Helping Airmen fight through the pain

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chuck Broadway
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When a patient is in need of treatment to strengthen an orthopedic injury, they take the long walk through the corridors of the Beale Clinic and find their way to the 9th Medical Operations Squadron Physical Therapy Clinic.

Knowing full well what lies ahead of them, they mentally prepare themselves for the challenge they are about to meet.

When they meet their technician, they come face to face with a mentor, a motivator; someone who is there to help them return to full strength.

"Our goal is to get injured people back to full strength and deployable again," said Maj. Monte Wilson, 9th MDOS chief of the physical therapy clinic.

In order to achieve this goal, Major Wilson and his staff of two technicians use the latest in hands-on therapy as well as technological training to treat the 20-25 patients they see each day and maintain the fighting force.

Many times when Airmen begin therapy, they start with manual therapy. This training focuses on extending the range of motion for the recuperating body part. Once patients maximizes motion and strength, they will move into more specified training such as walking, running, lifting weights or working on balance.

The physical therapy clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art leg press and cable machines along with treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes, therapy balls and balancing machines. Many people prefer to use these machines because they feel more comfortable pushing themselves, rather than having a technician moving their injured body parts. This may lead to the technicians receiving a bad reputation.

"Our reputation is unwarranted," Major Wilson said. "If you have a physical problem which hinders work, come in and see us. We give you options and input and most people see it's not as bad as they thought."

Staff Sgt. John Brooks, 9th MDOS physical therapy technician, said he ensures every patient that all equipment and activities they perform while receiving treatment are safe. He consoles them without "babying" them because the patient has to want to get better. The struggle to get better is what's best for them.

The technicians train for four months where they learn the fundamentals of therapeutics, from human anatomy to exercises and administration.

The technicians and therapist work hard to de-emphasize the pain of physical therapy as much as possible. They ask the patient questions like "What can you not do because of the pain?" By getting as much information as they can, technicians can narrow their treatment down and target specific activities to be as effective as possible with recovery.

According to Major Wilson, there are three types of injuries they see most often: back, shoulder and knee pain. If these injuries aren't treated properly, they are not going to get better. Injuries will not fully heal unless maximum effort from the patient is given.

"Patients need to be compliant with their home treatments," Major Wilson said. "Some patients do exactly what they're told and some don't. Sometimes those who don't follow home programs end up re-injuring themselves."

Major Wilson said the lack of motivation is largely due to fear. People simply aren't confident enough they can perform their daily activities. To build their confidence, the technicians use a building block method to show patients they are capable of performing at higher levels.

The methods the physical therapy clinic uses have not only proven to be highly effective, but Sergeant Brooks said communication between patient and provider has allowed Major Wilson and his staff to build a great rapport with their patients.

There are two ways to seek treatment at the clinic. Potential patients can either see their regular physician and be referred, or call the clinic directly.