Physical therapists offer free services

Care for a deep tissue massage performed by a licensed specialist, just steps away from your dorm room? Don't rush to pull your hamstring or overextend a shoulder, because it does require a real injury to qualify for this free-of-charge service at Dillon or the Caldwell Fieldhouse near Jadwin gym.

The University's two very own physical therapists, Russ Steves and John Furtado, split their time between undergraduate and graduate students in the morning, and athletic teams in the afternoon.

Russ Steves, who has worked at the University since 1985 — when physical therapy was first offered — has seen an influx of limping, strained and otherwise injured students over the past several years.

"In the last five years the utilization of Dillon physical therapy has really increased," Steves said. "We have a very active student population, so injuries are pretty common and I think the idea that you need to go rehabilitate injuries is much more accepted now."

Cornell is the only other school with a health plan comparable to the University's, which provides free physical therapy.

The arrangement gives Steves more latitude to provide more thorough service for his patients.

"I get to make decisions on how many visits to PT someone can make or how long their therapy continues based upon what's best for the patient," he said.

Business at the training area and whirlpool at Caldwell Fieldhouse picks up in the afternoon, when Steves and Furtado tend to throngs of injured athletes.

"They do a good job at giving individual attention when they are working with an athlete," said John Basler '06, who runs track and cross country and is receiving physical therapy for a stress fracture. "However, the level of demand for the trainers prevents them from spending a long period of time with any one student."

Other athletes also expressed concern over the trainers' time being spread thin.

"I think that I could have used a little more attention," said freshman sprinter Alexander Julie, who is being treated for a pulled hamstring. "Maybe someone to take the time to watch my exercises or give me ultrasound."

Students indicated that physical therapy facilities are another possible area of improvement.

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"I think the facility at Jadwin needs an overhaul," sprinter Matt Susan '07 said. "The whirlpool is in good condition but the place in general seems pretty dated."

The Task Force on Health and Well Being addressed the need for improvements in physical therapy in its recently released report and will continue to investigate the state of Health Services next fall.

Steves pointed to the task force as a sign that the University recognizes the need for improvement.

He said funding shortages account for the delay in hiring new employees to cover an afternoon shift at Dillon Gym, which is only open until noon. But changes are on the way, he added.

"In five years or so, you will not recognize physical therapy at Princeton," Steves said. "Major changes will be coming. That doesn't help the patient today or next fall, but changes occur slowly."

In addition to Steves and Furabo, three sports medicine doctors work at McCosh Health Center and a local orthopedic surgeon also attends to athletes two days a week, Steves said.