UK physical therapist helps Team USA athletes perform at their best
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 8, 2026) — For Andrew Habash, D.P.T., supporting athletes isn’t limited to the clinic. Outside of treating UK HealthCare patients, Habash works with Team USA athletes to help prepare them for competition.
Habash serves as the rehabilitation supervisor for the Kentucky Clinic and UK Good Samaritan outpatient physical therapy services. While much of his time is spent at UK helping patients recover from injuries and improve mobility, he also received an opportunity to assist elite athletes competing at the highest levels.
Habash is part of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Program as a volunteer physical therapist, providing care to athletes from a variety of sports. During a visit to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, he worked with wrestlers, swimmers, fencers and gymnasts.
More recently, he has worked with Team USA athletes in gymnastics and archery. His responsibilities often take place behind the scenes at competitions and training events, where he helps athletes prepare their bodies before competition and recover afterward.
“Before their event, we might stretch them out or do soft tissue work so they’re ready to compete,” Habash said. “Afterward, it might be recovery treatments like massage or light strengthening work.”
Habash says working with Olympic-level athletes is rewarding because of the dedication required reach this stage.
“You only get one shot every four years,” Habash said. “Being able to help someone reach their lifelong goal is really special.”
He also credits UK HealthCare for supporting opportunities like these.
“When I travel for events, I usually wear UK gear if I can,” Habash said. “It’s a way to represent where I work and promote our university.”
Whether he is helping a patient regain mobility or supporting athletes competing on the world stage, Habash says the goal remains the same: helping people move better and perform at their best.
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