In 2004, 31-year-old Risto Worthington had his sights set on playing in the 2006 World Lacrosse Games. Then, he tore his right ACL and medial meniscus. Doctors recommended surgery and extensive therapy. No stranger to injury, Risto thought he would have plenty of time to recover. But one surgery turned into four surgeries and his hopes started to dim. Despite months of therapy, Worthington still couldn’t run or bear any considerable weight on his right leg.

“Life was awful. It was one disappointment after another. I couldn’t play lacrosse or enjoy any physical activity until I was treated at NRH,” Worthington explained. With only two months until the World Games, Risto was referred to NRH’s Regional Rehab at Dorsey Hall in Elliott City, MD to get in competitive form within 60 days.

His therapy involved knee cap mobilizations with stretching and strengthening exercises several times a week. Remarkably, Risto played in the World Games and scored 20 goals, making him the 5th leading scorer in the world. When Risto returned home, he gave Scott Ayd, his PT, his jersey as a thank you gift for helping him to achieve his goal.