UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 8, Page 8
October 21, 1993
Physical Therapy Clinic offers out-patient treatment

     A full-service Physical Therapy Clinic is now open for the University
community and the public, according to Paul Mettler, director of the
Physical Therapy Program. The former clinic, which was used mainly for
laboratory use, has been renovated and some new equipment has been
installed.
     "The clinic is designed to be a high-quality, self-supporting facility
that provides excellent, hands-on educational opportunities for students in
the program and that serves the community-at-large," Mettler said.
     "The operation is well underway," John Knarr, the clinic's new
director, said. "Staff has been hired, including physical therapists and
business manager Jan Burns."
     Students work with staff in treating patients. There are 40 students
enrolled in the graduate program, and 15 participate in the clinic at a
time on a rotating basis. Physical therapy faculty act as consultants as
needed and use the clinic for research. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, assistant
professor, serves as liaison between the clinc and faculty of the Physical
Therapy Program. In the future, internships for students will be available
as well as practicum experience.
     According to Knarr, the Physical Therapy Clinic schedules more than
100 out-patient visits per week and with the present staffing has a
capacity for 150 visits. The patients become involved in their own care
immediately and, after evaluation, work with the therapists using the
equipment to enhance their rehabilitation. They also are given home
exercises to expedite their return to normal. Problems treated range from
minor afflictions, such as ankle strains, to more severe ones, such as
post-operative rehabilitation. The clinic also will be working with those
experiencing on-the-job injuries.
     The clinic has new isokinetic machines for computerized measurements
of manual strength, stair walkers, exercise bikes, weights, traction
devices, a whirlpool and other therapeutic equipment.
     "As primarily a teaching facility, the clinic already earned a good
reputation. We have received support from Dr. Joseph Siebold, director of
Student Health Services, and referrals from that unit and others in the
medical community. We also will be working with Wellness programs within
the University," Mettler said. "We offer the best care available and, at
the same time, the best educational experience for our students."
     The clinic, in Room 053 McKinly Laboratory, is open 1-7 p.m.,
weekdays. For information, call 831-8893.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure