October is National Physical Therapy Month!
National Physical Therapy Month
October is National Physical Therapy Month. A physical therapist is a licensed professional and an expert in the management of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, in most cases, you can see a physical therapist without a referral, and it is very likely that your insurance company will pay for physical therapy services.
As 2015 comes to a close, this is an ideal time to renew your commitment to your health and well-being. Physical therapy is a viable alternative to surgery and medicine. In fact, it can help improve everyone’s fitness and energy levels. Physical therapy can certainly help with pain relief, restoration of function and improvement in strength and mobility, but there is a lot more that your therapist can do for you.
For example, did you know that physical therapy can treat back, knee and joint pain? Did you know that conditions like obesity, osteoporosis and arthritis can also be treated by a licensed physical therapist? In fact, the treatment spectrum ranges from sports related injuries (as a result of overuse) and neurological conditions like a stroke to skeletal injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures.
Foundations of a Healthy Lifestyle
Your physical therapist will help you establish the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Some foundational principles include:
Stretch
Find a way to include stretching into your daily routine. Associating it with something you normally do every day, like brushing your teeth or letting the dog out, can make it easier to remember. You can set vibration alerts on your phone to remind you to take a break from work. Simply stand up, step away from the computer and stretch your neck and back. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Keeping healthy muscles and joints mobile throughout the day helps improve health and vitality.
