Safe Administration and Low Healthcare Utilization Following Musculoskeletal Corticosteroid Injections by U. S. Military Physical Therapists.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries make up a significant proportion of conditions treated by military healthcare providers during wartime. Though many common MSK injuries may benefit from corticosteroid injection (CSI), a shortage of qualified military clinicians has led to diminished access to appropriate care. Longer wait times to receive treatment pose detrimental effects on military readiness and have garnered the attention of military leaders.

Pectoralis Major Rupture.

A 33-year-old male military service member was referred to physical therapy 4 days after competing in a bench-press competition, during which he was unable to accomplish an attempt due to a sharp/stabbing pain in his right shoulder. Given the concern for a ruptured pectoralis major, and after consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon and radiologist, magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Findings revealed a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon, with up to 5 cm of retraction.

Effectiveness of an Injury Prevention Warm-up for Unit Physical Training: A Case Series of Two Flying Squadrons.

Injury prevention has been assessed and studied in professional and collegiate athletic populations, but application to the military setting has been limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an injury prevention warm-up in two flying squadrons. At the commanders' request, two Air Force flying squadrons (276 individuals) were provided an injury prevention warm-up of evidence-based exercises, which focused on functional range of motion and dynamic core stability.