October is Physical Therapy Month

Not only is Halloween in October, it is also National Physical Therapy Month! Why do we have a celebration for Physical Therapy? Per the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), this is our annual opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits and value of Physical Therapy, and help improve lives across the country. This year, the APTA will be celebrating 100 years as a member association, and the theme is the promotion of physical activity and the unique value PTs and PTAs bring to help people get moving.

Physical Therapists (PTs) are Doctors of Physical Therapy. They are the movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. PTs are able to diagnose and treat people of all ages. When you hear the words “Physical Therapy”, most people think of surgery and injuries. However, PTs also assist in posture, balance and fall prevention, overall fitness, weight management through prescribed exercise, injury prevention, an updated home exercise regimen, and much more. The schooling for becoming a Physical Therapist is intensive. It requires an undergraduate degree with obtaining high amounts of credits in anatomy, chemistry, biology, and physics. Then, one can apply to a PT Doctorate program. Once the three-year didactic and clinical work at the Doctorate program is completed and passed, one can apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). A Physical Therapist will take the NPTE in the state in which they wish to practice. This is a five-hour exam that must be passed in order to practice Physical Therapy in that specific state. Some states also require a Jurisprudence examination, as each state has certain practice laws.

You may be asking yourself, “What can I do to stay active and healthy?” The CDC recommends the exercises below for all adults. Please, see their website at https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm for more specifics.

1) At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (e.g. bike riding, swimming, a fast-paced walk) OR at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week (e.g. running, jogging)

2) Muscle strengthening activities at least 2x/week that work all major muscle groups (e.g. legs, back, hips, chest, abdomen, back, and shoulders/arms)

See the link below for raising awareness about the Physical Therapy profession. There are also resources that cover a myriad of topics such as: assessing your physical fitness, safe pain management resources, pictures for your social media account, and more!
https://www.choosept.com/Toolkit

To learn more about Pediatric Physical Therapy Services, please don’t hesitate to contact Mobile Therapy Centers to speak with one of our therapists. We provide FREE screenings/consultations, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to have your child seen by a professional and then answer any questions you may have?

Mobile Therapy Centers is a Multidisciplinary Clinic specializing in ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Pediatric Physical Therapy and Counseling. We see children at our clinics, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family.

MTC provides free screenings/consultations. We also provide Telehealth services. MTC accepts most commercial insurance. Contact us below to learn more.

Resources

American Physical Therapy Association. October Is National Physical Therapy Month: Let’s Make It a Moving Experience. APTA. 2020 September 30; 1-2.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Much Physical Activity do Adults Need? Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2020 October 7; 2: 1-118.