Lessons and Best Practices for Physical Therapy in Brigade Combat Team Operations

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Physical therapy
• Warfighter readiness

Background:

• Physical therapists (PTs) play a crucial role in maintaining Army warfighter readiness.
• Increased demand and the transition to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) are placing more junior PTs in Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs).
• Traditionally, BCT PT roles were held by more experienced Captains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges faced by Brigade (BDE) PTs in rotational environments.
• To explore strategies for overcoming limited access to care for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
• To ensure continuity of care for soldiers in geographically dispersed units.

Main Methods:

• Review of operational challenges in forward-deployed and rotational settings.
• Analysis of traditional military treatment facility (MTF) support models.
• Identification of gaps in care for MSK conditions in dispersed battalions.

Main Results:

• Rotational environments present unique challenges compared to garrison settings.
• Geographic dispersion of battalions significantly limits continuity of care.
• Current MTF support structures may not adequately address needs in rotational environments.

Conclusions:

• Brigade PTs must develop innovative solutions to address limited access to care.
• Proactive management of musculoskeletal conditions is essential for warfighter readiness.
• Strategies are needed to ensure consistent and effective PT services in diverse operational settings.