U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Receives Physical Therapy Equipment

GUANTANAMO BAY (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay's Physical Therapy (PT) Department is showing off several pieces of equipment recently purchased using money received through the American Red Cross Military Hospital Outreach Program (MHOP) Wounded Warrior Fund.

Over the past year, the PT Department has received almost $27,000 worth of physical therapy equipment. Most recently, a Life-Fitness leg-curl machine and a Life-Fitness leg-extension machine, stability trainers, foam rolls, and several medicine balls worth more than $4,500, were purchased and are now available for use.

"These new pieces of equipment are state-of-the-art, offering superior comfort, all the while facilitating optimal strengthening of the desired muscle groups," said Lt. Toby Degenhardt, the hospital's PT department head. "The equipment may be utilized for any variety of patient-clientele with lower extremity injury to include hip, knee, and ankle dysfunction or pathology, as well as cervical, thoracic or lumbar pain and dysfunction."

The receipt of the special equipment has resulted in a significant savings for the hospital.

"These tools offer better strengthening capabilities and training desired by the physical therapist, patients, and referring physicians," said Degenhardt.

Coganow, station manager for the American Red Cross at Guantanamo Bay, says that some of the money used to purchase the equipment was raised locally.

"Along with the MHOP funds, military and civilian Red Cross volunteers from Guantanamo Bay raised money for wounded warriors which stays local, and is used in part for SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA), to help offset their expenses when they visit," she said. "The entire community benefits from the equipment."

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