Behind every successful clinic is a leader whose vision shapes patient care. At Change The Game Performance, that leader is Dr. Ryan Godfrey, PT, DPT. With a lifelong passion for sports and movement and more than a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Godfrey has built a practice that blends high-level physical therapy with performance training. This unique approach makes Change The Game Performance one of Wilmington’s top destinations for rehabilitation and athletic development.
From Multi-Sport Athlete to Physical Therapist
Dr. Godfrey’s understanding of athletes comes from lived experience. Growing up in upstate New York, he played multiple sports from age four. By high school he was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and the 800m run in track and field. These experiences taught him firsthand the demands of training, the frustration of injuries, and the drive to return stronger.
This athletic background informs how he evaluates and treats every patient. He understands not just the mechanics of movement but also the mindset of people who want to perform at their best.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Dr. Godfrey completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University at Buffalo in 2009. He is a licensed physical therapist with advanced training in:
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Functional Rehabilitation
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Manual Therapy Techniques
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Functional Dry Needling
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Performance Training
These specialties give him a comprehensive toolkit for addressing pain, restoring mobility, and improving performance. By combining clinical expertise with a coaching mentality, Dr. Godfrey helps patients bridge the gap between rehabilitation and peak function.
Specialties That Make a Difference
Functional Rehab: Dr. Godfrey evaluates how the whole body moves, not just the injured area. This systems-based approach identifies root causes of pain and dysfunction.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve soft-tissue mobility, and restore joint function—essential for speeding up recovery.
Functional Dry Needling: Used to address neuromuscular pain and improve movement efficiency, especially in athletes and active individuals.
Performance Training: Tailored exercise and loading programs to build strength, agility, and resilience so patients return to activity better than before.
Founding Change The Game Performance
Dr. Godfrey founded Change The Game Performance to create a clinic that reflects his philosophy: treat the whole person, not just the injury. He wanted a place where rehabilitation and performance intersect, where patients aren’t rushed through generic exercises but receive individualized attention.
Under his leadership, the clinic has earned over 200 five-star Google reviews and a consistent 5-star Google rating, evidence of the success of this approach.
Core Values in Action
The clinic’s core values—Community, Teamwork, and “Game Changer”—come directly from Dr. Godfrey’s own principles.
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Community: He believes in giving back to Wilmington’s active population by supporting local sports programs and wellness events.
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Teamwork: A culture of accountability and collaboration among staff ensures patients receive seamless care.
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Game Changer: This is more than the clinic’s name; it’s a mindset of intrinsic motivation and commitment to excellence that Dr. Godfrey models daily.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Godfrey
Patients consistently highlight his ability to:
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Listen carefully and explain conditions clearly
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Design individualized plans rather than one-size-fits-all programs
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Integrate performance training so they leave stronger than before injury
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Create a motivating, supportive environment
These attributes are reflected in hundreds of positive reviews.
The Bridge Between Rehab and Performance
Many physical therapy clinics in Wilmington discharge patients once pain subsides. Dr. Godfrey goes further. By blending rehabilitation with performance training, he ensures patients not only recover but also build the strength and movement patterns needed to prevent future injuries. This approach benefits everyone from competitive athletes to active adults who want to stay healthy.
Impact on Wilmington
Under Dr. Godfrey’s guidance, Change The Game Performance has become a trusted resource for the Wilmington community. Residents no longer have to choose between traditional rehab and high-level performance training—they can access both under one roof.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Godfrey continues to invest in his own professional development and in the clinic’s resources, bringing the latest evidence-based practices and technology to his patients. His goal is simple: to keep changing the game for every person who walks through the door.
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking for a physical therapist who understands athletes, values personalized care, and has a proven record of success, Dr. Ryan Godfrey and the team at Change The Game Performance are ready to help.
Schedule an appointment today to meet Dr. Godfrey and experience how his expertise can help you recover faster, move better, and perform at your best.