National PT Month
Every
year since 1992, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has used this
month as a way to help raise awareness and educate the public on various
topics. This year the APTA has chosen to educate the public on the use of
physical therapy as a safe way to manage pain. Physical therapists treat pain
through movement, helping patients improve strength, flexibility, and range of
motion. Physical therapists also can educate their patients about pain, which
has been known to improve outcomes.
So
why choose physical therapy? First physical therapy has been found to be as
effective as surgery for some conditions such as osteoarthritis, meniscal
tears, and rotator cuff injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC), Physical therapy is effective for numerous conditions and there is high
quality evidence supporting exercise as part of physical therapist treatment
for familiar conditions like low back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and
fibromyalgia. Second, physical therapy plans are individualized. This means
that everyone’s pain management therapy is different and tailored around you,
your needs, and your pre-existing conditions. Lastly, physical therapy can help
identify other potential risks and health issues beyond what the patient
initially reports.
In
June of 2016 the APTA launched their new campaign titled #ChoosePT to help
educate the public on choosing physical therapy as a way to manage pain. Click
here for more information on the #ChoosePT campaign and other resources on how
physical therapy can help with pain http://www.moveforwardpt.com/choose-physical-therapy-over-opioids-for-pain-management-choosept
For
more information physical therapy in general check out the APTA’s website here https://www.apta.org/Default.aspx
-Matthew
D’Antonio, PT, DPT
Pediatric
Physical Therapist
