Physical Therapy Clinic opens at D-M

The Aquatic Rehab Treadmill, on display at the Physical Therapy Clinic’s grand opening at D-M April 26, lessens the impact on joints and affords runners quicker recovery progress after an injury. One of many new pieces of equipment at the new PTC, the treadmill will be available for use in June. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jamie Coggan)

Physical Therapy Clinic opens at D-M

Col. Kent Laughbaum, commander of the 355th Fighter Wing, joins the 355th Medical Operations Squadron’s Physical Therapy Team to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the new Physical Therapy Clinic here April 26. The clinic is expected to treat about 600 patients per month. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jamie Coggan)

Physical Therapy Clinic opens at D-M

Michael Colombo, an athletic trainer for the 355th Medical Operations Squadron, jumps with 24 pounds of resistance on the Vertimax, the only jump-training equipment system in the Air Force. The Vertimax, which can provide up to 96 pounds of resistance, was introduced during the April 26 grand opening of D-M’s new Physical Therapy Clinic. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jamie Coggan)

Physical Therapy Clinic opens at D-M

Michael Colombo, an athletic trainer for the 355th Medical Operations Squadron, demonstrates how the rebounder trampoline promotes stability and balance during the Physical Therapy Clinic’s grand opening at D-M April 26. The rebounder is a partner-free exercise tool that is used after shoulder, knee or ankle injuries. It also helps improve throwing mechanics and hand-eye coordination. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jamie Coggan)

Physical Therapy Clinic opens at D-M

Published May 10, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Melissa Copeland
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- After more than two years of extensive planning and construction efforts, D-M's Physical Therapy Clinic opened its doors to patients during a grand opening ceremony April 26.

The clinic, which is open to active-duty servicemembers, retirees and their families, expects to treat about 600 patients per month.

"We aggressively treat and manage orthopedic neuromuscular problems of the spine and extremities," said Maj. Randy Green, chief of physical therapy for the 355th Medical Group. "Our focus is sports-medicine physical therapy."

Services provided by staff at the clinic include the following:

-- Acute care for active-duty servicemembers

-- Athletic taping

-- Supervised exercise training

-- Electrical and thermal modalities

-- Manual therapy, to include manipulation of the spine and extremities

-- Ergonomic training

-- Fitness training

-- Injury prevention training

Many of the improvements made to the clinic and equipment will have a tremendous impact on the health of patients and the staff, Major Green said.

One such improvement to the clinic is the only "jump training" equipment system in the Air Force.

"This equipment is used by the National Basketball Association and collegiate teams for first-step quickness and explosive power," said Major Green.

Other equipment featured in the clinic includes the following:

-- Aquatic Rehabilitation Treadmill (available in June) - designed to lessen impact on joints. Also aids in quick recovery process after an injury
-- Dynamic Edge and Gravitron - provide low-impact exercises for aerobic training and isolated training of the shoulders and knees

-- Functional training equipment - which uses Air Compressor Resistance to allow for more fluid movement during range of motion

-- Plyometric equipment - use of balls and jumping blocks

-- Agility symbols - specially built into rubberized flooring to check the functional capabilities of patients against established norms

-- Running shoe clinic - gives staff the ability to film runners on a treadmill and analyze biomechanics

Beginning May 1, any patient referred to the PTC by the Referral Management Center will have the date and time of their appointment before leaving the building.

Active-duty patients with acute injuries (less than seven days) can make appointments at the physical therapy clinic by calling the Acute Care Line at 228-2778 for same-day access. Post-operative patients may walk-in for same-day appointments.