UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The ability to move without pain is something many of us take for granted. But when Jack Ballard watches his patient Luis push through his pain, it’s a sight he's happy to see. 

“He’s a hard worker,” Ballard said of his patient. “He’s motivated, and it’s good to see that I don’t have to extra motivate him. It’s just kind of something that he wants to come and he wants to work and it’s easier to do what I want to do.” 

Pain is something Ballard experienced when an injury snatched his football career away.

“It was kind of demoralizing at first because it was definitely an injury of a sport I love, and they told me I wasn’t going to play at the next level,” he said. “But after going through physical therapy, it opened a lot of doors and kept the opportunities open.” 

Opportunities that included working at Wingate University’s new pro bono physical therapy clinic. 

Assistant Professor Tyler Schultz says last semester the university decided to launch this clinic to provide free care to those in need. 

“Most of our patients are word of mouth from the local area, but also we have patients I think as far away as Hickory that come see us,”  Schultz said. 

Since launching in June, Schultz says the clinic has provided nearly $25,000 worth of free treatment to over 200 patients. 

The clinic is ran by students, like Ballard, who are getting much-needed hands-on experience. 

“It’s kind of helped ground us throughout our studies,” Ballard said. “Throughout everyday, it’s a lot of work, lot of studying. But it’s something we can always rely on, like Monday’s to come, and actually help somebody and see everything connect for everybody.” 

Pain is something some will see as a negative. 

But when you stand and watch this work being done, you’ll see firsthand how it gave two people the chance to push forward and create something positive. 

“Not every patient’s the same, but you’re able to help somebody get back to what they enjoy and the hobbies that they love,” said Ballard. 

Wingate’s pro bono clinic is open every Monday, and also provides telehealth services to those who need it. 

If you are interested in learning more about this clinic or becoming a patient, you can call the clinic at 704-233-6610 or email at probono@wingate.edu. 

Patients do not need a referral from their physician to utilize this clinic as well.