Don and Lynn Reordan of Jacksonville Physical Therapy have helped people overcome a wide range of orthopedic issues in their office at 635 N. Fifth Street for over twenty years. Folks come to them suffering everything from headaches to back pain and leave feeling listened to, cared for and optimistic about their treatment options. I know this is true from personal experience. Last December, their son, Bret Reordan, joined them in their work.
Recently I met with Bret to help welcome his return to the community. “This is my dream job,” Bret confided. “This is where I grew up. It’s amazing to be part of a smaller community I have roots in.”
But Bret’s early aspirations nearly took him in a different direction. “Physical therapy was never on the radar, in retrospect,” he said. “I kind of knew what my parents did, but I had no real clue in terms of what the intricacies were.” He loved the concept of serving people, and the medical profession drew him from the start. After a successful recovery from a significant knee surgery as a youngster and the ensuing rehabilitation, he leaned toward becoming an orthopedic surgeon. The knee healed well enough for Bret to return to his position as catcher for the South Medford High School baseball team. But as graduation day neared, and Bret took a closer look at the scholastic requirements for a surgeon, committing to another twelve years of schooling didn’t sit right. He desired a closer, more personal engagement with his patient than a doctor’s or surgeon’s schedule allowed.
Bret’s parents never pushed him to follow in their footsteps, but encouraged him to find what moved and inspired him. Still unsure of which branch of medicine to pursue, Bret earned his bachelor’s degree at Portland State University. A career counselor suggested physical therapy. He shared his knee experience with her and just happened to mention his folks were physical therapists. “I think she was a little bit befuddled that I hadn’t thought of it before,” Bret said.
He continued his schooling at George Fox University, earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and received the “Pursuit of Excellence Award.” He also completed an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Residency in Salem.
When he isn’t busy making people feel better, Bret enjoys running, cycling, and outdoor fun with his growing family, including chasing their two-year-old son. Exercise is a family affair. Don and Lynn, along with Bret and his wife, Danielle, competed in a triathlon at Lake of the Woods last September.
“We are happy to be a part of this community. I like following families through the course of their lifespan. Relationship is huge. It’s a joy to be back and enjoy the beauty of the Rogue Valley again.”
Bret is available for appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00am until 5:20pm. Each appointment is a full forty minutes of one-on-one care. Please call the clinic at 541-899-8179 for more information. Welcome home, Bret!