With Help from MGH Institute Physical Therapist Dan Dyrek '03, the Boston Red Sox Have Reached the 2013 World Series

One of the reasons why the Boston Red Sox have reached the 2013 World Series is due to the work of a man who never put on a uniform or faced a big league pitcher.

Dan Dyrek, PT, DPT, a 2003 Doctor of Physical Therapy alumnus of MGH Institute of Health Professions, became Coordinator of Sports Medicine for the 2013 season after being a consultant the prior year. His mission: to work on keeping the players on the field and off the disabled list.

And other than season-ending surgeries to relievers Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Miller, which he could have done nothing to prevent, he was part of a medical staff that accomplished that goal and helped them go from last place to first and capture the American League pennant.

Rob Bradford of WEEI.com recently wrote a story on Dr. Dyrek’s special relationship with designated hitter David Ortiz, who calls him a “genius” and credits him for helping the slugger recover from an Achilles tendon injury many thought would end Ortiz’s career. With Dr. Dyrek’s assistance, Ortiz has regained his status as one of the game’s most-feared sluggers.

The story compares Dr. Dyrek’s work with Ortiz to his efforts with Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird, for whom he helped extend the basketball Hall of Famer’s career by several years after back woes threatened to sideline him prematurely.

Working with top-level athletes is nothing new to Dr. Dyrek. In addition to his years working with the Celtics, he has worked with players on the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots, as well as more than 1,000 professional athletes from around the country at the Olympic, international, and collegiate levels.

With the Sox set to begin Game 1 tonight at Fenway Park against the St. Louis Cardinals in a rematch of the 2004 Fall Classic, fans of Red Sox Nation can be thankful that Dr. Dan Dyrek has ensured the team is physically prepared to capture their third title in nine years.