Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Clinic at Olin Health Center is an orthopedic outpatient department specializing in functional recovery and injury prevention. Our staff have years of clinical experience treating a vast range of orthopedic and sporting conditions. Therapists continuously train to remain updated at the forefront of theoretical and clinical knowledge.

General services include those for:

• Orthopedic injuries
• Temporo-mandibular dysfunctions
• Foot orthoses fabrication
• Back and neck problems
• Ergonomics/ Worksite evaluations (click on the topic below)
• Sports injuries
• Bike fits
• Video gait analysis
• Video analysis for cyclists (click on the topic below)

Physical therapy services are available to all MSU students, faculty and staff members and their spouse/domestic partner. A signed and dated prescription is needed from a physician (MD, DO), physician's assistant (PA), nurse practitioners (NP), dentist (DDS) or podiatrist (DPM). Services are available by appointment.

• Insurance Participation

  We participate with the most plans from the following insurance companies:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • HAP
  • McLaren
  • MSU Student Health insurance (BCN)
  • Messa
  • Priority Health

  For other health insurance companies, a pre-authorization is required. Please call the insurance company customer service line to validate coverage.

  Students completing a course of physical therapy may transfer their care to the Olin Health Center Physical Therapy department when they arrive on campus. To begin therapy, the student will need to bring the physician's prescription. If insurance is through an HMO or PPO, they will also need authorization from their insurance company.

• Make an Appointment, Hours & Location

  To make an appointment or speak to a physical therapist, call (517) 353-5008.

  Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  Location: Basement (garden level) of Olin Health Center

  Olin Health Center
  463 E Circle Drive
  East Lansing, MI 48824-1036

   

• Ergonomics

  Ergonomics is the scientific discipline that adjusts for individual differences in an environment to place the least amount of stress on a person. In other words, making people as comfy as possible!  Our Ergonomics website is designed to be the primary resource for MSU students, faculty and staff. Find practical up-to-date information on how to change your daily life in a way that reduces the risk of injury. Please note that the Ergonomics website is external to the Olin website.

  Links for Exploring Ergonomics Tips: Exercises for the Office Tips: Backpacks and Laptops

• Worksite Evaluation

  A worksite evaluation includes having a trained ergonomic specialist from the physical therapy department to come to the work area and perform a comprehensive assessment. The setting, the number of workers involved, and the general complexity of the working environment determine how long the evaluation will take. Office type settings usually take no more than an hour for individuals, plus additional time to research and produce an evaluation with suggested recommendations.

  The employee and the supervisor will get a copy of the evaluation unless the evaluation was performed on a department, in which case the supervisor will get a copy.

  The physical therapy department takes no responsibility for enforcing any changes recommended, and it is the responsibility of the individual and supervisor to decide whether to act on given recommendations. 

  Before requesting a Worksite Evaluation, we recommend you first check the Ergonomic Website for advice on the most common ergonomic concerns in an office environment. Then, if desired, please complete the Worksite Evaluation Request Form.

  Read and complete the form and submit to the PT department by fax, MSU inter-office mail or email. Once received, the employee and/or supervisor will be contacted to set up an appointment. Please allow 1-2 business days for processing.

• Video Analysis for Cyclists

  Cycling at MSU

  Variables with cycling involve differences in bike geometry, shapes, and designs. However, just as variable, is the size, height, strength, and flexibility of different riders. Making sure a person has the appropriate posture, strength and flexibility is essential in making the ride efficient, comfortable, and more importantly—fun!

  What is Video Analysis?

  Video analysis is a method of using video cameras to capture and record dynamic movements.

  This information is taken at different angles (fore, aft, and lateral views) and slowed down to detect actions that are not usually observable at normal speeds. 

  Computer software measures joint angles, distances and relative body positions which help in developing strategies to improve efficiency, comfort, and reduction of injuries.

  Scope of Video Analysis

  The scope of the video analysis assessment is to help with bike adjustments and make more of an appropriate fit for individual goals.

  This includes the bike modifications and, if needed, exercises to accommodate restrictions and limitations of the body.

  What services are available?

  Our physical therapists are experts in functional biomechanics and musculoskeletal dysfunctions and can help identify irregularities, potential causes of injury and methods of modification.

  Common Injuries Associated with Cycling:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Various forms of knee pain
  • Ilio-tibial Band Syndrome
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ulnar Neuritis
    
    

  Video Analysis for Cyclists is available by appointment only. Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Fall & Spring semesters) Pricing:                Students: $35/hour Faculty/Staff: $40/hour Contact Information Olin Student Health Services Physical Therapy Department Phone/Text: (517) 353-5008 Email: OlinPT@msu.edu