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Clinic helps students get back on their feet

Sacramento State students who suffer an orthopedic-type injury can get help on campus from an unlikely source--fellow students.

The Department of Physical Therapy operates a free clinic that gives physical therapy students real world experience while providing free medical care to injured students.

“It’s a useful learning tool, and it allows us to apply what we’ve learned in school before actually getting into the workplace,” says Heidi Arts, a student in the program.

Physical therapy professor Clare Lewis says many students on campus have no idea the clinic exists and are surprised that they can receive free treatment. She also says many people are unaware that physical therapy can help after an injury.

“Physical therapy students can help with most injuries involving the back, neck, knees, foot or just about any joint,” she says. “The students are very competent, and I am there supervising the whole time.”

“This class teaches orthopedic physical therapy and it has exposed us to more of the outpatient type care when dealing with rehabbing knees, helping patients with lower back pain and caring for shoulder injuries,” Arts says.

Most of the injuries seen at the clinic are from bike accidents and people running, Lewis says. “We’re also seeing some ROTC students who train by running while wearing heavy backpacks.”

While the clinic is a benefit to injured students, it also helps the physical therapy students. “The students really like the clinic,” Lewis says. “The hands-on experience gives them more confidence before going out on their clinical rotation.”

The clinic is located in Solano Hall, room 3003. “We are a little bit crowded and lack some privacy, but the clinic is free, and no one seems to mind,” Lewis says.

Referrals are made by the campus health center. There are no restrictions on the number of visits a student is allowed.

For more information on the clinic, contact Lewis at 278-5049.