New tool benefits student-athletes at Alabama State University

The physical therapy department of Alabama State University is one of less than 10 academic programs that provides students with experience applying a diagnostic ultrasound machine, according to a published report.

Some injuries that student-athletes have received are being treated by the machine after surgical procedures, WSFA reports. The new technological advancement is proving to be a boon to people who hold physical therapy jobs at the school.

"As a clinical tool, it can help in the diagnosis or recognition of musculoskeletal injuries, such as tendon tears, some bone injuries, ligamentous injuries, etc. As an educational tool, it can be used to visualize structures in the human body that will allow students to have better understanding of courses such as Gross Anatomy and Functional Anatomy, as well as other classes," assistant physical therapy professor Dr. Julian Magee told the news source. "It has a myriad of uses in the clinic and in the classroom."

He said that the tool's use has been beneficial for both educational and clinical purposes.

People who hold physical therapy jobs aid patients after surgery, injuries and illnesses with the management of pain and widening the range of motion, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.