SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- More than 50 U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks staff members gathered in the Physical Therapy Clinic, here, to participate in a variety of activities during an open house, Oct. 24.
Staff in attendance took part in and learned about agility drills; lifting techniques; functional movement screening; running shoe selection; TRX, or suspension training; and Wii balance training.
The open house provided the perfect opportunity for USAHC-SB staff to learn more about the available physical therapy services, meet the staff and tour the clinic, which has grown and expanded services over the past year.
"I was curious about the what, who and where patients experience when going to physical therapy for care," said Dr. Amy Lumeng, a physician at the Troop Medical Clinic, USAHC-SB, who attended the open house. "I was glad to meet the physical therapy staff and match faces with names, many of whom I knew from reviewing my patients' physical therapy notes."
There were more than professional benefits to be had for attending the open house.
"I got great, personalized advice about running shoe selection and (was) challenged by the Wii balance board," Lumeng said. "The physical therapy staff kept (the open house) fun and interactive."
While the activities kept participants interested, they served a dual purpose.
"The open house was really well done," said Col. Mary Krueger, commander, USAHC-SB. "(The staff) showcased several physical therapy modalities which support the surgeon general's performance triad, (stressing the importance of) activity, nutrition and sleep management.
"Staff in the clinic performed functional movement screens on participants to test flexibility, strength, and balance," Krueger continued. "(These) scores can help predict those at higher risk of injury due to decreases in these areas. Even better, there are exercises that patients can participate in to improve their scores, and therefore reduce their risk of injury in targeted way."
According to Maj. Carrie Storer, officer in charge, Physical Therapy and Chiropractic clinics, USAHC-SB, physical therapists examine, evaluate and treat patients with a wide variety of injuries and chronic pain, with the goal of restoring function, reducing pain and preventing injury.
"Musculoskeletal injuries, resulting from training or overuse, are the primary cause of outpatient medical visits and hospitalizations among Soldiers," Storer said. "(The Physical Therapy) Clinic has a highly skilled staff who can provide a wide variety of treatment options for all patients experiencing neurological and musculoskeletal complaints.
"Hopefully, other (USAHC-SB) staff members walked away with a better understanding of what kind of patients we see, what kind of treatments we use, and how we can work with them collaboratively to develop plans for a shared goal of creating healthier, satisfied patients," Storer continued.
The open house was just one of several events planned held throughout October in recognition of National Physical Therapy Month.
Other events held during the month include a presentation on available physical therapy services to the Family Practice Clinic, a back education class and a running form analysis class.
Tripler Army Medical Center's Physical Therapy Clinic also held an open house, Oct. 24, 1:30-3 p.m., to reach out to beneficiaries and educate them about the unique benefits of treatment by a physical therapist.
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U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks' Physical Therapy Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for lunch and Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for training). The clinic sees active duty military, dependents and retirees. Tricare beneficiaries must receive a referral from their primary care manager before being seen at the clinic.
Services provided at the clinic include the evaluation and treatment of nearly all musculoskeletal and neurological conditions to include acute injuries, chronic pain, post-operative rehabilitation, balance deficits, dizziness, and traumatic brain injuries; patient and staff education about common musculoskeletal complaints and exercise; and injury prevention.
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