Although October is primarily associated with advocacy for breast cancer, it is also known as National Physical Therapy Awareness Month (PTAM). The observance day is closely connected to our mission at Raintree Systems, considering a majority of our clients are a part of the rehabilitation therapy field, offering PT, OT, SLP, and ABA therapies, often in multi-specialty settings.
History of Physical Therapy Awareness Month
Physical Therapy Awareness Month is an annual health initiative meant to bring attention to the significant impact physical therapy continues to have on so many patients who suffer from daily pain and discomfort. Originally founded in 1981 as physical therapy week, it was eventually extended to the entire month of October in 1992. With increasing popularity, the purpose of PT awareness is to educate the public on the benefits of not only physical therapy but physical activity in general.
You can also visit these resources, powered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), to learn more about personal pain management and how to take part in physical therapy awareness efforts.
Global Physical Therapy Day Of Service
Founded in 2012 by two physical therapy activists, Efosa Guobadia and Josh D’Angelo, Global Physical Therapy Day of Service (also known as PTDOS) is an event that encourages therapists, students and associated PT staff to volunteer within communities all around the world. PTDOS is a 100% volunteer based organization that is deeply passionate about giving back to local businesses, spreading educational awareness and improving access to physical therapy practices.
Taking place in October, it is critical that we foster support for the PT industry by participating in community service projects, donating to rehabilitation facilities and becoming an ambassador or sponsor. Click here to learn more about how to get involved and make a difference.
The Importance of Physical Therapy
From orthopedics and neurology to applied behavior analysis (ABA) and sports medicine, there are many different specialties of therapy as well as various types of techniques such as electrotherapy, aquatic aerobics, soft tissue massage and even acupuncture. With physical therapy essentially being the restoration or maintenance of specific parts of the body, it also primarily promotes patients to practice self care. While most people seek out physical therapy because of certain conditions or injuries, here are some examples of other reasons why people pursue physical therapy services. And if you’re feeling inspired, take a look at these amazing success stories!
- Behavioral and Mental Development. For those who have been affected by strokes, concussions or any other forms of brain damage, physical therapy can actually help regain and improve proper mobile functionality. Whether it be severe cognitive disorders, neuromuscular trauma or orthopedic impairments, physical therapists usually adopt an individualistic approach that is unique to each patients’ goals, resulting in more specific outcomes and better patient satisfaction.
- Vertigo? Vertigone. If you suffer from vertigo, physical therapy might just be the solution for you. Through a procedure known as canalith repositioning (CRP), patients’ heads are positioned to realign their inner ear structure in order to prevent false nerve signals from tricking the brain into feeling symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea. With this process, sometimes just one or two treatments is effective and most patients see results immediately.
- Breathe Easy. Physical therapy can also help strengthen breathing and recover lung capacity after extensive damage that can be caused from certain diseases like emphysema, asthma and COPD. Especially considering the current climate of COVID, physical therapy providers act as an additional resource for those who suffer from remnant lung damage and may need help with daily inhaling or exhaling exercises.
More Helpful Resources For PT Patients
- Website PTAM: https://bit.ly/2Gcv4f7
- PTAM History: https://bit.ly/33h3NkA
- How PT Can Help: https://bit.ly/3l54cfK
