435th MDG celebrates Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy or “PT” month, and the Ramstein Clinic has two physical therapists, Maj. Aileen Boone, Element chief, and Capt. Scott Jones. The clinic also has three technicians, Tech. Sgt. Joydette Galloway, NCOIC, Staff Sgt. Maria Duluc and Staff Sgt. Jessica Rivera.

Most people think of PT either as a spa or a place designed to provide pain and torture (as some patients say). The truth is that it can be a little bit of both. Some PT treatments are for injury prevention and others are for rehabilitation. Ninety-five percent of all patients leave the clinic with a customized home exercise program that can be performed during his/her own time. The clinic specializes in musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains, strains, nerve damage, as well as pre- and post-care for operative orthopedic conditions. The clinic’s goal is to return servicemembers to duty as soon as possible so they can complete their mission.

The PT clinic offers a number of programs, including a spine clinic, Health and Wellness Center program, and the new walk-in clinic. The spine clinic begins at 1 p.m. every Wednesday with a back pain class, followed by a one-on-one patient evaluation and instruction on a personalized exercise plan. The HAWC satellite clinic is for patients who have progressed to a gym-based program that can be continued after discharge from the PT clinic. The walk-in clinic is held each Monday from 7 to 9 a.m. for active duty members who have foot, knee or ankle problems. A therapist is available for evaluations at this time.

In celebration of National Physical Therapy month, the PT Team will host a fitness challenge 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Southside Fitness Center. In addition to prizes, information on injury prevention and instructions on safely starting or returning to a running program without incurring injuries will be provided.

(Courtesy of the 435th Medical Group)