She was a pain specialist to top athletes. Her opioid prescribing alarmed the DEA
This image shows part of Joan Rubinger’s All Pro Sports Medicine website in August 2026, displaying social media photos of her with several celebrity athletes. (AP Photo)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Joan Rubinger overcame a catastrophic biking accident that left her paralyzed to become an influential pain-relief specialist helping top-tier athletes get back on the field after acute and chronic injuries.
Her website touts a client list that includes 169 NFL Pro Bowl selections, 29 NBA and WNBA champions and 15 Olympic medalists. Among some of her most notable patients: NBA All Stars Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, as well as MLB All Star Fernando Tatis Jr.