Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset celebrated the 20th anniversary of its sports physical therapy location.
The facility, part of RWJBarnabas Health, is located at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, which serves as home for the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots.
This center offers therapy services for adults and children who have suffered an orthopedic injury, including broken bones, sprains and strains; back and neck pain; pre- and postoperative rehabilitation; and specialized services for athletes, including concussion recovery and injury prevention.
RWJUH Somerset Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Delaney said the flexibility and experience of the location is key.
“The center’s unique location at the ballpark provides a fun, sports atmosphere that patients enjoy and helps motivate them during their rehabilitation and recovery,” he said. “Our physical therapists have expertise working with high school, college, professional and Olympic athletes, and several have been caring for patients at our ballpark location since its earliest days.”
In addition to operating a physical therapy facility at the home of the Somerset Patriots, the hospital has been a longstanding partner of the team, since its first season in 1998. As the official health care provider of the Somerset Patriots, RWJBarnabas Health continues to provide the ball club with access to clinical expertise and has partnered with the team to promote the health of the community through events like an annual Health Night at the ballpark, blood drives and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
Somerset Patriots President Patrick McVerry stated the importance of community involvement.
“Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has been a cornerstone of our community for decades and one of the very best partners our team could ask for,” he said. “It only makes sense that the sports physical therapy location is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the ballpark, because we can’t remember a time when the hospital hasn’t been with us serving central New Jersey and beyond.”
In partnership with the health system, the Somerset Patriots created the Hit a Home Run Program, an educational program for schools to teach children about healthy eating, how to be a good teammate and friend and the importance of exercise. The organizations have collaborated on special events such as Cancer Survivor Celebrations, Breast Cancer Awareness Night, Pride Night and Copa de la Diversion events. The team also recognizes RWJBarnabas Health health care heroes at games throughout the summer.
