Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryanna Poulin | Maj. Erica Clarkson, Physical Therapist with 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd...... read more read more
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by Pfc. Bryanna Poulin
25th ID PAO
MOSUL, Iraq-- Helping people live healthy, fulfilling lives after injuries can be challenging, especially in Iraq
One Physical Therapist from the Troop Medical Center at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq provides patients with a treatment strategy, along with educating them about preventing future injuries.
Major Erica Clarkson, Physical Therapist with 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Fort Lewis, Wash, believes that exercise and educating people on proper lifting techniques plays a vital role in patients suffering from muscle injuries.
"Many people utilize medications when they have muscle pain; not realizing that medications only provide a temporary relief, which only masks the dilemma," Clarkson stated.
The most common injury Clarkson notices among patients in deployed environments is back and neck pain resulting from improper lifting techniques.
People have a tendency to lift heavy objects with their back versus lifting with their legs, which puts a lot of pressure on the muscles in the back.
"A proper lifting technique is only one approach in preventing injuries," Clarkson said. "It is also important that the human body receives ample rest because fatigue correlates with muscles not healing properly."
Physical therapy is just one treatment option for people suffering from muscle pain grievances.
"There are numerous treatment options available to patients; it's my responsibility to determine and evaluate what action is right for them" she added. "Since every person is different, each evaluation is done on an individual needs."
Clarkson who's scope of knowledge includes a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Physical Therapy as well as a Doctorate in Acupuncture Therapy determines if patients can benefit from other types of treatments including ultrasound, heat, diathermy, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, massage or spinal manipulation.
"Prior to any scientific treatments being conducted I like to begin patients on exercise techniques that will strengthen and restore the injured muscle." Clarkson noted. "Exercise is sometimes the best medicine."
It is important that physical therapy is coupled with education, thus patients can be empowered to take charge of their own recovery and receive instruction on posture, educate about basic anatomy and physiology, instruction in body mechanics, stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises.
The best overall defense in preventing muscle injuries is practicing proper techniques and not overusing muscles beyond normal capabilities.
"Soldiers in this type of environment (deployed areas) should pay closer to attention in not only using correct lifting techniques but also the importance of having good sleep and eating patterns as well." Clarkson added. "In doing this it counteracts any muscle injuries that are more prone to happen during a deployment."
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2006 09:57 |
| Story ID: | 7759 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 169 |
| Downloads: | 52 |
This work, Proper Lifting Techniques is Vital in preventing muscle injuries, by SSG Bryanna Poulin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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