For many of you October means recognizing the return of Pumpkin-spice, oohing and ahhing at the changing leaves, and embracing that sweater weather. But here at Restorative Physical Therapy, October is also a great month to celebrate because it's National Physical Therapy Month!
A little background on National PT Month: Originally known as National Therapy Week, this event used to occur in June. However, in 1992, the event moved to October to avoid conflict with the APTA’s annual conference and expo. The celebration also expanded from one week to one month. (Something awesome to note: National PT Month is a recognized celebration in the National Health Observances Calendar.)
Each year, there is a new theme, and 2016's is "#ChoosePT". This campaign lets consumers know about the risks of opioid use and that physical therapy is a safe, non-opioid alternative for managing pain.
According to the APTA Americans’ increased use of prescription opioids for pain management has created a national health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges prescribers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safer alternatives for treating chronic pain conditions. Physical therapy is one of the recommended non-opioid alternatives.
Physical therapists treat pain through movement and exercise, helping patients improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Here at Restorative Physical Therapy in Chesapeake, VA our Physical therapists use Integrative Manual Therapy to assess and treat by using their hands. The assessment and treatment is integrative by addressing all body systems. The intervention generally involves gentle manipulation and/or mobilizations to promote tissue healing. Our Physical therapists also can educate their patients about pain, which has been known to improve outcomes.
This month we want to help inform you on why Physical Therapy and Integrative Manual Therapy can be great for you to manage your pain and restore your health.