By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: Greendale Physical Therapy
Address:? 280 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury, with other locations in Worcester and Clinton
Owner: Jon Dooley
Contact Information: 508-753-7780 Shrewsbury; 508-459-5000 Worcester; www.greendalept.com
What services does Greendale Physical Therapy offer?
“We'se a physical therapy clinic. That's our primary focus and what we do best,” said Jon Dooley, owner and director of operations. “We do a lot of training with our staff through a program called Greendale Physical Therapy U., specific courses to create consistency of treatment and quality of care. All our physical therapists have at least a master's degree, and several have doctorates in physical therapy.”
How long have you been in business?
“We'se been open more than 10 years. We moved into this larger facility in Shrewsbury seven months ago. We moved to a larger space in Clinton a year and a half ago. We are seen as the go-to clinic in the area and our continued growth and expansion shows this. We offer aquatic physical therapy for patients from all locations at the Greendale YMCA in Worcester,” Dooley said.
How do people know they need physical therapy?
“Physical therapists do such great work, but people don's always understand what we do or what we treat. A lot of people think we just treat post-surgical patients or athletes, but we treat patients with a variety of conditions including chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, computer-related conditions, and various neurological conditions. We work with a wide range of ages, from young children to older adults. People are often absolutely amazed how well their pain or limitations respond to physical therapy. It does take time, but the benefits are lasting,” he explained.
“If you think you have just a “normal” ache or pain, you should have it evaluated. There is little to no downside to trying physical therapy. So many people are walking around with pain and really would benefit from physical therapy.”
Does a patient need a physician's referral?
“In Massachusetts, people can access physical therapy directly without having to see a physician. More than half of the people who come to us are previous patients or were referred by previous patients. Sometimes insurance will require a referral, and we have great relationships with physicians which helps obtain what is needed. Insurance covers most physical therapy, but the degree to which the services are covered depends on the individual insurance plan.”
Why try physical therapy?
“Physical therapy is all natural. No drugs, and there are beneficial side effects like weight loss and lower blood pressure. Our biggest competitor is the pharmaceutical industry. If people feel sore or have long-standing knee or back pain, they pop a pill. Physical therapists find what is causing the pain then address and correct these causes. I tell patients that typically it will take longer to fix the cause of the pain than the symptom, but who wouldn's want to spend a little more time and get it done properly?” Dooley said.
“People think when they hit 40 they'se going to feel this, when they hit 50, they'se going to feel that, so it's almost a self-fulfilling prophesy. There is plenty of evidence if you stay active, if you exercise and take care of your body, you'sl do very well. And it's never too late to start taking care of yourself.”
