faithless puller: October is National Physical Therapy Month ? The Professional ...

October 26, 2012 at 12:55 pm | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, balance, bergen county, exercise, Falls, fitness, movement, New Jersey, osteoartrhitis, pain, physical therapy, posture, ramsey, Ridgewood, screenings, Therapy, Tips

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated each October. The primary goal of this month long celebrations is to raise awareness of the vital role that physical therapists and physical therapy assistant?s play in helping people decrease their pain, improve or restore mobility and engage in healthy lifestyles.? Physical therapists apply education, research and proven techniques to help people get back in action.

Physical Therapist Education and Expertise:

All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree, either a master?s degree or a clinical doctorate from an accredited physical therapist program.? They need this degree before taking a national licensure examination that allows them to practice.? State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist may practice.? They are health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who can examine and prevent or treat conditions that limit the body?s ability to move and function. Best of all, your physical therapist will teach you how to manage a health condition and help motivate you during your treatment.

Physical therapists can help with: arthritis, back pain, fitness, knee pain, osteoporosis, shoulder pain, stroke, sprains, strains and fractures and so much more.?

Physical Therapist Assistants Education:

Physical therapist assistants are educated and licensed clinicians that work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.? They must complete an academic and clinical education associate degree program, pass a national licensure examination and be licensed or certified by the states in which they plan to work. Physical therapist assistants will work closely with the physical therapist, they may provide components of care such as therapeutic exercise, functional training, deep soft tissue massage, proper body mechanics and other injury prevention.

The History of National Physical Therapy Month:

In the beginning, National Physical Week was celebrated each June starting in 1981.? In 1992, the week was moved to October so as to not conflict with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) national conference in June.? It was then declared that the entire month of October would be designated national Physical Therapy Month.? National Physical Therapy Month is a recognized observance on the National Health Observances Calendar.

National Physical Therapy Month Themes:

Each year, the APTA?selects a theme to be the main focus of National Physical Therapy Month.? While all aspects of physical therapy are celebrated each October, the main emphasis is placed on the theme for the month long celebration.

This year?s campaign is entitled ?Fit for Life?, encouraging physical therapists around the world to highlight the importance of physical activity throughout a person?s lifespan.

Past themes have focused on many physical therapy specialties including low back pain, posture, balance, fitness and obesity, and sports injury prevention.

What is the Best Way to Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month?

During National Physical Therapy Month, physical therapists are encouraged to engage their communities in activities to promote healthy lifestyles and to raise awareness of the importance of physical therapy.? Facilities may hold special events like posture screenings, balance assessments, or fun runs to get the community involved in fitness and exercise.

National Physical Therapy Month is a great opportunity for physical therapists to educate the general public about the role that physical therapist?s play with helping to manage pain, improves mobility and restore function. If you have been working with a physical therapist or planned to very soon, be sure to ask them all about this year?s planned events for National Physical Therapy Month.

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management has two locations in Bergen County New Jersey, in Ramsey and Ridgewood New Jersey. ?We service all of Bergen County as well as Passaic County, and other nearby counties.

Additionally our Nurse Care Managers also provide services in New York, Serving Rockland County, Orange County and parts of Westchester County.

We can be reached at 201-857-5283 and can provide a consultation or assessment of your loved-one.