Sports therapy clinic expands services

  • Published
  • By Maj. Hans Meissnest
  • 377th Physical Therapy Flight
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  The 377th Medical Group's Sports Therapy Clinic has expanded its services to address the unique needs of active duty members and beneficiaries.

Today's military high ops tempo demands that we provide the best treatment and therapy for any sports or musculoskeletal related injuries as early as possible so that you can return to performing your critical duty.

Service expansion includes a focus both on prevention and early rehabilitation and treatment based on the "mission critical sports medicine initiative." This continuum of care model was built upon the resilient warrior concept of treating every Airman as a "tactical athlete." With this model, we are geared toward keeping our Airmen "in the game" and "fit to fight."

The mission-critical sports medicine initiative comprises programs focusing on smart training, prevention and injury management, including direct access to the sports therapy clinic for acute sports medicine or musculoskeletal issues.

You can call the physical therapy clinic directly at 846-3146 to schedule an appointment. Referral is only required for members under age 18 or over 50, anyone in the Personnel Reliability Program or enrolled in the Flight Medicine Clinic or anyone with major acute trauma.

It also includes direct access to sports medicine prevention programs and prompt musculoskeletal injury management and rehabilitation.

· Walk-in clinic is available for active duty "tactical athletes" weekdays 8-10 a.m. The focus behind this is immediate access to care and rapid return to performing critical wartime missions.

· "Back school" is also available for individuals experiencing acute or chronic low back pain and information is given to address most back pain issues and a screening process identifies individuals requiring a therapy appointment.

· We are in the process of developing a runner's clinic which will address training issues, common injuries and foot and gait assessment with recommendations for appropriate shoe models.

Contact the physical therapy clinic at 846-3146 if you have questions on these and other developing programs that service you, our beneficiaries.