October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy 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