Inside Insight: Physiotherapy for the Breakers

Behind every successful sports team is a dedicated group of support staff ensuring players are performing at their best. One such role is that of a team physiotherapist. In October last year, Coast Physio’s Nathan Trebilco had the unexpected opportunity to work as the physiotherapist for our professional basketball team, The New Zealand Breakers, in their 2024/2025 season.

Working with the Breakers was an incredibly unique experience, but also came with lessons that can be applied not only to physiotherapy more broadly, but any of life’s professional and personal challenges. Below are a few of Nathan’s impressions and takeaways from his time with the New Zealand Breakers.

Game Day Preparation

Game day starts with a morning shootaround, giving players a chance to familiarise themselves with the court and refine their offensive and defensive plays. The team physiotherapist’s role begins long before tipoff. Arriving at the arena ahead of the players ensures that all strapping supplies, medical equipment, and treatment spaces are set up and ready. Players start arriving approximately two hours before the game, seeking strapping and treatment, which typically includes soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation techniques.

One aspect of professional sports that differs from lower levels is the strict policies around gambling and match-fixing. To maintain integrity, all cell phones must be placed in a lockbox one hour before tipoff, including those of coaches and support staff.

Once the game begins, the physiotherapist remains vigilant, watching from the bench to analyze mechanisms of injury in real-time. Unlike in rugby, where medical staff can quickly enter the field, basketball requires a different approach. Players often take time to get up after a fall, meaning patience is key before rushing in. However, when a serious injury occurs, quick decision-making and discretion—especially given the presence of rolling cameras—is critical.

Team Dynamics and Travel

Building trust with players is a crucial part of the role. Initially, new staff members may find that players default to the familiar, seeking advice from long-standing personnel. However, over time, strong relationships form, and physiotherapists become integral to a team’s daily operations.

Beyond the physical demands of the sport, team chemistry plays a significant role in performance. Certain players impact the team positively, not just with their on-court statistics but through their ability to bring others together.

Travel is a major challenge for the Breakers, as they are the only New Zealand-based team in an Australian competition. Long-haul flights, layovers, and frequent time zone changes take a toll on players and staff alike.

While traveling, support staff remain on-call for any player needs, from treatment to managing medications. Some players are proactive with their care, while others require a more hands-on approach. Anti-doping regulations require constant vigilance, ensuring all medication complies with league and international standards.

Lessons from Professional Sport Physiotherapy

A season with the Breakers provides numerous learning opportunities, reinforcing key lessons about confidence, adaptability, and professionalism. Working in elite sport requires self-assurance and trust in one’s training. Mistakes will occasionally happen but should be seen as learning experiences rather than failures. Staying focused is essential, as complacency can lead to errors, even after settling into the role.

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is that professional athletes, despite their skill and fame, are regular people. Strong relationships, respect, and effective communication are just as important as technical expertise.

With the season wrapping up for the year, Nathan is already hoping to return for another year with the team. Until then, the offseason provides time to reset, refocus, and enjoy reconnecting with family and friends after all the excitement.