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 <strong>Emerson</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> 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 <strong>Emerson</strong>’s Center for SportsRehabilitation makes perfect sense. Now,when a club member – or <strong>Emerson</strong> physicaltherapy patient – requires the expertise of arehab professional, it is available on site.According to Terrie Enis, <strong>Emerson</strong>’s directorof rehabilitation services, the goal at TheThoreau Club is to get individuals the carethey need for musculoskeletal injuriesquickly, similar to the efficiency seen at<strong>Emerson</strong>’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 <strong>Emerson</strong> 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 with<strong>Emerson</strong>’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.”
Healthy Living| Health & Wellness ClassesRegister online at www.emersonhealthyliving.org. Questions? Call 978-287-3777. Some classes are ongoing; you can join in atany time. Classes are located at the <strong>Emerson</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Integrative Health & Wellness Center, 310 Baker Ave Ext, Concord (unlessotherwise noted).PREPARE FOR SURGERY,HEAL FASTER WORKSHOPPrepare for anupcoming surgicalor medical procedure:feel calmer,have less pain andfewer complicationsand recover sooner.Call to arrange aconvenient, private workshop.$95. Includes book/relaxation CD. One surgerycompanion may attend for free.YOGA & MEDITATIONReduce stressand tension, improveflexibilityand strength, andlearn breathingtechniques foremotional balance.Please wearloose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga matand sturdy blanket. Not for expectant mothers.Taught by Pam Vlahakis, registered yoga teacher.$98. Classes are Monday 5:30-6:45 pm. Sevenweeksession beginning January 21, March 18 orMay 13.GENTLE YOGAFor beginners and experienced practitioners whowish to review postures with a beginner’s mind.Invite inner peace, stretch and tone muscles,release chronic tension, improve balance and flexibility.Please bring a yoga mat. Not suitable forexpectant mothers. Taught by Nancy Dorenfeld,RYT, Kripalu-certified instructor.$98. Classes are Friday, 9:30-10:45 am. Sevenweeksession beginning January 18, March 8 orApril 26.PRENATAL YOGAfor a healthier pregnancyMixed-level yogaclass teaches posturalstrengtheningand increases flexibility.Learn to relaxdeeply and focusyour mind. Pleasebring a yoga mat,water bottle and signed permission form from yourobstetrician or midwife. No previous yoga experienceis required. Taught by Michele O’Toole, RN,RYT, certified prenatal yoga instructor.$85 for a six-week session begins: Monday,January 21, March 18 or May 13, 7:00-8:30 pm.YOGA FLOW AT LUNCH TIME –Yoga for afternoon energy and focusDe-stress from your workday and tap into yourinner energy and serenity. Experience theunion of breath and movement, strength andbalance through a series of postures. All levelsare welcome. Please bring a yoga mat. Taught bySusanne Liebich, certified Stott Pilates ® and Nia ®instructor and experienced yoga practitioner.$95. Classes are Thursday, 12:00-1:00 pm.Seven-week session beginning February 7 orApril 18.BABYSITTING TRAININGOne-day class for ages 10-13 covers everythingyou need to know to be a great babysitter!A certificate of participation is awarded uponcompletion. Taught by Becky Patterson, educator.Pre-registration is required. Please bring a lunch,snack and baby-sized doll or stuffed animal tolearn diapering. Classes meet at the main hospitalcampus.$45 per person. Classesare held 9:00 am-2:00pm. Choose a Saturday:January 19, February2, March 30, April 27,May 18.Classes continued on next page9