HAYS, Kansas – The HaysMed Athletic Sports Injury Walk-In Clinic will once again be seeing patients starting August 8.    Athletes who get hurt during the week have several options to seek immediate care.  The sports injury walk-in clinic is open Monday and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at the Hays Orthopedic Clinic, 2500 Canterbury Drive.  This year there are also expanded time for same or next day appointments.

Dr. Wally Walstrom, board-certified sports medicine physician, is the medical director of the clinic.  Dr. Walstrom is full-time at the Hays Orthopedic Clinic and has increased availability to see injured athletes.

“Any injury that raises a concern and a parent or a coach thinks an athlete needs to be evaluated can be seen in the clinic.”  Said Walstrom.

The clinic gives injured athletes the opportunity to see a provider without going through an emergency department or waiting to schedule an appointment.  All acute injuries including concussions are seen at the clinic.

Digital x-ray services are available at the clinic, and, if needed, the process of getting an MRI can be set in motion.

“It’s a nice option for families to see someone who has the ability and training to manage an athlete’s injury,” stated Walstrom.   “Once evaluated we can get you in quickly to see an appropriate Orthopedic Surgeon, if necessary.” 

Athletes leave the clinic with a plan of recovery and return to play.  The recovery process begins sooner for athletes seen in the clinic.  They can be fitted with crutches or knee braces, if necessary, and when they leave, they know what follow up is needed. 

For athletes requiring rehabilitation, sports specific programs can immediately be started with the Outpatient Rehab Center located just steps away from the Orthopedic Clinic.

“The Athletic Injury Walk-In Clinic helps take care of the kids in our community,” Walstrom said. “They will start their recovery process faster so they can safely get back to their sport quicker.”