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380AEW Article

Physical therapy available at 380 AEW

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Eric Peterson
  • 180th Air Expeditionary Wing
Undisclosed location --  The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing began offering the first physical therapy clinical services to its members in April.

Air Force Capt. Jared Bueche, physical therapist, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Zach Faasse, physical therapy technician, arrived on location, set up their office and were seeing patients at the clinic within one week.

"We've been working on filling out the necessary forms to get the equipment and supplies needed to launch our clinic," said Faasse. Since we're the first ones here, we didn't come to a fully-functional clinic with scheduled patients. Our patient load is ramping up and in two weeks it should be a lot different, and should be dominated by patient care."

While the clinic may not currently offer all of the high-tech equipment seen at a state-side location, Bueche said the expeditionary medical group leadership is supporting efforts to get some of that same equipment to best serve the Airmen of the 380 AEW.

He said what makes Air Force physical therapists unique in the health care field is that they carry their own tools to provide quality patient care at home station or while serving at a deployed location.

"Despite some of the changes in surroundings and equipment, physical therapists are equipped with a large amount of diagnostic knowledge and treatment know-how," said Bueche.

According to Bueche, physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system and the study of human motion. This knowledge can be useful when looking for problems in working environments that may lead to occupational injuries.

The physical therapy clinic can assist offices with evaluating workspaces for occupational risks and can also provide problem solving, education and prevention services to support units or missions during scheduled site visits.

Bueche cited statistics regarding the type of injuries his office sees.

"The vast majority of injuries we see are neuromusculoskeletal in nature," said Bueche. "In fact, historically, up to 75 percent of all medical evacuations from the AOR are due to non-combat, musculoskeletal injuries."

The physical therapist's treatment techniques include specific stretches and exercises for each patient. He employs targeted soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization and manipulation, including spinal work.

Bueche says physical therapy results can be dependent upon the condition being treated and the patient, but he has seen dramatic results following treatment. Most individuals are able to return to active duty with no long-term work limitations.

He encourages Airmen to contact a physical therapist if they have recurring issues with previous injuries.

"Some amount of joint and muscle ache, pain and stiffness are normal and common," said Bueche.  "They are a part of life, especially in the Air Force, and can be part of the natural aging process. However, if there is recurrent swelling, limited range of motion, or pain that is not resolving and interferes with a person's function with daily activities, then they should seek an evaluation by a physical therapist."