Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine at CSU Health Network

The Physical Therapy department is located on the 1st floor of the CSU Health and Medical Center and includes two areas of services for CSU students: Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine/Orthopedics. In many cases, physical therapy can be used to decrease pain, restore function and prevent the recurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Our licensed physical therapists and movement experts can evaluate your injury or ailment and prescribe treatment programs customized for you.

Physical Therapy Services

The clinic offers a wide range of specialized treatments to help students recover. Services include:

• Treatment for acute and chronic injuries, such as sprains, strains, neck and low back pain, joint and muscle dysfunction
• Treatment for overuse and repetitive motion injuries
• Concussion management and balance and vestibular therapies
• Pre and post-surgical care with an emphasis on orthopedic rehabilitation
• Trigger point dry needling and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
• Pelvic Health PT and running analysis

For an appointment, students can call (970) 491-1735.

Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Sports Medicine/Orthopedics services are staffed by consulting physicians from the Northern Colorado community. Consultations are during specific time periods each week and require a referral from a CSU Health Network provider. Key services include:

• Management of general orthopedic and sports related injuries
• Evaluation and treatment of hand/wrist injuries and pain
• Steroid injections and surgical consultations
• Splinting and casting

Service Overview Table

Professional Expertise: Sue Rutherford

The physical therapy clinic provides physical rehabilitation to students who may be experiencing pain or have had an injury or surgery. Sue Rutherford has served as a physical therapist for 26 years at CSU. Her typical caseload includes patients with all types of injuries and pain diagnoses. Additionally, twice monthly, Rutherford assists local hand surgeons in providing onsite evaluations. Rutherford says a favorite part of her job is working with international students, as she may treat people from five or six different countries in a single day.

Academic and Career Pathways

For those interested in the field, Health and Exercise Science majors are passionate about the human body and eager to understand the science behind how it works. This is a pre-professional program where you’ll focus on human movement. The rigorous science curriculum provides you with options to enter fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation work.

Furthermore, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at CSU is a full-time program of 120 credit hours. Students will complete the DPT in two-and-a-half years. In addition to the traditional classroom experience, students must complete three 10-week full-time clinical experiences, which include inpatient, outpatient and student choice. Graduate students are also involved in activities which promote their professional development, such as service, continuing education, and research.

Related Career Opportunities

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• Athletic or Military Trainer
• Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehab Professional