Awareness, education are key in preventing physical injuries

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jasmine Ruiz-Diaz
  • 23rd Medical Group
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Whether you've just begun or are about to complete a military career, most can agree that active duty members are expected to endure physical demands far above those of the average population.

Most of us have suffered from a musculoskeletal injury, which can include back and knee pain, shoulder injuries, or tender and aching joints. These can be painful and debilitating, possibly preventing individuals from fulfilling mandatory duties, physical training or participating in recreational activities.

The 23rd Medical Group Physical Therapy clinic is a facility that strives for the physical well-being of all individuals and their healthy return to normal function after an injury.

The Physical Therapy clinic offers free resources available to active-duty members and works in collaboration with primary care providers, local neuromusculoskeletal specialists and the Health and Wellness Center.

These resources include informational brochures, as well as back health and running classes offered at the HAWC.

If you suspect an injury, follow up with a primary care provider to determine whether you have a need for physical therapy. Otherwise, individuals should work and train in a safe manner to help prevent pain and injury, which in turn enhances an individual's quality of life.

Physical therapy encompasses a wide spectrum of specialized care, including pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological and cardiovascular deficits.

The focus of physical therapy for active-duty personnel revolves mostly around orthopedics and sports-related injuries. It's important for injured Airmen to recover so they can continue to help support the mission.

When an Airman's performance is hindered by injury or impairment, their ability to perform their duties can be affected. The physical therapist's role in the Air Force is crucial and with their help, Airmen can overcome injury and continue to pursue fulfilling lives and careers.

Physical therapy involves education, prevention, conservative management and rehabilitation of injuries and pain.

Moody's clinic currently operates with two licensed physical therapists, three physical medicine technicians and a licensed physical therapy assistant contractor, who work toward a common goal of providing specialized hands-on skills and knowledge.

The Physical Therapy clinic staff examines, evaluates, assesses and offers quality care to members affected by sports and orthopedic injuries such as sprains, strains, overuse injuries and fractures.

For more information or to take advantage of these resources, contact the Physical Therapy clinic at (229) 257-7393.

Although individuals encounter a variety of impairments, most occur from overtraining, overloading and poor body mechanics.

Most injuries are preventable if individuals have a good understanding of training elements such as frequency, duration, intensity and good biomechanics.

First, consider a variety of training techniques with a balanced combination of endurance and power. Do not expect to successfully complete a highly demanding exercise, activity or sport unless you have spent several weeks progressing toward the fitness level required to do it.

For example, if your unit typically runs two to three miles, three times per week, and randomly adds a five- or 10-mile run or a monthly sporting event, then there may be an increased risk of sustaining an injury.

Consider an adequate two to three days of rest per week in order to avoid injuries or muscle damage.

There is also a difference between experiencing "good" versus "bad" muscle soreness, therefore individuals are reminded to cautiously apply the "no pain, no gain" concept to help reduce possible injury.