Students in pain from injuries, whether from sports, car accidents or tripping on the stairs in front of class, have an option for treating and rehabilitating those bumps and bruises.
The rehab center at the Rec Center is a joint program between the Rec and the Student Health Center for students to get help with physical ailments.
Elaine Purdy, Rec Center director, said students with an injury can go to the Health Center for an initial examination from a physician. From there, a doctor refers the student to the rehab center for further assistance.
Purdy said the rehab clinic is not physical therapy but rather athletic training for students with minor injuries. If students need extensive rehabilitation, they are referred to a local physician instead.
Purdy said the facility offers students relief from driving around town to see other doctors and cuts costs.
“It’s convenient and free,” Purdy said. “There’s no insurance involved and it’s right here on campus.”
John Purdy, Rec Center athletic trainer, said the clinic benefits students not only with injuries but also those studying the field.
“This gives students in kinesiology and athletic training programs the opportunity to work in a training room,” Purdy said. “They can cover more untraditional sports like rugby or lacrosse and work with trainers like me.”
He said the clinic generally sees patients for two visits to show them how to do exercises at home. Patients also can get help with things they cannot do on their own, such as ultrasounds and electric stimulation for muscle therapy.
Purdy said student workers also get the experience of working with physicians when they go to the Health Center and take part in the initial evaluation process.
Katie Pavy, a kinesiology senior, said working in the rehab center will help her get into physical therapy school and give her firsthand experience.
“Most schools require at least 60 hours to get in,” Pavy said.
Joe Squatrito, a kinesiology junior, said the experience also looks good on a resume.
John Purdy said when the program was started 10 years ago, it was the only one in the South and one of few in the nation.
The clinic has relocated to a makeshift room near the entrance of the Rec from its previous room next to the first floor weight room. Elaine Purdy said it had to be moved to make space for a larger weight room as part of the Rec’s renovations.
She said the Rec hopes to coordinate the rehab center with fitness and massage therapy.
“When we add new space, we’d like to design an area that incorporates all three areas that are compatible with each other,” Purdy said.
John Purdy expects new equipment soon to better accommodate students and Rec members.