For those who have persistent, debilitating muscle pains but believe physical therapy is too expensive without insurance, look no further than NAU’s Physical Therapy Clinic.
This spring, prospective patients can access three pro bono physical therapy appointments in NAU’s Health and Professions building conducted and supervised by NAU students and staff members. Uninsured, underinsured or otherwise financially challenged individuals in need of advice or treatment for their orthopedic and neurological concerns can obtain personalized support while providing physical therapy students with invaluable field experience.
“One should expect expert musculoskeletal assessment from our second-year doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) students and licensed physical therapy staff,” said Hope Reece, a faculty member for the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. “With state-of-the-art and evidence-based interventions and treatments, the clinic advances patients’ understanding of their bodies and offers education for them to self-manage their conditions.”
During the initial consultation, a team of one physical therapy student and one licensed physical therapist will combine a medical history interview with a physical examination to target and contextualize the patient’s strains, sprains, aches and pains. The duo will then determine if a musculoskeletal problem exists and direct the patient toward the long-term treatments or immediate interventions that may best suit their unique body, testing these solutions in subsequent appointments.
As a result, participants gain vital insights into the exercises, home programs and manual therapy avenues that could bring them closer to recovery and injury management without the stress of a hefty physical therapy bill.
Appointments are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-5 p.m., beginning in January and ending in April. Patients should dress in loose-fitting clothing to allow for free movement.
To schedule an appointment, call the Physical Therapy Clinic at (928) 523-4092 or email nauptclinic@nau.edu.