Rafael Escamilla, Ph.D., P.T., C.S.C.S., F.A.C.S.M.
Director
Dr Escamilla is currently a Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory at California State University, Sacramento, and Research Coordinator at Results Physical Therapy and Training Center in Sacramento.
He previously served as Director of Research at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, Director of the Michael W. Krzyzewski Human Performance Laboratory at Duke University, and taught biomechanics and anatomy courses in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duke University.
Dr. Escamilla also worked at the American Sports Medicine Institute from 1991-1996 in Birmingham, AL with world renowned biomechanist and Director of Research Dr. Glenn S. Fleisig, and world renowned sports medicine orthoapedic surgery Dr. James R. Andrews.
From 1991 to the present Dr. Escamilla continues to conduct sports medicine research with Dr. Fleisig and Dr. Andrews in the area of the biomechanics and pathomechanics of the overhead throwing shoulder and elbow.
Dr Escamilla received a Ph.D. Degree in Biomechanics from Auburn University in 1995. He also received a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Elon University in 2002 and has practiced as a physical therapist since 2002.
He has been a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) since 1991 and has taught numerous C.S.C.S. classes and workshops, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. His area of expertise is in Sports Medicine and Sports Biomechanics, and in particular the overhead throwing athlete.
He has published over 200 peer reviewed scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters in biomechanics, physical therapy, and sports medicine related journals and textbooks. He has given over 200 professional presentations at scientific conferences, primarily in the areas of overhead throwing biomechanics, knee biomechanics during exercise, and strength and conditioning.
He has worked with numerous high profile professional athletes focusing on training and rehabilitation, athletic performance, and injury prevention.
In 2015-2016 Dr Escamilla was chosen the outstanding senior faculty researcher at California State University, Sacramento, and in 2014-2015 he was chosen the outstanding researcher for the College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Sacramento. Dr Escamilla has won three national and international powerlifting championships, and was a collegiate athlete in football, baseball, and track.