Surgical services flight offers trio of therapies

Published Oct. 26, 2010
By 81st Surgial Operations Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Surgical Operations Squadron's surgical services flight offers a trio of services to Keesler people.

The flight includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic services. Commanded by Maj. Ann Musto, the flight consists of three active-duty physical therapists, an occupational therapist, a civilian chiropractor, a civilian chiropractic technician and eight physical medicine technicians. Maj. Brian Katen is the physical therapy element chief, Tech. Sgt. Antwionett Wheeler is the flight chief and Staff Sgt. Rachel Chiartano is the physicaltherapy noncommissioned officer in charge.

According to staff physical therapist Capt. Krista Hutchinson, "The primary job of physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic services is to identify and treat neuromusculoskeletal injuries and conditions. We work together with the patient in developing a plan of care to address pain, limited mobility and decreased strength."

She explained the differences among the three services.

"Physical therapists treat diagnoses primarily related to the spine, shoulders and lower extremities," Captain Hutchinson pointed out. "Occupational therapy specializes in treating hand and upper extremity diagnoses. Chiropractors treat diagnoses related to the neck, spine and hips.

"Our job is to evaluate the patient, diagnose problems, provide intervention and reassess outcomes," the captain continued. "We treat pain with various modalities--traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, exercise, manual intervention, spinal manipulation and upper and lower extremity splinting. In addition, therapists and chiropractors teach exercises to strengthen muscles that have been weakened by surgery or injury."

Captain Hutchinson said physical therapy most often evaluates and treats overuse injuries such as shin splints and 'runner's/jumper's knee.'

"Particularly with the institution of the new physical training standards, people are working harder to meet the new requirements," she said. "Physical therapy provides a vital role in caring for the 81st TrainingWing students by allotting time to see these patients on a 'same-day' basis."

Occupational therapy addresses overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Post-surgical upper-extremity rehabilitative cases are also treated. Treatments are tailored to address these diagnoses and how they affect the patient's activities of daily living.

Primary diagnoses for chiropractic services are related to cervical and lumbar segmental dysfunctions that occur from injuries and overuse.

All three clinics treat deployment-related injuries.

"These may include arm, neck and back injuries resulting from explosions, overuse or training injuries due to differences in running terrain," Captain Hutchinson noted.

"Unfortunately, not everyone is 100 percent when they are done with clinical treatment. Our goal is for our patients to have an individualized plan to follow to continue to progress them back to their prior level of function. Many of these injuries have been going on for months and need time and consistent adherence to the treatment plan to resolve."

Patients seen in these three areas are by referral only. Occupational therapy treats active-duty members, retired military and dependents. Physical therapy treats active-duty members and post-surgical patients, as well as military retirees and dependents on a space-available basis. Chiropractor Dr. Carley Davis treats active-duty military only.