Mass General Brigham initiative makes physical therapy more accessible

The program serves people of all ages in Waltham

Wait times can be as long as three to six months for people needing to begin physical or occupational therapy, according to Erica Rowden, a physical therapist in the outpatient physical therapy department at Mass General Brigham (MGB) Sports Medicine in Waltham.  

So Rowden’s department at MGB Sports Medicine has developed its Clinical Outreach Program to help people while they wait or even before they need therapy. 

The initiative also addresses accessibility issues for high schoolers and community members who lack transportation or insurance coverage for physical therapy.

Rowden and clinical support lead Julia Langlois began the initiative in 2023 to promote awareness, injury prevention and wellness among the public. 

They offer a number of classes to get the message out.

Waltham classes, which are mostly held at the Stanley Senior Center, include lessons on fall prevention, hand strength and arthritis. They also offer monthly consulting with participants in the walking group. 

(Classes at the Stanley Senior Center are only open to members of the center. Membership is free, available to people age 60 or older, and open to nonresidents. Members must register for classes.) 

The Clinical Outreach Program also holds a program on neuropathy and balance at the Waltham YMCA. Two presentations are also scheduled at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, one on bodyweight and strength training for the basketball team, and the other on careers in health sciences.

The Clinical Outreach Program has scheduled presentations in neighboring communities, including at the West Suburban YMCA in Newton and the Lexington Community Center. 

In addition to educating the general public, the initiative targets personal trainers and strength coaches who work with adults and student-athletes to help prevent injuries before they happen.

Since its beginning, the initiative has involved 63 presentations reaching more than 1,300 people.

“We’re striving to bridge gaps and make care more equitable,” Rowden said.

2025 schedule

Date and time	Location	Group class
March 11, 1-2 p.m.	Waltham Y	Neuropathy: How sensation changes can affect our balance, strength and mobility
March 13, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Fall Prevention For Older Adults
March 19, 10-11 a.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Waltham Walks
March 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Newton Y	Exercise/stroke
April 10, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Healthy Hand
April 16, 10-11 a.m.	Newton Y	Managing Mental Health Symptoms in the Neurological Population
May 8, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Pelvic Floor
May 21, 10-11 a.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Waltham Walks
June 12, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Strengthening for Bone Density
July 10, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Exercise Recommendations for Older Adults
August 15, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Neuropathy
Sept. 11, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Oct. 9, 1-2 p.m.	Stanley Senior Center	Exercise After Stroke