Physical therapy in a peacekeeping operation: Operation Joint Endeavor/Operation Joint Guard

Mil Med. 1999 Aug;164(8):590-4.

Abstract

This article describes the deployment and utilization of physical therapy services at a combat support hospital during a recent peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. Approximately 17% of all soldiers reporting to the 21st Combat Support Hospital were evaluated and treated by physical therapy. Physical therapy services provided musculoskeletal evaluations, developed field-expedient rehabilitative programs for the deployed soldiers, and provided injury prevention programs for the peace implementation and sustainment forces. Physical therapy helped to provide a high return to duty status and a low rate of air evacuation for deployed troops. The lessons learned from this deployment can help clarify the role of physical therapy in future support operations and sustainment operations.

MeSH terms

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation*
  • Medical Missions / organization & administration*
  • Military Medicine / organization & administration*
  • Military Personnel
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / organization & administration*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Relief Work / organization & administration*
  • United States
  • Wounds and Injuries / rehabilitation