Student Health provides physical therapy services for UCSB students (by referral). All physical therapy patients must be referred for treatment by providers at Student Health, or from the outside medical community, licensed to practice in the State of California.
Patients are seen by appointment only, with a fee-for-service. On the first visit, the physical therapist completes an evaluation in order to determine goals, and a treatment plan within the guidelines of the referral provided. On subsequent visits, treatment is provided in accordance with the treatment plan.
Student Health physical therapists and physical therapy assistants provide treatment that may consist of various forms of heat, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercise and patient education. A strong emphasis is placed on patient education with this population in order to assist them in maintaining and promoting long-term health.
Biomechanical Analysis and Orthotics
Biomechanical analysis is a specialty service within the field of physical therapy for students experiencing low back pain or lower extremity pain or dysfunction from a non-traumatic origin. For example, runners with foot pain or cyclists with knee pain would be candidates for biomechanical analysis. The purpose of the analysis is to find the sources of the inefficiency in your movement patterns. These inefficiencies can be muscular weakness, tightness or misalignment of the spine or feet. In the case of misalignment of the feet, custom orthotics can be made. Custom orthotics function like glasses for the feet to allow the feet to function efficiently.
Appointments for this service are scheduled in the physical therapy department. There is a charge for the service and you must have a referral from providers at Student Health or your own private provider licensed to practice in California. For further questions or to schedule call the physical therapy department at (805) 893-3193.
Hours of Operation
During the regular school year, physical therapy is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:15am - 4:30pm; Wednesdays from 9:00am - 4:30pm. Please check the website for updates to our schedule.
Call (805) 893-3193 to schedule an appointment.