October is Physical Therapy Month
posted by Ashley Betz-Jones on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Happy National Physical Therapy Month!
October is National Physical Therapy Month - a time to recognize the profession of Physical Therapy and all that it has to offer to improve the lives of patients! National PT Month has been celebrated since 1992, with National PT Week being celebrated as early as the 1980s.
Fun Fact #1:
Inadequate physical activity results in an added $117 billion in health care costs in the U.S. and leads to reduced quality of life for millions of Americans.
Why should you participate in physical activity?
This year, the focus of National Physical Therapy month is to emphasize the effect that regular physical activity can have on a person’s life. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, healthy adults aged 18-65 should:
- Participate in aerobic activity for 30 minutes, 5 days per week
- Perform strengthening activities for all major muscle groups 2 times per week
Participating in regular physical activity can improve brain health, help manage weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase longevity and quality of life, among others.
A common physical therapy myth is that PT is just hot packs, ice, ultrasounds, and massage. This is not true! Physical therapy is a great avenue for learning about regular physical activity and the benefits it can have. PT incorporates physical activity to restore function and improve quality of life. Our PTs use a wide variety of active treatments, such as exercise to improve range of motion and strength, neuromuscular re-education to improve coordination and balance, and functional training and lifestyle modification to restore the ability to do activities that you love. Our therapists also utilize manual therapy techniques to complement exercise and improve stiff or painful joints and tissues. Talk to one of our physical therapists about ways to incorporate physical activity into your life to improve your physical health and well-being.
Fun Fact #2:
A recent study showed that patients who have low back pain who started physical therapy saved an average of 72% in the first year compared to those who elected to have surgery instead.
Who can benefit from Physical Therapy?
Everyone! Physical therapy is a safe, effective treatment option that can help improve your injury or illness while potentially saving you money. Here at Spencer Hospital, we conduct an average of 20,000 patient visits per year for a large variety of concerns. Our physical therapists received their training through doctoral programs and can treat many aches or pains or help you recover from an injury or surgery. Specialty services offered at Spencer Hospital include pediatric therapy (CAMPS), women’s health services including pelvic floor issues, complex and chronic pain treatment, trigger point dry needling, aquatic or pool therapy, vestibular treatment including vertigo, work hardening, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE), and neurological rehab including post-stroke and brain injury treatment.
How to schedule a visit to see our Physical Therapists
Iowa is a direct access state, so patients with private insurance do not need an order from their physician for physical therapy services. Otherwise, talk to your doctor about getting a referral to PT. We offer outpatient services at the Spencer Hospital, Rehab @ the Clinic (Spencer Medical Arts building), Milford Family Care, Sioux Rapids Family Care, and Hartley Family Care. For more information, to discuss a physician referral, or to schedule an appointment, please call (712) 264-6189.
- rehab
- therapy