Photo By Senior Airman Faith Iris Macilvaine | Senior Airman May Cortez, physical therapy technician, assists Airman 1st Class Kyle...... read more read more
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The 90th Medical Group physical therapy flight is reopening physical therapy beginning June 28, 2021, at F.E Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
Their mission is to ensure the physical well-being and ability of the active-duty population on F.E. Warren Air Force Base.
The base has been without a physical therapist for a year, but will now be establishing regular clinic walk-ins for acute injuries.
Orthopedic care, post-surgical care, running analysis, reconditioning, spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and more, is offered to active duty members. Those who have duty limiting conditions, certain profile conditions, or are in Personnel Reliability Assurance Program have prioritized care.
Physical therapy is a low risk, but highly effective medical intervention.
“Many people don’t know that I am a primary care provider, meaning patients can see us directly without a referral,” said Captain Elizabeth Buss, physical therapy flight commander. “We’re here to help get you back to performing status, come see us sooner rather than later to prevent possible further injuries.”
Many military members deal with the physical demands of their job every day. Security Forces wear heavy gear, carry weapons, and engage in combatives. Maintainers lift, pull, and push heavy equipment. Missileers enter/exit an underground launch control center via a ladder. Helicopter pilots/aircrews must have the physical strength/endurance to withstand long missions in cramped positions with vibrational forces.
“All of the above nuclear-related missions come with increased mental load…and when the body is hurting, it impacts our mental wellness too, “ said Buss. “The Human Weapon system is our most valuable asset and it’s our job to ensure it’s in top working order.”
The physical therapy team includes Buss, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a board-certified orthopedic specialist along with three other physical therapy technicians. The physical therapy technician training is very academically challenging, crammed with medical and anatomy knowledge. The team works together to treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
“My advice would be to allow your body to build up to the task, we see a lot of back injuries, running injuries, and more,” said Tech. Sgt. Randy Slaba, physical therapy flight chief.
Certain referrals will still be directed to network partners. The physical therapy staff is trained to evaluate and diagnose and refer to imaging or other specialists as needed.
“We work closely with the off-base physical therapy clinics to help them understand the nature of our military mission and the physical demands of the jobs here, “ said Buss. “We haven’t helped too many yet as we are just reopening but expect that number to change soon.”
The physical therapy will begin actively seeing patients again on June 28th, 2021. Active duty members can use the appointment line or call the clinic at x3406 to make an appointment.
“It’s wonderful to offer this service again”, said Buss.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.05.2021 21:11 |
| Story ID: | 399962 |
| Location: | CHEYENNE, WYOMING, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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