If you are a Command and General Staff College (CGSC) student suffering from pain in your shoulders, neck, back and knees, the time is now to seek help from Munson's new Executive Wellness Physical Therapy Program (EWPT).
Readiness, the number one priority in our military, is significantly impacted by musculoskeletal injuries and obesity. Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading reason why soldiers seek medical care, and the top risk factor decreasing the likelihood soldiers can deploy.
Munson Army Health Center (MAHC) has started a new physical therapy program in November 2016 to accompany the "Ready Soldier" campaign.
"We want to raise awareness of the impact of musculoskeletal injuries and obesity on military readiness" said Cpt. Lindsay B. Gordon PT, DPT, OCS, and Executive Wellness Physical Therapy Director.
Educating soldiers, service members, and beneficiaries on the details of this program have already made a difference in soldiers getting much needed care. In addition, MAHC promotes the Performance Triad that focuses on sleep, activity and nutrition. Munson has dedicated experts in each domain of the Performance Triad who can provide more individualized attention to patients who need more assistance.
"I decided to take advantage of the EWPT program after Cpt. Gordon came to our class and briefed us on how Physical Therapy can help improve our physical health" said Maj. Jeffery L. Hoover, Command and General Staff College student. "This program has already improved my overall flexibility and lowered my pain level in my neck, lower back, hips and feet. The range of motion in my neck has vastly improved and I don't have the dull pain in my lower back on a daily basis" added Maj. Hoover.
The EWPT program also focuses on injury prevention, early detection and proper treatment of injuries. The majority of musculoskeletal injuries will resolve given the proper care.
"We see soldiers who continue to run on an ankle sprain or hurt knee, or continue to do push-ups on a hurt shoulder -- this turns these injuries into more chronic conditions, and causes compensatory overuse conditions" said Cpt. Gordon PT, DPT, OCS.
MAHC recommends that you see your primary care provider or physical therapist for any musculoskeletal condition right away so these injuries do not turn into a chronic problem.
"The EWPT program offers a custom holistic approach with guided workouts and the ability to schedule directly with Cpt. Gordon. This is very convenient, given the busy academic year as a CGSC student" said Maj. Calvin "Quake" Peterson, Command and General Staff College Student. "I have already seen results in that my hip pain is completely gone. The hip pain was disrupting my sleep, which is why Cpt. Gordon tackled that issue first."
In the future, Cpt. Gordon will be holding upcoming Musculoskeletal Education lectures. This series of lectures will bring awareness to various common injuries and conditions that impact medical readiness.
"I've had back soreness for many years and have never been able to keep it from not recurring. This program has identified why I have back issues, and Cpt. Gordon's individualized program is helping to strengthen my back and core muscles. I am a victim of my own bad habits and this program is helping correct those habits" said Maj. Eric Trovillo,
"The time is now to get any musculoskeletal injuries and other health issues treated so that they don't become bigger issues that take soldiers out of the fight and impact readiness" added Cpt. Gordon PT, DPT, OCS.
MAHC beneficiaries can make a same day appointment by calling the AARCC at (913) 684-6250. For musculoskeletal injuries, your PCM may put in a referral to physical therapy or for acute injuries the physical therapy clinic now offers an acute care clinic twice a week.
For CGSC students, the Executive Wellness Physical Therapist is your direct point of contact to take care of all your musculoskeletal concerns. Sign up today to work toward your goals of being a "Ready Soldier."
For more information on the EWPT program call 684-6156/6338.
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