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Gwinnett’s New Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center Treats Everyone Like a MVP When an Atlanta Falcons player gets hurt on the field, it takes only seconds for a team of highly trained medical professionals and physical therapists to rush out onto the turf to his aid. If necessary, those individuals will take the player back to the locker room to examine him closely, diagnose his injury and determine the most effective treatment. Then they spend a great deal of time concentrating on the injury, using the most advanced sports medicine and rehabilitation techniques to get that athlete healed quickly and in top playing form again so he can delight fans throughout Metro Atlanta on Sunday afternoons.
“We’re about real people — people who want the same level of access to top-quality therapists that the professionals have. We are about extending that elite, outstanding care provided to professionals to the general public,” noted Dan Gordon, AMB Group business development director. “And the Atlanta Falcons is a name that you trust. It’s a quality brand that you can identify with outstanding performance and very high standards.” Seeing first-hand the level of care provided to Falcons players year-round is what encouraged a leadership team from AMB Group to find a way to benefit the community-at-large with that unique and exclusive core competency. Together, the members conducted extensive research, analyzing the industry, consulting with medical practitioners and academic leaders and listening to what patients would want in a state-of-the-art physical therapy center. The result of their efforts is the very first Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center, a 3,000-square-foot facility located on Satellite Boulevard in Suwanee. Opened in early October, the center is serving Gwinnett County residents of all ages with patient-centric, individualized care and a wide variety of community-focused initiatives. In a League of its Own “No injury is minor to us. We want to treat everyone that comes into our center with the utmost care. So no matter how small the injury or how large the injury, we’re prepared for you,” said Gordon, who explained that the center’s No. 1 priority is hiring the most talented, experienced and supportive physical therapists in the field. The Gwinnett location currently employs three full-time licensed and certified associates, who work one-on-one with patients to develop customized rehabilitation programs. The treatment plans are designed in collaboration with patients’ primary care or referring physicians to ensure that the most appropriate measures are being taken. “We will listen to the doctor very carefully and want to make sure we’re respecting the physician’s goals,” Gordon added. “At the same time, we want to make sure that from a physical therapy standpoint, we’re doing our part.” By summer 2008, AMB Group plans to have three Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers up and running in Metro Atlanta. That means infusing the physical therapy process with an educational component that gives patients the opportunity to fully comprehend their injuries and how to approach them, whether they have a sports injury, a work-related affliction, post-operative issues or a chronic pain condition. “We do everything we can to help patients heal properly, and part of it is making them understand why they need to do their exercise in and out of the center,” he continued. “[We explain] how the body is working. The more we educate patients, the more we believe they’ll do their therapy properly, and that will help them reach their goal faster and more accurately.”
“The center has a really powerful personality — it’s a sophisticated, sporty feel, and I think a lot people will really enjoy that type of environment,” Gordon said. “At the end of the day, the center is designed to make everyone feel comfortable and motivated. We’re here to go beyond just helping you recover. We want to enhance your well-being and your quality of life.” Spreading Its Wings By summer 2008, AMB Group plans to have three Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers up and running in Metro Atlanta, including the Suwanee location. And while each facility will be committed to providing exceptional physical therapy and rehabilitation services to local residents, they also will put a philanthropic spin on those services with a series of community outreach programs, just like the current center is doing right now. An excellent example of the center’s community-minded focus is its partnership with North Gwinnett High School, which has named the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers as its official provider of athletic training and physical therapy services. At no cost, the organization furnishes the school with a certified athletic trainer who works on the sidelines of all major sporting events, supporting North Gwinnett High’s athletes — both boys and girls — as they compete. And now that the Gwinnett location is officially open, those young men and women can take advantage of the facility, its therapists and its equipment. “Of course, we don’t ever want any of our athletes to be injured. But we also want to ensure that they have access to the best possible care if that does happen,” said Dr. John Green, principal of North Gwinnett High School. “We want them to know that they’re not on their own. As a school, we’re committed to providing them with a high level of service.” Therefore, the partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers is “a good match and a natural fit” because “both organizations want the best care for students.” What’s more, AMB Group wants all community members not only to have that kind of high-quality care, but also to enjoy lives of health and wellness. “There are all kinds of ways that we can partner [with local organizations] and deepen our impact in the community,” Gordon revealed. In Gwinnett, for instance, that involves being of service to the growing elderly population, as well as to medical professionals, local athletic teams, more educational institutions, hospitals and other entities. From offering free clinics to having physical therapists give lectures or presentations, the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center will play an active role in everyday community life. “Knowing that this state-of-the-art facility is right in your back yard sends the message that the Physical Therapy Centers are dedicated to sharing their highly-skilled and professional services with the community. They are committed to enhancing quality of life for all [Gwinnett County residents],” said Nick Masino, the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce’s vice president for economic development. “The fact that they are a healthcare provider, offer unique, innovative services and are openly interested in improving our citizens’ quality of life makes them a great asset to the success of Partnership Gwinnett, Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative focusing on targeted industries like Healthcare.” “We’re always here to listen and respond to the community,” Gordon remarked. “The Blank family of businesses has a wonderful relationship with Gwinnett, and we consider Gwinnett and the Suwanee community to be a friend of the organization. We want to be a major investor in the community, and we look forward to supporting the people in this area.” Looking Beyond Recovery If you got injured today, you would now know where to go. But you really don’t have to suffer an injury to benefit from the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers’ services. In fact, for the physical therapists and staff members, prevention is just as important as recovery. That’s why the Gwinnett location offers injury prevention and performance enhancement programs that were devised “as a way to keep people on the field, rather than treat them if they get injured,” according to Gordon. “There are times when you have a former injury or you’re not hurt, but you want to figure out ways to land better, jump higher or get stronger in your game. That’s where performance enhancing comes into play. We can help people become more injury-resistant and learn different ways to become more effective in their sporting and other [life] roles.” He concluded, “We’ve done everything we can to provide patients with the best therapy, the best equipment and the best environment possible. It’s all about helping you reach your full potential.” So, although you may never know what it’s like to kick the game-winning field goal, you can be treated like one of the pros. And that first-rate treatment is covered by most major insurance plans. Touchdown! PN For More Information
Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers |
Leveling the Playing Field 
Of course, when you get hurt, whether it’s a leg injury suffered during a softball game or a back injury sustained on the job, you most likely don’t have a dedicated group of physical therapy specialists swarming around you to figure out the next course of action and ensure that you recover. But that’s about to change thanks to the new Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers. A concept from AMB Group, LLC, the company that provides management and investment services to businesses owned by retired Home Depot co-founder and Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank, the centers are designed to bring professional-grade physical therapy and sports rehabilitation services to the masses. 
What also helps is the center’s dedication to offering the latest diagnostic and rehab equipment in a setting that’s not only conducive to providing personalized outpatient care, but also motivational for athletes and non-athletes alike. The current center features a clinical section where patients can confer with therapists, two private treatment rooms, specific fitness zones that are designated for both high-impact physical activity and soft tissue mobilization exercises, and much more. In addition, the facility’s cutting-edge rehabilitation and workout equipment is unlike anything found at a typical gym, with everything from advanced ultrasound instruments to the newest top-of-the-line fitness and strength machines being available for patients. Even massage tables with head cradles that promote comfort and relaxation have been specially selected. And the center’s atmosphere has what Gordon calls a “Falcons feeling,” with lots of light streaming in the numerous windows and audio and video controls that allow patients to enjoy upbeat music and entertaining videos while they work out, among many other thoughtful details.