Football
- Title:
- Director, Sports Physical Therapy
- Email:
- rej13@pitt.edu
- Phone:
- 412-648-8210
Rick Joreitz (PT, DPT, ATC) earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Athletic Training in 2005, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2008, both from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2011 he became a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Joreitz was recently promoted to Director of Sports Physical Therapy within the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2022, with the support of the Athletic Department, Joreitz developed the University of Pittsburgh Division I Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship program and serves as its director. This combines the unique experience of teaching within the Department of Physical Therapy and providing physical therapy services to student-athletes as a member of the Sports Medicine Team within the Pitt Athletic Department.
He continues to teach within the musculoskeletal curriculum, coordinate the Advanced Therapeutic Exercise in Physical Therapy Practice class and teach an Emergency Response for Athletes certification course.
Joreitz serves as the physical therapist for Pitt’s football program and previously worked with the Panthers’ men’s and women’s basketball teams.
He additionally is a Clinical Instructor to Pitt’s Doctor of Physical Therapy students each football season, providing them with a specialty clinical educational opportunity for those interested in sports physical therapy.
Prior to joining the Department of Physical Therapy, Joreitz worked as a physical therapist for the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute (formerly the Centers for Rehab Services) for 11 years and was the team physical therapist for the Pittsburgh Penguins, including their 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup championship seasons.
Joreitz resides in McCandless with his wife Bridget, and their two children, Bennett and Caley.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite place on the University of Pittsburgh campus?
The Cathedral of Learning is such an iconic building. The lobby makes you feel like you’re in a castle. There are 31 Nationality Rooms to tour and host classes. The lawn was always a fun place to lounge during the spring and fall. And the view of campus and the city from the top is one of the best in the city.
What is one thing everyone should do when they visit the city of Pittsburgh?
Go to a food festival. Italian, Greek, Picklesburgh, Pierogi, Irish and my personal favorite…Ribfest!
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
Being a part of the 2021 Pitt football team, culminating with an ACC Championship.
Favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
I’ve been in Pittsburgh since 2001 and my answer is still Fatheads. Everything on the menu is amazing. The wings and nachos are some of the best in the city. The “headwiches” are all delicious. They brew great beer and the rest of the beverage menu is extensive. It’s a guaranteed food coma that is well worth it.
Favorite quote?
“The goal is not to be better than anyone else but rather be better than you were yesterday.” – Jon Gordon
