October is National Physical Therapy Month
March 11th, 2010
Thomas Serbousek, MD
Jones Regional Medical Center
October is national physical therapy month and while you most likely have heard about physical therapists, do you really know what they can bring to your life? A physical therapist can help a person attain and maintain mobility and quality of life without prescriptions or surgery. With their detail-driven education, physical therapists help someone move forward so that they can continue enjoying their day-to-day living throughout their entire life.
A physical therapist can help you with some of the following:
- Arthritis
- Back Pain and Knee Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder Pain
- Stroke
- Sprains, Strains and Fractures
- And much more
About Physical Therapists
Physical therapists use research and proven techniques to help their patients obtain a healthy range of motion for their lifestyle. All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree – either a masters or clinical doctorate – from an accredited physical therapist program before taking and passing the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. Each state requires physical therapists that practice or plan to practice to obtain state licensure from that state. Physical therapists are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children and elderly individuals. They may consult and work with other health professional to help you improve your mobility.
What to Expect from a Physical Therapist
Combining science with inspiration, a physical therapist will teach you how to prevent or manage a health condition and help motivate you during your treatment so you can function optimally. Your physical therapist will work with you to help you be aware of your body so you will attain long-term health benefits.
Your physical therapist will examine you and build a plan of care using a mixture of treatment techniques that help you move, decrease pain, restore functions and prevent disability. Your physical therapists can also help you prevent loss of mobility and motion by developing a fitness- and wellness-oriented plan tailored to your exact needs.
A physical therapist is your partner throughout your life to restoring and maintaining motion so that you can function at your personal best.
For more information on this or any other health related topic, visit www.jonesregional.org.
