October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the essential role physical therapists play in enhancing our health. Whether you’ve experienced physical therapy firsthand or are considering it, here are five reasons to appreciate this invaluable approach.
1. Holistic Approach
Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to health by treating the whole body, not just the symptoms. Physical therapists evaluate how various systems work together to improve function and mobility. This comprehensive approach leads to better outcomes by addressing the root causes of pain, rather than just masking it.
2. Safety
One of the greatest advantages of physical therapy is its safety. Unlike surgeries or medications, which can come with risks such as infections or side effects, physical therapy is non-invasive. It provides effective pain management and function improvement without the dangers associated with more aggressive medical treatments. This makes it an excellent option for many individuals recovering from injury or seeking pain relief.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Physical therapy is often more cost-effective than surgery or long-term medication use. Investing in physical therapy can reduce the need for expensive treatments and lead to faster recovery times. By addressing issues early, you not only improve your health but also save money in the long run.
4. Improved Mobility and Function
Physical therapists are dedicated to getting you moving and back to the activities you enjoy. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, an injury, or managing a chronic condition, physical therapy helps restore your ability to perform daily activities. With a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, you can regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
5. Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of physical therapy extend well beyond immediate relief. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, physical therapists help you achieve lasting improvements in your health. Additionally, physical therapy emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, which supports long-term well-being. You’ll learn how to stay active, reduce your risk of future injuries, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
As we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, it’s important to recognize the numerous benefits of physical therapy. From its holistic approach and safety to its cost-effectiveness and long-term advantages, physical therapy offers a well-rounded solution for anyone looking to improve their health.
If you’re considering physical therapy, contact Pro Vita Physical Therapy to discover how we can help you lead a more active and fulfilling life.
References
Research:
1) Effects and Benefits of Physical Therapy in the Mood, Quality of Life and Cognition Psychological
and Cognitive Effects of Physical Therapy
a) https://ijpot.com/scripts/IJPOT%20April-June_2020.pdf#page=267
2) Beth Black, MarySue Ingman, Jamie Janes, Physical Therapists’ Role in Health Promotion as
Perceived by the Patient: Descriptive Survey, Physical Therapy, Volume 96, Issue 10, 1 October
2016, Pages 1588–1596
a) https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20140383
3) Emily Knight, Robert J. Werstine, Diane M. Rasmussen-Pennington, Deborah Fitzsimmons,
Robert J. Petrella, Physical Therapy 2.0: Leveraging Social Media to Engage Patients in
Rehabilitation and Health Promotion, Physical Therapy, Volume 95, Issue 3, 1 March 2015, Pages
389–396
a) https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.2
b) 0130432
4) Diana C. Parra, Elissa C. Held Bradford, B. Ruth Clark, Susan B. Racette, Susan S. Deusinger,
Population and Community-Based Promotion of Physical Activity: A Priority for Physical Therapy,
Physical Therapy, Volume 97, Issue 2, February 2017, Pages 159–160
a) https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzw006
Articles and Content:
1) National Physical Therapy Month:
a) https://www.apta.org/national-physical-therapy-month
2) ChoosePT Toolkit
a) https://www.choosept.com/toolkit
3) PPS Annual Conference
a) https://ppsapta.org/events/conferences
