Megan, a busy mom of three, understands the hectic lifestyle of parents in our vibrant town. She prioritizes keeping her own kids and all children in the community injury-free.
What is the name of your business?
M.K. Barclay, MSPT, P.C. A boutique/ concierge physical therapy practice.
How would you describe your work?
I evaluate and treat orthopedic and sports related injuries, provide post operative care, and help get people back to enjoying what they like to do. I also have a passion for injury prevention and a knack for quickly identifying movement pattern dysfunction that leads to injuries.
I have been working as an ortho/ sports medicine physical therapist since I graduated from school close to 25 years ago. I worked at 3 different out-patient private physical therapy practices with many high level and professional athletes before touring in Europe with Mikhail Baryshnikov. After that I opened my own practice, first in NYC and more recently in Rye.
How did you get started as a physical therapist?
As an undergraduate psychology major at Holy Cross, I was doing research on sensation and perception with my professor. His wife was a physical therapist and he exposed me to the field of physical therapy through her work. Initially I was interested in studying spastic gait patterns of children with cerebal palsy but while in graduate school my interest expanded from pediatrics to orthopedics.
When I first started my own business in NYC, I was asked to work privately and did a lot of house calls, which limited my overhead. I was fortunate to have a wealthy clientele that had their own gyms with equipment. Then a colleague of mine offered me to sublet his space, which was on the Upper East Side. At that point I couldn’t fit all my
home visits into my schedule, so it was a natural progression to take on an office space. Then my colleague moved to Florida and I took over the lease and kept growing.
What were some of your past projects/jobs?
(Aside from what I listed above), I consulted for a company called Wellgate for Women which created the first ever line of orthopedic supports for women.
At the time there were no good looking orthopedic supports made just for women. Everything was very masculine and Darth Vadar looking, poorly fitting for women’s bodies and challenging to wear with female shoes and attire. It was fun for me to combine my love of anatomy, athletics and problem solving with design.
Many players are needed to make a winning team, and make something from nothing. It was really fun to see professionals (engineers, designers, marketers) with different strengths create something together.
What do you love most about what you do?
I understand the relationship between exercise, community, hobbies, longevity and happiness. I love solving problems to eliminate pain and help people return to activities that bring them joy.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced? How did you overcome that challenge?
As was the case for many businesses especially in NYC and all that required in person contact, Covid was quite challenging so I pivoted back to home visits, did telehealth and now finally opened an office closer to home which was always on my to do list since we moved here. As Maria says in The Sound of Music “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window”. It just might take some patience and resilience.
What is your best tip for moms?
Rye is an extremely supportive town with numerous sub communities within one small town community. Becoming a mom, especially during the first few months at home with an infant, can be a very isolating experience. Showing up goes a long way, whether it is meeting a friend for a walk, a cold plunge, pilates class or yoga class. You just have to ask. Consistency and self- care is key and challenging for moms to do when they are taking care of everyone else. When you align one friend with your self-care routine compliance goes way up.
While in graduate school, I helped to organize a 5K race for rehab to raise money for the Achilles Track Club. To this day, the race continues to provide funds to help people with disabilities stay involved in athletic programs and compete in races. Locally, I really admire what Soul Ryeders has done to create this annual half marathon in our town and all the help they have given people affected by cancer. Moms can get involved by participating or volunteering by themselves or even better, with their kids. Last year my 1 year old daughter and I waved flags and assisted as course guides. Any community event though that gives back while encouraging us all to improve our physical, mental and emotional state I support.
The American track coach and co-founder of Nike once said “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” And I say, if you are a mom, you are a pentathlete. There are so many different physical demands placed on moms. Women's bodies are structurally different than mens, making them more susceptible to different injuries. I advise all moms to listen to their physical needs and go to healthcare providers who will take the time to listen. Also be an advocate for yourself and your children and look at ways to reduce injury rates such as posture assessments, lifting mechanics, baseline concussion testing, and ACL or any sports injury screening. Back to school season is an excellent time to do this.
What are some alternative careers you would have liked to have? Marine Biologist or Engineer
Other fun details about you: favorite books, Netflix, fun facts, or other:
As a female rower, Lessons in Chemistry is up there but I also love Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Zero to One by Peter Thiel, and The Anatomist: A True Story of Gray’s Anatomy by Bill Hayes.
I am loving The Bear on Hulu. Luckily I don’t know any Rye moms like the one on that show!
Find Megan at:
Website: https://www.mkbarclaypt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkbarclaypt_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Thank you to Sportech in Rye Brook for sponsoring this story!
Check them out here: https://sportechryebrook.com/
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