Physical therapy
A page within Student Health Center
Our PT department consists of one physical therapist, physical therapy interns, and a physical therapy assistant. Students with musculoskeletal conditions/injuries or those needing post-operative care for orthopedic surgeries can be evaluated and receive a plan of care.
Appointments
Call: 608.785.8558
Fax: 608.785.8746
Read this before your 1st appointment!
First-time patients should also review the PT FAQs on this page.
Students must register at the Student Health Center registration (front) desk prior to their 1st visit each semester/term. Please register at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment.
For UWL students, evaluations & re-evaluations are covered by the Student Health Center User Fee. There is a $35 charge for up to 10 Physical Therapy treatment sessions. Each session may include multiple treatments (e.g. exercise + dry needling + manual therapy). For Western students, there is a charge of $35 for every 10 Physical Therapy visits (regardless of appointment type).
If you have a PT referral and/or a post-operative rehabilitation protocol from a healthcare provider, bring them to your 1st visit or fax them to us (608-785-8746) in advance.
Wear/bring shorts for ANY low back, pelvis, hip, leg, ankle or foot issues. Women should wear/bring a sports-bra/bikini top for ANY shoulder, neck, or back conditions. Bring your running shoes for ANY running-related problems. Closed-toed athletic shoes & (appropriate) workout clothes must be worn for exercising in our gym.
To maximize confidentiality for all patients & to reduce room crowding, the Health Center does not allow accompaniment during appointments. Exceptions to this policy are made for patients' parents and language interpreters.
There is a charge for most PT supplies (e.g. crutches, splints, braces). See the Fees & costs page for PT equipment fees.
Due to high patient demand and the limited availability of appointments, students who miss an appointment, do not cancel their appointment 1 hour prior to the scheduled appointment time, or show up five or more minutes late to their appointment will be charged a $15.00 NO SHOW fee. Patients who NO SHOW for two consecutive appointments will be discharged.
Patients who are uncooperative or disrespectful to the staff or other patients will be discharged.
If your pain/problem resolves before your PT appointment call our front desk to cancel your remaining appointments. This will free-up appointments for other patients. Tell the receptionist that you are cancelling your appointment(s) because your pain/problem has resolved. You will NOT be charged a ‘No Show’ fee if you cancel for this reason.
PT FAQs
Do I need a referral for PT?
Students do need to be seen by a Student Health Center provider prior to scheduling an appointment with Physical Therapy. Thereafter, providers may refer students to Physical Therapy.
Do you offer same-day or walk-in PT appointments?
Same day and walk in visits are available with a Student Health Center provider for immediate attention. During this visit the provider will determine if a referral is necessary for testing (x-ray) or further evaluation.
What if my pain/problem worsens or resolves prior to my next PT appointment?
If your pain worsens, STOP any activities/exercises (including ones we've recommended) that are making your pain/problem worse & call us (608.785.5120) to move your appointment up to the next available time slot.
If your pain/problem resolves & you don't need further PT, call our front desk (608.785.5120) to cancel your remaining appointments, this allows us to open appointment slots for other patients.
Make sure to tell the receptionist that you're cancelling your future appointments because your problem has resolved.
Due to high patient demand and the limited availability of appointments, students who miss an appointment, do not cancel their appointment 1 hour prior to the scheduled appointment time, or show up five or more minutes late to their appointment will be charged a $15.00 NO SHOW fee.
Call 608.785.8558 (day or night) or access the SHC MyHealth Portal at http://myhealth.uwlax.edu to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Do you have wheelchairs or knee scooters to sell, rent, or borrow?
We have wheelchairs for clinic use although we don't rent, sell, or borrow them. Local medical supply vendors may be able to assist you in procuring a wheelchair. We do have 1 knee scooter (housed at the front of the SHC) that was donated and is available for short-term use on a "first-come" basis. Additional knee scooters may be available from local vendors.
Can you provide Handicapped parking permits?
Unfortunately no--all parking permits are controlled/distributed by the campus Parking & Transportation office.
