Southwest Asia --
Physical injuries can happen anywhere, at any time to anyone; but muscle sprains, strains, spasms, and a myriad of other maladies, are all too familiar to service members. To help meet the needs of U.S. and coalition forces here, the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group recently opened a physical therapy clinic.
Staffed by a Major Robert Briggs, a physical therapist, and Tech. Sergeant Ruth Garcia, a physical therapy technician, the new clinic offers a variety of services including musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment, rehabilitative exercise, stretching, neuromuscular education, postural awareness, and modalities for pain management. They also offer clinical expertise in orthopedics, strength and conditioning, trigger point dry needling and manual therapy.
According to the 386th EMDG commander Col. John Brooks, the base saw a trend in a variety of sports-related and occupational injuries that required rehabilitative programs in 2015.
“Approximately two-thirds of all injuries occurring on The Rock are the result of over-use from sports and fitness-related activities,” said Brooks. “Lots of people really get back into fitness mode while deployed. Unfortunately, some of our deployed personnel overdo it and try to get back into shape too quickly or with poor form and technique leading to injuries.”
Prior to the clinic opening, members went to their primary care providers who then made recommendations for minor injuries. Personnel were also able to get orthopedic braces for temporary assistance, but were referred to the nearest Army post for rehab services and specialized care.
“Going to the Army post was a big inconvenience for patients and their units because it could take up to a full day for the appointment including travel time,” said Garcia.
Since its opening, the PT clinic is averaging 60 appointments and treating 45 patients per week. Staff Sgt. Tyerell Dotson, is one such patient.
“Having physical therapy here on base has been very convenient,” he said. “I go in every week to help strengthen my ankle. It would be very difficult to be out every week to go off base for care.”
“We’re very busy but that’s what we’re here for,” Garcia said. “Caring for our Airmen [and coalition partners], that’s the job.”