The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tiffani-Amber Petit, a physical therapy technician, Chris Buhr, a physical therapy assistant, and Capt. Bridgette Griffiths, the physical therapy element chief, all assigned to the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, pose with various physical therapy equipment at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 20, 2017.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tiffani-Amber Petit, left, a physical therapy technician assigned to the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, discusses post-shoulder surgery treatment with Senior Airman Moses Debraska, a security response member assigned to the 509th Security Forces Squadron, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 15, 2017.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

Various specialized equipment designed to aid in recovery is available for use at the physical therapy clinic at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 15, 2017. Prior to beginning treatment, patients meet with the physical therapist to diagnose what issue(s) they are experiencing or discuss methods of prevention. Injury prevention is a proactive treatment method in healthcare and a key to healthy, mission-capable Airmen.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

U.S. Air Force Capt. Bridgette Griffiths, the physical therapy element chief assigned to the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, discusses services available at the physical therapy clinic at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 15, 2017.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Berry, an electrical power production specialist assigned to the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron, is trained by Senior Airman Tiffani-Amber Petit, a physical therapy technician assigned to the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, on how to use crutches when traveling down a stair case to avoid further injury at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 15, 2017.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jay Bennett, a geospace analyst assigned to the 509th Operations Support Squadron, performs a warm-up prior to beginning exercises necessary for building core strength, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Nov. 15, 2017. Bennett underwent a diaphragm surgery which resulted in one side of his abdomen compensating for the other. Through the physical therapy he has received on base, Bennett said he has noticed improvement in his recovery.

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The physical therapy clinic: Helping you find the path to healing

Published Nov. 22, 2017
By Senior Airman Jazmin Smith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- If you did not get a chance to attend the physical therapy open house, here are a few things you missed. The clinic is currently staffed with one physical therapist, one physical therapy assistant and one physical therapy technician, with another en route! You can always call the clinic or stop by if you have any questions. The clinic is currently open to active-duty personnel.

Some services the PT Clinic offers that you may not know are available:

Individual Injury Prevention! The PT staff wants to keep you healthy and find an issue BEFORE you get hurt. If you have any questions about an activity or workout plan you can schedule an appointment. A physical therapist can evaluate for issues that may put you at risk for injury. This includes noting asymmetrical weakness, limited joint range of motion, poor functional movement, and detrimental exercise habits. By addressing the issue early, it may prevent an injury later. Injury prevention is a proactive treatment method in healthcare and a key to healthy, mission-capable Airmen.

Unit Injury Prevention! If you are a commander, superintendent, first sergeant, or physical training leader interested in keeping your unit healthy, call the clinic. The physical therapist will discuss options best suited for your unit. This could include ensuring you have an optimal unit fitness plan, discuss injury prevention with your unit, or screen your unit for injuries.

Direct Access! In case you didn't know, if you have an acute injury (less than 14 days old), you can skip the appointment with your PCM and schedule with physical therapy to begin rehab right away!

For any further questions, please feel free to contact the physical therapy clinic at 660-687-7027.