoys living close to her family and the beach. She continues to assist with the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins on deck and in the weight room. While not in the clinic, MaryElizabeth spends her free time with her husband and dog traveling down to OBX or going to some of their favorite local restaurants.