
Achilles Tendon Rupture in Basketball: What the Data Actually Says About Return to Sport
You watched Kevin Durant drop to the floor during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. No contact. Just a plant, a push off, and
Many basketball players get stuck in the cycle of:
Pain → Rest → Return → Re-Injury
We work with you to fix that!
We specialize in helping athletes stay healthy, move better, and perform at their best.
We combine physical therapy and basketball expertise to guide your full return-to-play and performance journey.
Traditional Physical Therapy rarely understands the demands of the game…
Explosiveness, Cutting, Landing Mechanics, Change of Direction, or the Return-to-Play Programming
We are a team of Doctors of Physical Therapy and Strength & Conditioning Coaches that are experts in sport related injuries, surgeries, rehab and return to sport.
We’ve helped basketball players and various sport athletes come back from ACL tears, Achilles ruptures, acute and chronic injuries, and post-surgical recoveries — using the same evidence-based methods used with professional athletes. We’re not a general PT clinic that happens to treat athletes. We built The Basketball Doctors specifically around the movements, demands, and return-to-sport timelines of basketball players and athletes. Every program is one-on-one, every plan is customized, and every milestone is measured. If you’re serious about getting back on the court — not just “functional,” but back to full speed — this is the program for you.
We believe in an athlete-centered approach with a support team around you. This is to ensure you are getting the most out of your game plan and coaching to build the foundation for a healthy athlete and to meet your goals!



Live in Los Angeles or Orange County California? Ready to take your rehab, longevity, and performance to the next level?
We got you!
Get the professional athlete experience with detailed movement assessments, manual treatment, and a customized exercise plan to help you recover smarter and perform better.
Whether you’re rehabbing an injury or working to prevent the next one, our athlete-centered approach helps you rebuild with confidence and return to the court better than ever.
Cash-Based Practice
No Referral Needed
Superbills Provided Upon Request for Out-Of-Network Reimbursement

