National Physical Therapy Month

In addition to National Chiropractic Month, October is known for National Physical Therapy Month.

During this month, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) strives to raise awareness about the risks of opioids and promotes safe and effective alternatives for pain management.

Physical therapy is a safer alternative to healing injuries than using drugs like opioids. This therapy can be used to help rehabilitate and heal injuries and alleviate preexisting conditions of pain. Physical therapy can also be utilized before and after surgery to get the body back to its original state of function and strengthen the operated area.

To treat patients, Physical Therapists make use of movement, exercise and stretching. This will help improve the ability to move, increase flexibility and strength, and enhance range-of-motion. All of which will reduce pain and restore function.

Additionally, Physical therapists can set treatment plans that help prevent disabilities that may result from different diseases, disorders, conditions or injuries. They can take their patient’s medical history into account and create a fitness and wellness plan in order for the patient to be on the road to recovery. Throughout the treatment plan patients perform tests and measures to identify progress and any potential/existing problems.

Another big part of Physical Therapy is educating patients on safe pain management strategies. Patients are taught how to prevent and manage their pain condition so that they can achieve long-term health benefits.

During this month, we would like to focus on minimizing and eliminating pain with the help of your physical therapist and informing on safer alternatives to managing pain.

To learn more about National Physical Therapy Month click here.