Aaron Reinhardt PT, MPT, joined Spooner in 2004. He recently celebrated his 20th anniversary, marking an incredible milestone! This remarkable achievement reflects Aaron’s dedication and contributions to the physical therapy profession and Spooner. Join us as we dive into Aaron’s journey, career highlights, and valuable advice he has for aspiring physical therapists.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AT SPOONER?
Before joining Spooner, Aaron treated patients in North Dakota for seven years. Recruited by Tim Spooner and Christy Shaft, Aaron moved to Arizona and played a crucial role in opening the Glendale clinic in 2005. Despite having no prior experience leading a clinic, Aaron embraced the challenge and turned Spooner Glendale into a thriving, fully staffed, and profitable establishment. Aaron was able to turn the vision for the clinic into a reality.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS
Aaron’s journey at Spooner began in 2004 as a physical therapist, working across various locations to better understand the inner workings of business operations, as well as the ingredients to success. In 2005, Aaron was offered an opportunity he couldn’t refuse – co-owner and clinic director. As the clinic grew, it was determined that Aaron’s greatest value to the expanding clinic was to spend more time in physician relationships and pushing Worker’s Compensation contracts. He continued to contribute as a therapist and later took on the role of CCCE (Center Coordinator of Clinical Education), where he was responsible for establishing relationships with graduate programs and guiding students through clinical rotations with Spooner. Aaron was the CCCE for four years before transitioning into a bridge therapist role in 2019. To this day, Aaron continues to serve the local community as a bridge therapist, a role he finds both fulfilling and motivating.
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING EVERY DAY?
For Aaron, motivation comes from his passion for helping people. Initially driven by the desire to see the Glendale clinic succeed, he later focused on making a difference in patients’ lives. Helping people was the sole reason Aaron got into physical therapy in the first place. He wanted to help people and become a resource to the community.
Stepping into his role as a bridge therapist also motivated Aaron because it allowed him to work in various settings with different people, preventing the repetition that can come from staying in the same position/location for too long.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW GRADS?
Aaron advises new graduates to seek job opportunities at clinics with a diverse range of therapists and expertise. Exposure to different types of injuries and treatment methods will enhance their learning beyond what is taught in PT school.
Additionally, Aaron emphasizes the importance of accepting that not every patient can be “fixed.” Factors beyond a therapist’s control, such as a patient’s body’s response or cooperation, can impact outcomes. The key is to focus on what you can control, give your best efforts, and maintain honesty with patients.
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME OUTSIDE OF THE CLINIC?
Aaron enjoys staying active outside of work by playing men’s ice hockey, hiking, and weightlifting. He treasures the time he gets to spend with his three children. A fun fact about Aaron: he is a devoted Dave Matthews Band fan and has been to about 41 of his concerts. Music serves as an escape for Aaron, so if you ever find yourself in need of song recommendations, he is your go-to person.
Join us in celebrating Aaron Reinhardt’s incredible 20-year journey at Spooner and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his patients and colleagues.
“Aaron is someone you always want in the room— outgoing, funny, and full of unique interests in music and life pursuits. His dedication to his craft is evident in his long-standing practice of front-line physical therapy, where his ability to engage with patients is exceptional.
What stands out about Aaron is his open-mindedness and willingness to embrace new ways of doing things. He has taken his foundational skill set and expanded it into a much more diverse and enriched practice. Aaron has come full circle throughout his career, excelling as a therapist, teacher, mentor, and leader directing others. He continues to demonstrate and spread our culture in his role as a bridge therapist.
I am thankful for his introduction to the Dave Matthews Band, which we used to crank up while writing our notes at the end of long treating days. It’s those little moments that remind me how much Aaron has enriched our workplace.
It’s hard to do justice to someone you’ve known for over 20 years in just a few sentences, but Aaron, your impact on Spooner and all of us here is immeasurable. Congratulations on this milestone, and here’s to many more years of excellence!”
Tim Spooner
“Aaron has been such a great friend, partner, and peer through the years. Your influence resonates with so many individuals through your efforts in supporting our staff, developing our people, and, of course, your passion for caring for the community. You are loyal to your patients and co-workers, and your perseverance is noticed. I am so grateful to have shared part of your journey! We have weathered the storm together, learned a lot together, shared a bottle of wine together, and we keep on pushing! Thank you!”
Christy Shaft