Give them your twisted, your tweaked, your soreankles, yearning to free…of pain.

Sacramento State physical therapy students are lookingfor anyone with aches in their legs, feet, hips,ankles or knees this semester.

It’s all part of a free program that will give buddingtherapists hands-on experience that is critical fortheir success, according to P.T. professor ClareLewis.

The new program gives students the opportunity towork with real patients. It’s mutually beneficial toboth groups on campus, Lewis said.

The program, staffed by physical therapy students inone of two PT lab classes, offers a free evaluation oflower extremity pain to anyone who makes anappointment. Since the service is free, people whocouldn’t afford to see a therapist previously can getanswers to their pain.

The campus has lacked physical therapy service foryears, according to Lewis.

This semester, 21 students in the upper-divisionphysical therapy labs will offer their skills byappointment. Evaluations include suggestions for whatthe patient can do to improve their condition.

Lewis said that the program costs the universitynothing because it is part of the lab experience forthe P.T. students.

How many people will take advantage of the freeevaluations is unknown, since it is the first time thedepartment has offered the service. Still, Lewisexpects to see people with sports injuries and chronicundiagnosed problems.

Fran Pena, who graduated from the program lastsemester, said that the new service gives students achance to get real-life experience as a therapist.

“This is the best idea for the program so far,” hesaid.

Pena noted that the controlled lab environment is anopportunity for students to develop therapy skills andlearn from their mistakes.

The department plans to continue the service duringthe fall semester, but the emphasis will shift to theback, shoulders, arms and neck.

Anyone interested in more information can contactClare Lewis at 278-5049.