JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
As members of a combat-ready organization, Airmen must maintain specific physical requirements at all times. However, when accidents affect an Airman' s performance and combat readiness capabilities, physical therapy is available.
"Physical therapy is rehabilitation of the way the body functions," Capt. Felix Islas, 359th Medical Group Physical Therapy Flight commander, said.
Islas said a small amount of psychology is also involved in the form of encouragement.
"We want the patient to give as much effort as possible in regards to their rehabilitation," Islas said. "By letting them know they can accomplish the task, we are encouraging patients to take their rehab very seriously."
Senior Airman Alyssa Miller, 359th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy technician, said, the staff's goal is to return patients to their previous physical capabilities in order to perform their respective duties with 100 percent accuracy.
Getting members fit to fight involves treating injuries like a sprained ankle and helping patients rehabilitate from spinal surgeries, Islas said.
While addressing these health concerns, patient and provider relationships can develop due to the amount of time they spend improving their health and fitness.
Islas said this relationship is very important.
"One part of being a physical therapist is the ability to immediately make friends with someone right away," he said.
Although both patients and their injuries vary greatly, therapists and technicians read our plan and use the equipment to put them through that rehabilitation protocol," Islas said.
Miller said physical therapy is advised if an issue hasn't gone away within a week.
The primary care provider would be the first point of contact if a patient has a health issue to be addressed, she said. They will refer that patient to physical therapy if it is needed.
Islas said he couldn't imagine any other career.
"The best part of my job is watching my patients get better," he said.