Join SCPT for its annual October celebration of National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM). Recognized every October by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to show appreciation for all physical therapists who have helped millions of people get back on their feet, it is a great time to discover the many rewarding ways that you can take an active role in supporting National Physical Therapy Month, this October and every day.
Educate yourself and others
Many people are unaware of what physical therapy entails and its many benefits. Physical therapy is the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability that utilizes exercise, massage, supportive devices, and patient education and training.
APTA also strives to share its focus on raising awareness about the risk of opioids and how physical therapy can effectively help with pain management. Through increased use of prescription opioids for pain management, the United States has seen a growing opioid epidemic. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Surgeon General have identified physical therapy as part of the solution. The CDC is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives, like physical therapy, for treating chronic pain conditions.
The vision of physical therapy
APTA’s vision statement for the physical therapy profession is to transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience. APTA’s guiding principles to achieving this vision state, “Movement is a key to optimal living and quality of life for all people that extends beyond health to every person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society. The complex needs of society, such as those resulting from a sedentary lifestyle, beckon for the physical therapy profession to engage with consumers to reduce preventable health care costs and overcome barriers to participation in society to ensure the successful existence of society far into the future.” APTA’s vision is not only meant for the physical therapy profession, but also to inspire others to work together to create systems that optimize movement and function for all people.
For over 30 years, SCPT has been a recognized rehabilitation leader committed to this vision. With dedication to providing every patient with exceptional and quality personalized rehabilitative care, SCPT has helped its patients to achieve tremendous results, improving and transforming their physical function. SCPT has an extremely talented team of physical therapists, with more cumulative experience on staff than any other physical therapy organization in the region.
Together, SCPT’s team takes a very active role in working with patients, listening to your concerns, truly understanding how physical therapy will positively impact our patients’ well-being, and ultimately guiding you each step of the way on your journey to recovery.
Here are some tips to help you achieve the greatest results from your SCPT physical therapy program:
Identify the problem
Address your specific issues and describe each specific sensation in complete detail, so your physical therapist can determine its origin. Your SCPT team will work closely with you to understand your history and help set expectations. Whether the aim is to simply regain flexibility, alleviate discomfort, or to relearn major motor functions, your SCPT therapist will customize the right plan for you.
Set your goal(s)
Set reasonable goals. Breaking these goals into small steps will help to keep you motivated and make them more attainable. The right combination of exercises, movements, and stretches can be very effective, and your SCPT therapist can help you to determine the best techniques to get your best results.
Trust yourself
You know your body best, so trust yourself and do what feels right. You and your SCPT therapist have one common objective to achieve (and exceed) your goals. If you have a question or concern, be sure to ask your therapist and you’ll both work together to fine tune the best approach to getting effective results.
Be an active participant in your treatment
Throughout the day, think about the kinds of activities or movements that make your pain worse and the kinds that make it dissipate. Keep a log to share with your SCPT therapist during your next appointment. The patient who plays an active role in their own physical therapy is more likely to not just achieve their goals, but exceed them.
On behalf of SCPT’s team, thank you to all the wonderful patients who are devoted to changing their lives through physical therapy. Together, we can achieve results – one day at a time.
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