Not local to Southern California, and looking for high level coaching & training?
Our online coaching service brings high-performance basketball training and rehab to you—wherever you are!
Through video-based programming, weekly check-ins, and form review, we deliver expert physical therapy-led training that’s tailored to your goals, your schedule, and your level.
We combine evidence-based movement strategies with personalized guidance so you can make progress, stay consistent, and feel supported every step of the way—no matter the distance!
No Insurance Needed
Location Based on Your Needs
Programming & Check-In’s Based on Your Schedule
The Basketball Doctors offers DPT-led, basketball- & sports- ACL rehab — in-person across Orange County & Los Angeles, or online coaching available worldwide. We don’t just get you walking again. We get you back to jumping, cutting, competing, and performing in your sport.
Video-based programming, weekly check-ins, and DPT-reviewed form feedback — no matter where you are.
From Jumper’s Knee to Ankle Sprains to Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy, The Basketball Doctors DPT-led programs are built around the specific demands of sport & basketball — not a generic protocol. We not only get you back, many athletes tell us they feel more athletic, balanced, and explosive than before!
Managing a Growing Athlete’s Knee Pain
Book a FREE Discovery and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on, explain it, and create a game plan!
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Oliver PopeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I sought treatment for a knee injury sustained while training for the Boston Marathon. Dr. Lopez quickly and effectively diagnosed my injury and set out a path forward to help mitigate. Thanks to him, I was able to achieve a bucket list goal of running the Boston Marathon with the added benefit of not embarrassing myself in front of my entire family that had traveled to be there! Thanks, Dr. Lopez!![]()
Jeb BartolomeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I came to The Basketball Doctors: Physical Therapy after tearing my ACL and meniscus, and choosing them was one of the best decisions I made during my recovery. What really set them apart was how basketball-focused and personalized their rehab approach was. From day one, everything felt intentional and tailored to my goals not just getting “better,” but getting back to playing basketball at a competitive level. The level of knowledge, customer service, and attention to detail was top-tier. I worked primarily with Dr. Gabe Ignacio, who was incredible throughout the entire process. Sessions were always private 1-on-1, the rehab plan was consistently updated as I progressed, and I received weekly check-ins to make sure everything stayed on track. Communication was excellent, super responsive, and genuinely invested in my recovery. They’re based in Orange County, California, and when I later moved, they even continued to support me remotely, which made a huge difference in staying consistent and confident during my rehab. The biggest result? I’m back playing basketball again at a competitive level something that felt uncertain right after surgery. I’d highly recommend The Basketball Doctors to athletes, active people, weekend warriors, or anyone dealing with a sports-related injury or anyone who wants more than a generic rehab experience. If your goal is to truly return to sport, this is the place.![]()
Sophie PyrzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
5 stars does not even come close to the rating that The Basketball Doctors deserve!! I am a professional rugby player and also a member of the USA Rugby Women’s National Team. I worked specifically with Gabe on a daily basis over three+ years in Orange County, CA. He also assisted me remotely when I was overseas and dealing with an injury. As a rugby player, I experienced many injuries during my time with Gabe as my physiotherapist. He helped me through many short term issues, often times spotting issues and treating them before they could become chronic or keep me out longer term. He also supported me through some more major injuries such as a high ankle sprain, a 2nd degree AC joint injury, and a tear to my quad tendon. Gabe would take all of my injuries with the same seriousness and care, no matter what the issue was. He is so incredibly knowledgeable and empathetic. You can tell how much he cares, which really helped me to develop an amazing working relationship where I could trust him to help decide what was best for me. The hands- on treatment combined with physical progression plans that Gabe created were always extremely successful in getting me back on the pitch. He always provided the best balance of challenge and success in his prescription. His hands on treatment is the best in the business. I returned from each injury, stronger and with no residual aches or pains. If I could pack Gabe up and bring him to every rugby tour, I absolutely would. I cannot recommend him enough to anyone. If you are an athlete, weekend warrior, or active person experiencing any pain or discomfort - Gabe and The Basketball Doctors are the best around!![]()
Guido JimenezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Marco Lopez knows his stuff. Worked together on remote training for my knees related to patella femoral syndrome and tendinitis. Detailed instructions provides guidance to do exercises correctly and was helpful all the steps thru the way to minimize pain and be able to compete in soccer again. Highly recommend and I send my family to see Marco!![]()
Diamond CrawfordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had an incredible experience with The Basketball Doctors in Hermosa Beach during my ACL recovery. When I first came in, I was behind in my rehab and genuinely concerned I might need a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) due to limited progress. From day one, the team was knowledgeable, supportive, and fully committed to helping me turn things around. They created a structured, personalized plan that focused not only on my knee but also on restoring strength, mobility, and confidence in my movement. Their expertise in sports rehab — especially for athletes — is unmatched. Each session pushed me forward, and I saw noticeable improvement week after week. Thanks to The Basketball Doctors, I was able to avoid a MUA and transition through recovery much quicker than expected. I’m now back to training and feeling stronger than ever. If you're recovering from an ACL injury or any orthopedic setback, I highly recommend The Basketball Doctors. Their professionalism, passion, and results-driven approach make all the difference.![]()
Wahab OlusesiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A top notch physical therapist.. The best I’ve seen in the states![]()
Michael BolanowskiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Marco at The Basketball Doctors is one of the best in the game. If you are an athlete that needs to rehab back from injury or need a rock solid pre-hab strength plan, he is your guy. He goes above and beyond to work with clients to get them to be their best versions on the court/field. If you are dealing with Osgood Schlatter pain, RUN to see him. He is ELITE. Marco has treated both my sons and it’s the best money I have ever spent. I have him on speed dial just in case and you should too.![]()
Bella RecaldeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Marco was by far my favorite and the best PT. I’ve had. He rehabbed my first ACL tear and got me back to health quicker than expected.![]()
L FridTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My son overcame several injuries while playing high school basketball, and planned to continue playing in college. In his off season we looked for someone that could help him build strength and athleticism safely, while also helping him rehab his injuries. While I knew many local athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength coaches, and basketball trainers what I was looking for was some combination of all of the above. I had seen Basketball Doctors on social media, but we are in a different state so I wasn’t sure if they could help. From my first conversation with Marco, I knew he was exactly what I was looking for! Through phone calls and videos, Marco was able to help my son work through any remaining issues from injury as well as improve his athleticism to excel in his sport. My son worked with Marco all spring and summer and went on to have a successful, injury-free college basketball season. With sports injuries being so common, it is good to know that whatever may happen in the future- whether it be knee, shoulder, ankle- we have someone knowledgeable that can guide us through it. I am incredibly happy that I chose to work with the Basketball Doctors and would highly recommend them to any athlete, whether they are working through injuries or working to stay injury-free.![]()
peter zunigaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently suffered a bad lower back strain that left me unable to walk or do any activities without a degree of pain/discomfort. Marco did a great job educating me on exercises and remedies to alleviate the pain and provided some rehabilitation stretching techniques to promote quick recovery. I wholeheartedly recommend Marco and the Basketball Doctors for anyone who had an injury for professional rehabilitation care!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 60 reviews
Meet with your Physical Therapist (in-person or virtual) to get to the root of the problem and understand your goals.
Your PT builds a customized rehab and performance plan specific to your injury, position, and return-to-sport goals — no templates, no guesswork.
We monitor your workouts, adjust your program weekly, and guide your return-to-play—from first steps to full-game intensity.
We ensure you regain explosiveness, confidence, and durability — so you return stronger than before the injury.

You watched Kevin Durant drop to the floor during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. No contact. Just a plant, a push off, and

Your kid plays on three teams — high school ball, AAU team, and a local club/travel team. It’s March/April, the high school season just ended,

You watched Klay Thompson tear his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals — one of the most watched sporting events of the year. Then you

Your knee has been barking at you for weeks. Every time you push off to attack the basket, every time you land from a rebound,
The Basketball Doctors assume no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred as a result of any use or reliance upon the information and material contained within or downloaded from its website. The Basketball Doctors are unable to provide any warranty concerning the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein. The information provided in the videos are by no means complete or exhaustive, and, therefore, does not apply to all conditions, disorders, and health-related issues. The information is not intended to be physical therapy, medicaladvice, or treatment. Any reference to or mention of any particular diagnoses or dysfunctions is intended for informational purposes only and not an attempt to diagnose your particular problems.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard your doctor’s medical advice or delay in seeking it as a result of something on this site. Reliance on any information provided by The Basketball Doctors is solely at your own risk.
