Embracing Change: Moving Our Physical Therapy Clinic After Twenty-Four Years

By Muna Swairjo

After twenty-four wonderful years at our original location, the decision to move our physical therapy clinic was not made lightly. Although it was a choice rooted in growth and necessity, it was not without its share of anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional weight. 

For over two decades, our old space was more than just walls and equipment–it was a place of healing, connection, and countless success stories. Moving meant uprooting that foundation, and many of our patients and colleagues shared their fears about that process. But while those fears are understandable, ultimately, there was nothing to be afraid of.

25th Anniversary Giveaway!

The Center of Medical Arts is turning 25, and we’re so grateful to YOU—our amazing patients—for being part of our journey.

To celebrate this special milestone, we’re hosting a 25th Anniversary Giveaway! It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your care.

How to Enter: Leave us a Google review sharing your experience at The Center of Medical Arts. That’s it! Your review automatically enters you to win one of these wellness-inspired prize packages:

🏆 Prize Options:

1. Two Group Pilates Sessions + a pair of cozy Toe Socks
2. Two Infrared Sauna Sessions + a sleek Copper Water Bottle

Winners will be announced on August 30, so don’t wait—your story could inspire someone else to begin their healing journey!

Thank you for 25 wonderful years. Here’s to many more!

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Patient Sucess

“My wife and I have been coming to CMA for physical therapy for several months. I have herniated disks causing sciatica and neck pain. The traction, laser, and manual therapies they provide have been very effective. My wife had an injury from falling on her back. She also has had excellent results. In addition, weve had great results from the reformer pilates classes they offer. Plus the staff is very caring and dedicated to healing. We fully recommend CMA for anyone in need of physical therapy.” – Les Jamieson

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The Fear of Letting Go

Change, even when it leads to something better, often comes with a sense of loss. Our old clinic was a familiar and comforting space. We knew every creak and corner, and so did many of our long-time patients. There was a quiet ritual to the way the days unfolded there, a rhythm that had become second nature.

The Anxiety of the Unknown

The thought of leaving behind the place where we built our practice and our relationships brought real fear. 

Would patients follow us? Would the new space feel as welcoming? Could we recreate the atmosphere that we had nurtured for years?

Logistics added to the emotional toll. Coordinating the move, renovating a new space, managing schedules, and communicating with patients all felt overwhelming. Every decision, from choosing flooring to ensuring accessibility, came with the pressure of wanting to do right by the community we serve.

At times, we felt doubt about our decision. Would the move disrupt care? Would we lose momentum or, worse, trust?

Finding Strength in Transition

But as we settled into the process, something remarkable happened: we rediscovered the core of what made our clinic special. It was never just the space. It was the people.

Our patients, staff, and community showed incredible support. Many offered to help. They shared their excitement and assured us they would be with us wherever we went. Our fear slowly gave way to hope, and then to enthusiasm.

A New Space, The Same Heart

Today, in our new location, we’ve found renewed energy and possibility. The new clinic is brighter, more spacious, and better equipped to serve our patients. The transition allowed us to update our technology, improve our layout, and expand our services.

Most importantly, we’ve seen how resilience and trust can carry us through change. Familiar faces continue to walk through our doors, and new ones join them. All are drawn by a shared commitment to health, healing, and personal connection.

Laser Therapy: A Light-Based Solution for Pain Relief

Did you know that The Center of Medical Arts offers Laser Therapy as a safe, non-invasive treatment to help reduce pain and accelerate healing? Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or dealing with inflammation, our class IV laser therapy uses targeted light energy to stimulate tissue repair and improve circulation. Most patients experience relief in just a few sessions, with no downtime and no side effects.

Common Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy:

• Muscle strains & joint pain
• Arthritis & tendonitis
• Neck, back & shoulder pain
• Sports injuries
• Post-surgical recovery

Recipe of the Month: One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp & Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, seeds removed and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (4-oz.) salsa verde, store-bought or homemade
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. shrimp, cleaned and tails removed
• 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime, plus more wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large deep skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and pepper and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. 
2. Add rice and toss to toast for 1 minute. Add broth and salsa and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, covered until rice is almost cooked through and with just a slight bite to it, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure rice isn’t sticking to bottom of pan. 
3. In a medium bowl, add shrimp and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to skillet and stir into rice. Cover and continue cooking until rice is completely tender and shrimp is pink, about 5 minutes. 
4. Add cilantro and lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lime wedges.

Staff Spotlight: Marsha Baretta

B.S., M.S. M.ED, is a retired Health & Physical Educator having taught and coached for over 35 years in Connecticut and Springfield College. . She graduated from Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Program following training in New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery. She is fully licensed and trained to teach all modalities of Pilates (Mat, Reformer, Chair, Trap Table, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector). She began teaching Pilates at the Center of Medical Arts (CMA) in 2015.

Marsha is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) she teaches all ages and ability levels. She is experienced with Injury Rehab and the principles of Pilates that apply to recovery. She teaches Group Classes at CMA on weekdays and can be scheduled for Private Sessions.

Aside from teaching Pilates, Marsha is passionate about Movement. She has spent her entire life sharing the joy and benefits of movement with everyone that comes in contact with her. She is a certified PSIA Ski Instructor. She teaches ski lessons in the winter (to all ages) and has taught her family to join her on the slopes. She can also be found hiking and biking during the warmer months.

We Don’t Do Average, We Do AWESOME!

At The Center of Medical Arts, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and physical capabilities through our personalized physical therapy care. Our mission at The Center of Medical Arts is to empower individuals to achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized, evidence-based physical therapy and holistic care. it is our personal goal to make every client and patient of ours a part of the solution or goal you choose to adopt…and not just the recipient of our skills, therapies, and advice.