Lisa Cantwell

Sherry Kipe is learning to walk again after an injury crushed bones in her foot. Since January, she's been receiving physical therapy from the staff at Maryland SportsCare and Rehab located in Emmitsburg. "I've come a long way," she said, "It's a great place. It's been fun getting to know so many people. I'd refer anyone here." The Mercersburg, PA native stated that she could receive physical therapy in her hometown, but she prefers the friendly atmosphere located in an office strip mall on Creamery Road, with access to Route 15. It's also near her place of employment, St Catherine's Nursing Center. And, according to Sherry, the staff will "give you just the push you need!"

Under the direction of Clinical Director Christopher A. Horowicz, Maryland SportsCare and Rehab is a busy clinic primarily devoted to orthopedic rehabilitation, but also offers a wellness program and athletic training. "We're here so that people don't have to travel far for quality care," he said, "our primary goal is to return our patients to their prior level of function. We're very good at finding impairment and treating it." A doctor of Physical Therapy, with a BS in Exercise and Sports Science, the Certified Athletic Trainer prefers to be called "Chris" by his patients and clients which range in age from six to 90 years.

Now in its second year, the 1800 square foot rehab center looks somewhat like a health club with six enormous windows illuminating state of the art Cybex fitness equipment, blue cushioned therapy tables and large ceiling-to-floor wall mirrors. However Chris affirms that despite all of the trappings of what appears to be a cozy athletic center, "We're not a gym, we're a wellness center. Make no mistake, there's serious rehab occurring here."

Bones, muscles and joints are treated to return the patients to function by using a precise plan devised by Chris that might involve various sized balls, resistance bands, dumbbells, weights, exercises, ice packs or the Cybex equipment. He stresses that it's important to focus on the patient's particular goal and that any improvement is a success.

"For example, for the knee replacement patient, perhaps it's not a realistic goal to run a marathon, but hiking to the base of Cunningham Falls is," Chris said. Focusing on the practical tasks such as putting the dish away or driving a car are goals that Chris and his staff become very excited about helping their patients achieve.

Staff members include Dawn Krietz, a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant who treats patients cohesively with Chris under his plan of care. Carol Krietz is the receptionist and office assistant responsible for scheduling and billing. "She's my right hand," Chris said.

Andrea True is a certified Athletic Trainer who also works with students at Catoctin High School. Mount St. Mary's intern, Karyn Farrar, is studying physical therapy and helping with patients as is freshman Tim Strausbaugh, who is preparing to attend PT school. The staff members at Maryland SportsCare and Rehab have been serving Mt St Mary's athletes for five years, helping meet their rehabilitation needs.

For those clients who desire further training, the Wellness Center offers a personalized program designed by the staff which utilizes the Cybex equipment. Each exercise machine emphasizes a different body part according to Chris. Weight loss, strength training and cardiovascular exercise are benefits of the program. Clientele can work out individually or with a trainer. Space is limited to 30 participants.

In addition to a thriving PT and athletic training practice, Chris is a runner. He's currently preparing for the New York City marathon and can be seen running the streets and rural back roads of Emmitsburg. He's a runner with a purpose and the glory he derives from the race goes to charity. "I'm running for a foundation that helps develop running programs for under-privileged youth in the USA and world called 'Team for Kids,'" he said. He credits his patients as generous donors who raised $3K for the cause last year. This year he has an ambitious goal of $10K in donations to achieve.

Maryland SportsCare and Rehab is privately owned by a physical therapy practice and has ten locations throughout Maryland. Chris Horowicz is also the director of the Urbana, MD location. For more information and hours, please call the Emmitsburg office at 301-447-1670 or log on to www.mdsportscare.com.