One Performance Institute

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Nazz Russo

Physiotherapist

MPT, BKin
Nazz is a passionate and dedicated physiotherapist with a strong academic and athletic background in Kinesiology and Physiotherapy. He is currently the physiotherapist and assistant coach for the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Men’s Soccer team, where he integrates his expertise in rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and performance optimization. Nazz also assists as a physiotherapist for the East Vancouver Scribes Rugby Club and worked alongside lead therapist Erik Torchia as a physiotherapist for the SFU Men’s Lacrosse team during their 2023/24 PNCLL Championship season.
 
Nazz’s extensive experience in sports physiotherapy began in Australia, where he served as the head physiotherapist for the semi-professional AFL club Mt. Gravatt A.F.C. This role allowed him to gain practical knowledge in sports-related rehabilitation and conditioning, working closely with athletes to enhance their physical well-being and performance.
 
Academically, Nazz holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland (2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University (2020), specializing in Active Health & Rehabilitation. While at SFU, he worked at Fortius Sport & Health and served as a Student Trainer for the SFU Men’s Basketball team.
 
As a former NCAA Division 1 soccer player at Coastal Carolina University before transferring to SFU, Nazz combines his academic expertise and firsthand athletic experience to provide a holistic, client-centred approach to rehabilitation. He focuses on education, self-efficacy, and long-term performance success to help clients achieve their goals.
 
Beyond his clinical roles, Nazz is a Sports Physiotherapy Canada First Responder, actively supporting community and charity events such as Kick for a Cure and Kitsfest by providing care to athletes of all levels. He is also engaged in research, currently investigating the utility of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for stroke rehabilitation.
 
Outside work, Nazz enjoys the outdoors, travelling, learning Italian, and experimenting in the kitchen—always open to new recipe suggestions!