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Orthopedic surgeons are teaming up with rehab specialists to offer free orthopedic and physical therapy evaluations to middle and high school athletes on Saturdays beginning August 28.

The Saturday clinic takes place in Fredericksburg at Hill Country Memorial (HCM), 1020 S. State Hwy. 16, through the admissions entrance (front-left automated doors), from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

The physicians from Texas Hill Country Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, PA are volunteering their time for the evaluations, as are representatives from the HCM Rehab Clinic, Fredericksburg Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy of the Greater Texas Hill Country.

"Our experience has shown that Saturday is the best day of the week for sports injury evaluations for middle and high school athletes because football games occur during the week," Brad Harding, PT, MPT, Cert. MDT, director of the HCM Rehab Clinic, said. "Those players with non-severe injuries are able to work with their trainers or coaches until Saturday when they can have the injury evaluated. Since varsity games are played on Friday nights, those students can be seen the very next morning."

In the past, the clinic has drawn students from Blanco, Boerne, Burnet, Comfort, Fredericksburg, Harper, Ingram, Johnson City, Junction, Kerrville, Llano, Mason, Marble Falls, Menard, San Saba and Stonewall.

The evaluations are free, but if an injury requires imaging, that expense is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian. The clinic is run on a first-come, first-serve basis, so no appointments are necessary. A coach and a parent or legal guardian must accompany student athletes. Please bring insurance information.

For more information, call HCM at 830-997-4353.