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Efficient, effective physical therapycomes to Thoreau Club in Concordservices expand thanks to partnership with emersonAmong the families who join The ThoreauClub are lots of kids who play sports yearroundand are not getting sufficient rest.“We see so many repetitive injuries,” saysMr. Swain. “In girls, they tend to be in theknee; in boys, we see lots of stress fractures.We also see torn rotator cuffs in people whoplay sports with overhead throwing patternsor swim a lot.“Regardless of the individual’s age or levelof conditioning, we want to reduce theamount of time needed for their recovery.Mr. Stoddard will focus on that, and then hewill transition the individual back to theirpersonal trainer.”8Ryan Stoddard, DPT, represents the new partnership between Emerson Hospital and The Thoreau Club.He works in tandem with the club’s highly qualified and experienced personal and athletic trainers.The new partnership between The ThoreauClub and Emerson’s Center for SportsRehabilitation makes perfect sense. Now,when a club member – or Emerson physicaltherapy patient – requires the expertise of arehab professional, it is available on site.According to Terrie Enis, Emerson’s directorof rehabilitation services, the goal at TheThoreau Club is to get individuals the carethey need for musculoskeletal injuriesquickly, similar to the efficiency seen atEmerson’s rehab center. “We try to usepeople’s time wisely,” says Ms. Enis. “Weconnect them immediately to our certified,specialized rehab staff who can help them.”At The Thoreau Club, Ryan Stoddard, DPT,now works in tandem with the club’s highlyqualified and experienced personal and athletictrainers. “They understand which exerciseswork best for people,” he says, “while Ifocus on treating strains and sprains, as well asrepetitive injuries. I also work with individualswho require rehab after surgery. I’ll be onthe fitness center floor much of the time, soI expect we’ll learn from each other.” Plansalso include an aquatic program – physicaltherapy in The Thoreau Club pool.Mr. Stoddard is highly trained for his newrole. In addition to having a doctorate inphysical therapy, he is certified in strengthand conditioning and in clinical orthopedics.“I used to work at a tennis club, so I amexperienced in treating overuse injuries inshoulders,” he notes. “Today physical therapistspractice evidence-based medicine. Weknow when to consult with a physician.”They also know that, for many individuals,there is limited time available for physicaltherapy. “We are skilled at teaching peoplehow to exercise on their own so that theydon’t harm themselves,” he adds.A physician referral is required to see Mr.Stoddard. A Thoreau Club membership isnot required for an appointment.As The Thoreau Club evolves, a natural fitThe Thoreau Club’s approach to fitness isevolving, says Glenn Swain, wellness director.“We are becoming more medically based,”he explains. “When a member joins, welook at their entire health history, from theircardiac risk factors to prior injuries andproblems. Increasingly, our goal is to preventinjury. Mr. Stoddard is an important partof that effort.”Ms. Enis sees the potential to develop specializedprograms for The Thoreau Club and tobring in existing ones. “For example, we seea role for an ACL injury prevention program,”she says, referring to the anterior cruciateligament, which adolescent girls areprone to injure. “We also could expand ourspine rehab program to The Thoreau Club.They have everything that is needed for highlevelrehab, including a fitness center, weighttraining, spa and locker room.”The Center for Sports Rehabilitation, whichis located across from Emerson on Route 2,has become successful by responding to thecommunity’s needs. “We’ve grown thecenter by developing programs that peoplewant,” says Ms. Enis. “Our rehab staff arecertified in delivering the latest therapies forindividuals with speech problems, Parkinson’sdisease and dizziness, among other areas.We recently began offering baseline testingfor concussion.“In a way, The Thoreau Club has becomea satellite. There is tremendous potential forus to work together.”Mr. Swain agrees. “The relationship withEmerson’s Center for Sports Rehab is a naturalfit,” he says. “And it is exciting for us toknow that our members have access to theexpanded rehab services they need.”