National Rehabilitation Hospital provides comprehensive care for its patients who suffer from complex conditions as well as commonly known injuries. It’s ranked one of the best rehabilitation hospitals in America. NRH is part of the NRH Medical Rehabilitation Network, which provides inpatient and outpatient services at 40 sites in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. These clinics offer its patients local convenience and teams of dedicated doctors and therapists committed to a patient’s personal needs.
In 2004, 31-year-old Risto Worthington he had his sights set on playing in the 2006 World Lacrosse Games. Then, he tore his right knee ACL and medial meniscus. Doctors at another facility 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. The surgery’s sidelined me and I couldn’t play lacrosse or enjoy any physical activity until I was treated at NRH.”
With only two months until the World Games, Risto was referred to NRH’s Rehab Center at Dorsey Hall in Elliott City, Maryland. He was referred to clinic director Scott Ayd, PT for what appeared to be an insurmountable goal – to get Risto in competitive form within 60 days.
Different from previous therapy approaches, Ayd used aggressive knee cap mobilizations with stretching and strengthening exercises three times a week for a couple of hours at a time.
Remarkably, Risto played in the World Games and scored 20 goals, making him the 5th leading scorer in the world.
“Scott is awesome – a miracle worker! He doesn’t approach his job as a business or use a cookie cutter approach to therapy. He listens to you and provides a holistic, personal touch that you need in therapy.”
When Risto returned home, he gave Scott his jersey as a thank you gift for helping him to achieve his goal. Risto plans to participate in the 2008 European Lacrosse Games this summer.