The clinic, which joins the existing podiatry centre at the Community Engagement and Wellness Centre on the CSU Albury-Wodonga campus, was established as part of a long-term plan for the school of community health.

Those studying physiotherapy will have the opportunity to service real clients with the help of experienced physiotherapists.

CSU has opened the new clinic with Flex Out Physiotherapy and director and physiotherapist Rebecca Piazza hopes it will recruit more health practitioners to the Border.

“Experiencing the unique nature of rural practice will help keep the students here,” she said.

“Probably a lot of them are from rural backgrounds so they can experience the type of work available in their community.

“We have a number of Charles Sturt University physiotherapy graduates on staff already and we are looking forward to supporting and mentoring the next generation of regional physiotherapists, while also expanding our professional services to the Thurgoona area.”

School of community health head Associate Professor Megan Smith said the university had planned to open the physiotherapy clinic since the podiatry services were established after a federal government funded building was built on the campus.

She hopes to add occupational therapy, dietetics and speech pathology in the future.

“It is essential students work with real clients whilst under supervision during their education,” she said.

“It gives the students real-world experiences.”

Anybody experiencing sports injuries or aches and pains, as well as those needing to tap into rehabilitation and falls prevention services, can be treated at the clinic.

It will open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and appointments can be made by phoning (02) 6051 9299.