Physical therapy team rehabilitates Airmen, Families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha Mans
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Whether you sprained your wrist throwing the game-winning pitch or are recovering from a combat related injury, the three-person physical therapy team at Aviano's 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron has the cure. Between them, they support approximately 350 visits per month from active duty members, spouses or retirees.

A typical day at physical therapy consists of patients coming in for evaluations, exercises, traction, or electrical stimulation treatments and hands-on care such as joint mobilization and stretching.

"I like to help people and make a difference in people's lives," said Maj. Matthew Ostler, 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, physical therapist.

First, Maj. Ostler evaluates the individual's condition. After evaluation, Maj. Ostler may prescribe treatments such as traction, done by a machine that stretches tight spinal muscles and takes pressure off of the discs and joints exercises, electrical stimulation, ultra sound, and stretches. He may also prescribe diet plans for patients depending on their needs. Patients may even be given at home exercises in addition to in-office treatments.
Depending on what treatment is prescribed, depends on how the technicians and the patient work together to carry out the therapy.

"We monitor and record a patient's progress and focus on educating our patients in the proper techniques of all exercises," says Staff Sgt. Samantha Gray, one of only two physical therapy technicians assigned to Aviano. "We also schedule all appointments as well as review treatment plans with our therapist."

The clinic only sees patients on a referral basis through their primary care manager. Once a patient is referred, it takes about three weeks to get an appointment.

While their primary mission is to provide therapy for injuries, prevention is just as critical.

"Physical Therapy is not all about getting people rehabilitated from injuries," said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Israel. "A huge portion of our job is to educate them so they do not get injured. If you take care of yourself now, you are setting yourself up for a healthy and active life later on."

The physical therapy clinic offers two exercise classes every Tuesday and Thursday: A knee exercise class at 9 a.m. and a core training class at 1 p.m. at the clinic. The core training class is a series of exercises designed to strengthen the core.

"When the core is strong, people will have less back pain and will be able to do more with less fatigue," said Staff Sgt. Israel. "The core program is designed to help people learn what exercises will prevent future injury."

The knee program is much like the core program in regards to strengthening the knee and surrounding areas. The classes focus on balance and increasing the strength of the small stabilization muscles. During this class, patients will encounter different forces much like the ones they would find at the gym or while playing sports. For more information on classes and hours, call 632-4068.

"Every day I realize how lucky I am to be doing something I love," says Staff Sgt. Gray. "It is great when I see a former patient that came into the clinic on crutches now running or back to playing sports again. We get a lot of positive feedback from people all over the base about what we do and it only motivates us to strive to be even better."

The physical therapy office is located at the Health and Wellness Center in area F. They have a gym that is open to card holders on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.