Adam Arreola, 17, (left) and Khyle Pearson, 17, (right) fight for the ball during practice at Central Union High School on Aug. 20, 2008 in El Centro. (JOSELITO VILLERO) |
The Rehabilitation Department at El Centro Regional Medical Center is offering a free clinic and medical consultation from a certified athletic trainer for all high school athletes with sports injuries starting next month.
Physical therapist and trainer Dr. Ben Wells said the ECRMC Sports Injury Clinic, now in its second year, was started to fill a need for student athletes in the Imperial Valley.
“The reason why I started it is because none of the schools have an athletic trainer that is there full-time to work with students and be there for football practice,” Wells said.
Wells said the clinic is offered for all student athletes in order to “take a look at their injuries and recommend what their next step would be” before referring them to get X-rays or see a physician.
“Last year we saw about 33 students and we keep track of the physical therapy evaluation on them and provide them with treatment for the visit,” he said. “I think we totaled almost $12,000 in free care to the students last year.”
Wells also said the support of the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation allows for injured student athletes to write to the foundation in order to receive free surgeries if they are unable afford one or the cost is not covered by their regular insurance provider.
The ECRMC Sports Injury Clinic will be held select Saturday mornings at the Rehabilitation Department near the northeast parking lot of the hospital located at 1415 Ross Ave. in El Centro.
Injured student athletes can sign up via parental consent forms which can be obtained through their team coaches, at the ECRMC location before the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning sessions or online at www.sdsmf.com/whatwedo/freeinjuryclinics.html
For more information contact ECRMC Rehabilitation staff at 760-370-3761 or 760-339-7169.
Staff Writer Roman Flores can be reached at 760-337-3439 or rflores@ivpressonline.com
Physical therapist and trainer Dr. Ben Wells said the ECRMC Sports Injury Clinic, now in its second year, was started to fill a need for student athletes in the Imperial Valley.
“The reason why I started it is because none of the schools have an athletic trainer that is there full-time to work with students and be there for football practice,” Wells said.
Wells said the clinic is offered for all student athletes in order to “take a look at their injuries and recommend what their next step would be” before referring them to get X-rays or see a physician.
“Last year we saw about 33 students and we keep track of the physical therapy evaluation on them and provide them with treatment for the visit,” he said. “I think we totaled almost $12,000 in free care to the students last year.”
Wells also said the support of the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation allows for injured student athletes to write to the foundation in order to receive free surgeries if they are unable afford one or the cost is not covered by their regular insurance provider.
The ECRMC Sports Injury Clinic will be held select Saturday mornings at the Rehabilitation Department near the northeast parking lot of the hospital located at 1415 Ross Ave. in El Centro.
Injured student athletes can sign up via parental consent forms which can be obtained through their team coaches, at the ECRMC location before the 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning sessions or online at www.sdsmf.com/whatwedo/freeinjuryclinics.html
For more information contact ECRMC Rehabilitation staff at 760-370-3761 or 760-339-7169.
Staff Writer Roman Flores can be reached at 760-337-3439 or rflores@ivpressonline.com
