Holzer Health System observes National Physical Therapy Month throughout October.
National Physical Therapy Month, celebrated each October, is a nationwide event that seeks to give the public firsthand knowledge about the benefits of physical therapy. Physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and physical therapy students across the country host special events such as fitness clinics, fun runs, athletic competitions, open houses and seminars on health and fitness topics. Activities focus on general physical fitness training and education; injury prevention; rehabilitation following injury, disease or surgery; and other areas of physical therapy practice that help patients achieve and maintain good health.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 88,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician referral.
“National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM) is an annual opportunity to recognize the profession’s efforts to transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience,” stated APTA President Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD. “I, on behalf of APTA staff, components, and the Board of Directors, would like to thank you for all that you do every day to improve the health, mobility, and quality of life of the patients you serve.” This year’s recognition week theme revolves around APTA’s #ChoosePTCampaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of prescription opioids, and encourages consumers and prescribers to follow guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to choose safer alternative treatments like physical therapy.
Holzer Health System offers therapy services at several of locations. For more information on physical therapy, or other services, call 1-855-4-HOLZER or visit www.holzer.org.