Physical Therapist Empowers Athletes of All Ages at Texas Children’s

From the basketball court to the breakdancing cypher, Jennifer Morgan has spent her career in physical therapy empowering athletes of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Whether it’s guiding a young athlete back to the field after injury or prepping an Olympian for the world stage, Jennifer partners with her patients and colleagues to enhance the health and performance of athletes and help them reach their dreams. 

From Athlete and Coach to Physical Therapist 

A former collegiate-level basketball player, Jennifer initially aspired to coach. While doing so as a graduate assistant, she discovered her true calling. “One of my players got hurt and seeing her through the rehab process felt more meaningful and valuable than even the coaching,” Jennifer recalls. This pivotal moment led her to pursue a career in sports physical therapy, focusing on helping athletes recover and return to their passion. 

Jennifer completed her physical therapy residency, spending six years at Ohio State University, but had her sights set on home. “I am from Texas and my husband is from Houston, so we moved back,” Jennifer explains. She knew Texas Children’s was the perfect fit and where she wanted to be.  

A Holistic Approach to Patient Care 

For two years, Jennifer has been part of the Texas Children’s Sports Medicine team, treating high school and college athletes. Her approach is comprehensive and patient centered. “Patients often tell you what’s wrong; you just have to listen,” Jennifer says. She believes in treating the whole body, knowing that problems in one area can impact other parts. For instance, when treating a baseball player with a shoulder problem, Jennifer does not just focus on the shoulder; she also assesses the neck, elbow, wrist, and lower body. “I really try to take a full-body approach with everything that I do,” she emphasizes. 

Supporting an Olympic Journey 

This year, her expertise helped propel a Houston native to the Olympic spotlight, preparing competitive breakdancer Jeffrey Louis for his debut in Paris in the inaugural breaking competition at the 2024 Summer Games.  

Since becoming an official partner of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) National Medical Network in 2020, our hospital has treated numerous Team USA athletes, helping them achieve their best on the world stage. Our team took a comprehensive approach to preparing Jeffrey for the Games, ensuring every aspect of his health was optimized, from nutrition to sleep patterns. But it was Jennifer who played a key role in his physical preparation. 

Breakdancing’s acrobatic power moves and diverse movement vocabulary posed unique challenges. “I wasn’t a breakdancing expert before treating Jeffrey,” Jennifer admits. However, she quickly adapted, deconstructing movements to rehabilitate an old injury and boost his performance. Jeffrey’s background in kinesiology was an asset, as he could articulate his needs clearly. “He was able to tell me exactly where he was lacking,” Jennifer recalls. She analyzed his movement and immersed herself in videos of the dance form to provide the best possible care. 

Along with the rest of the world, Jennifer watched him compete on August 10, 2024, with pride in the progress they made together. Jeffrey came in 5th place for the men’s competition, representing Houston and making history with the help of Jennifer and our team. 

Tailoring Treatment for Athletes of All Ages and Skill Levels 

While Texas Children’s is primarily a pediatric hospital, its Sports Medicine Department is equipped to care for athletes of all ages, including adults. Jennifer explains that while rapid growth periods differentiate the pediatric population, the underlying principles of movement and strength training are the same regardless of age. “Many adults want to be active. They all have goals and we’re able to meet them where they are in order to achieve them,” she says.  

Jennifer’s expertise extends to working with both elite and recreational athletes, but she adapts her approach to each group’s unique needs. For elite athletes, Jennifer must fine-tune her programs to address even the smallest deficiencies. “Every degree of motion, every percentage of strength matters when performing at a high level,” she explains. That is why resources like our state-of-the-art Motion Analysis and Human Performance Laboratory at The Woodlands Campus have made Texas Children’s an appealing partner for the USOPC. 

For entry-level or returning athletes, Jennifer explains she can typically address issues more broadly, knowing that incorporating additional training of any kind will usually benefit them. Meanwhile, elite athletes who maintain rigorous practice and competition schedules while undergoing physical therapy, require highly intentional programming. 

Innovation and Collaboration in Sports Medicine 

Collaboration is a key component of Jennifer’s work at Texas Children’s. The Sports Medicine Department fosters a supportive environment where professionals from various specialties work together to provide the best possible care. “We do a fantastic job of collaborating,” Jennifer notes. Whether consulting with physicians, nutritionists or other physical therapists, Jennifer values the team approach and her access to fellow professionals. “We have a variety of specialists to consult nearby. It takes only a few seconds to walk up and discuss a patient,” she says. 

Looking to the future, Jennifer is excited about advancements transforming the field of sports medicine. From phone apps that measure gait for analysis to force plates that detect minute asymmetries in athletes’ movements, technology is providing physical therapists with powerful tools to enhance patient care. Jennifer is particularly enthusiastic about the potential for increased patient buy-in when they can see concrete data about their progress. “I think technology is where we continue to grow and expand,” she says. 

Elevating Dreams, One Athlete at a Time 

For those considering a career in sports physical therapy, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of being flexible, open-minded, and willing to collaborate. “It’s hard to be an expert in everything, so being open to collaborating with our physicians, other PTs, plus taking advantage of our resources is crucial,” she advises. Above all, Jennifer believes that being a good listener to better understand a patient’s needs and goals is the foundation of effective treatment. 

If you are passionate about contributing to dream-making moments for athletes of all ages and making an impact in the world of sports medicine, Texas Children’s offers an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of athlete care. Search for careers and apply today to join our team of dedicated professionals. Here, you’ll have the chance to work with the best in the field, hone your skills and Be the Difference in countless athletes’ journeys to greatness.