October is Physical Therapy Month

In October, we celebrate Physical Therapy Month. It gives us a chance to celebrate our amazing physical therapists and assistants who help our patients every day. We also get to raise awareness of the benefits of physical therapy and how important physical activity is in our daily lives.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients of all ages and abilities. The physical therapists strive to improve the quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise. A physical therapist is an expert in human movement and the musculoskeletal system. Most of the work they do is with patients who are recovering from an injury or a surgical procedure.

Physical therapists offer cost-effective care that improves mobility and relieves pain and reduces the need for surgery and opioid prescription drugs. Their approach allows the patient to actively participate in their own recovery plan.

There are many benefits to physical therapy. Here are five of them:

• Avoid surgery – Physical therapy can help eliminate pain and help healing after an injury. If you have physical therapy before surgery, it can help make your recovery time quicker. Physical therapy after surgery also can be more successful.

• Injury prevention – By using an individualized exercise program, a physical therapist can help minimize injury risk through increased strength and mobility.

• Avoid opioids – Physical therapy helps relieve pain, instead of masking it, like opioids do. Physical therapy also addresses the condition that is causing the pain in the first place.

• Improve mental health – Prescription pain medication can lead to depression and anxiety. Physical therapy gets your body moving, releasing “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins.

• Keep you active and healthy – According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 80% of adults and adolescents don’t get enough physical activity. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve your quality of life through prescribed exercise.

We are ready to help you recover from pain or injury. Our physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for you to reach your health goals. Call us today!