Did you know that being active and moving your body can help you manage pain and other chronic conditions? It can also help you recover from injuries quicker and reduce the risk of future injury and chronic disease.

Helping patients through movement is what physical therapists do best, which is why October is National Physical Therapy Month — a time to celebrate those in the profession and everything they do to improve the lives of their patients. It’s an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of physical therapy. This month’s theme surrounds the phrase, “Move Better, Feel Better!”

Although many people might associate physical therapy with care that occurs after an injury, physical therapy can also assist individuals with injury prevention. According to Steve White, DPT, Physical Therapist at Prowers Medical Center, physical therapy is appropriate for patients of all ages and can be tailored to the patient’s needs.

“People come into physical therapy for many reasons,” he said. “Some of those may include pain or weakness; however, physical therapists can help improve sport performance, injury risk, fatigue related to cancer and other diagnoses, and pelvic health.”

Move Better, Feel Better

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education. They develop personalized treatment plans for their patients that focus on pain reduction/management, improved movement, function restoration or disability prevention.

A recent study found that about 25 percent of Americans experienced lower back pain in the last 3 months. Another study reported that 1 in 4 older adults experienced a significant fall in the last year. Injury and fear of mobility usually result in decreased quality of life, which is why this year’s theme “Move Better, Feel Better” resonates with the Prowers Medical Center Rehabilitation team.

“Many of our health issues that keep us from enjoying our life are preventable, fixable or manageable,” White said. “Our team is trained in helping you to overcome pain, weakness and adversity to allow you to take advantage of your life and live it to its fullest. People who can do what they want simply live happier lives.”

Benefits of PT

Patients and physical therapists work together as a team to help the patient feel better, whether the patient is a young athlete who wants to play their sport without injury or an older adult who wants to be active with their grandchildren. Goals can be achieved using modalities, activity modification and corrective exercise.

“As we age, play sports or just work, our bodies are subject to physical changes related to our job, physical activity level, diet and many other things,” White explained. “Some of these things can cause pain, weakness, dysfunction or other abnormalities. As physical therapists, we work closely with your healthcare team to appropriately diagnose and treat you.”

There are many benefits to working with a physical therapist, including maintaining independence and greater strength, movement, function, range of motion and quality of life.

“We want to support you and help you live a healthy lifestyle,” White said. “Many injuries or treatment courses only require a handful of sessions and do not have to be long term. Catching an impairment early means fewer medical and therapy visits and quicker and better outcomes. Investing in your own healthcare means being proactive and not just reactive.”

High-Quality Care, Close to Home

At Prowers Medical Center, physical therapists address many conditions, ranging from dizziness impairment to post-surgical recovery. Advanced techniques and therapies offered include blood flow restriction therapy, functional dry needling, running evaluations, post-concussive screening and treatment, pre-rehab for individuals undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures — and much more.

“At Prowers Medical Center, our Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) try to provide as many treatment options as we can to assure the people of Prowers County have access to cutting-edge healthcare,” White concluded. “Your physical therapist in conjunction with your doctor can help ensure you keep your body in good shape.”

Join us this month in recognizing and celebrating the entire Prowers Medical Center Physical Therapy team and thanking them for everything they do for our patients!

For more information on physical therapy services offered at Prowers Medical Center, call 719-336-6728 or go to prowersmedical.com/services/rehabilitation-services.