James R. Wood (J.R.)
PT, DPT, ATC
Physical Therapist, Washington Nationals
Education & Experience
Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training – Averett University
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Old Dominion University
Began working in baseball in 2023
About J.R.
J.R. Wood is the Physical Therapist for the Washington Nationals, a position he has held since January 2023. His path in professional baseball began in 2014 with the Norfolk Tides (AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles), where he volunteered his time as an athletic trainer and later as a physical therapist, assisting with high-level assessments and treatments alongside the club’s medical staff.
Prior to joining the Nationals, J.R. worked in a performance-driven outpatient orthopedic clinic in Hampton Roads, Virginia. There, he carved out a niche treating overhead throwing athletes and high-level gymnasts—including Olympic gymnasts and professional baseball players—earning a reputation for delivering precise, athlete-specific care that bridges the gap between rehab and elite performance.
J.R. earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Averett University in 2014, where he also competed as a four-year starter on the baseball team. He went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in 2019.
He holds certifications in Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Dry Needling, and is a Champion Performance Specialist (CP-S). He is currently looking to expand his clinical arsenal with training in diagnostic ultrasound and other advanced therapeutic tools to further optimize performance outcomes.
J.R. takes a hands-on, movement-first approach grounded in biomechanics, motor control, and progressive loading. He blends clinical precision with the mindset of a coach—meeting athletes where they are and pushing them where they need to go. His philosophy is simple: assess thoroughly, train purposefully, and return athletes to sport stronger, smarter, and more resilient than before.