Physical Therapy for Wellness and Prevention

It’s October, which means that it is another National Physical Therapy Month!  While we celebrate physical therapy every day at the Balance + Concussion Center, October is a time for us to share thoughts about the value and impact physical therapy can have on people.  Each year, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) selects a theme for PT Month.  This year, the theme is “PT For Future Me.”  Several thoughts come to mind when reflecting on this theme.  But most importantly, this theme speaks to the value physical therapy can have on prevention now for a healthier future.

When looking at the research, we know that balance, strength and reaction time can begin to naturally decline in our 40’s and 50’s.  While these changes may progress slowly, they will eventually lead toward difficulties with performing functional skills (like climbing stairs or carrying our groceries into the house) and with safety (such as falling and not being able to get up from the floor).  Taking action early can slow or even stop these natural changes from happening in our bodies. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical Therapy can be used for wellness and prevention to be proactive toward the natural decline of our physical function.  There are multiple ways that physical therapists can help you, which can include:

• Perform an annual wellness evaluation to assess your strength, balance, and functional mobility to identify any areas of concern early
• Create a home exercise program for you to address any impairments (including agility, reaction time, strength, and balance)
• See you regularly for wellness appointments to work on maintaining your physical abilities including: 
  • Soft tissue care (using techniques such as cupping, Graston, dry needling and myofascial release)
  • Stretching and mobility work
  • Strength work
  • Balance exercises

Just like seeing your physician for an annual wellness appointment, and your dentist twice a year to prevent cavities, it is time to consider seeing your physical therapist annually as well to help make your “Future Me” as strong, safe and independent as possible.

Schedule an appointment today!