Patient Success Spotlight
October Is National PT Month
October is fast approaching, and with it comes its share of official “national day” designations, including whimsical days like “National Pumpkin Seed Day.” But did you know that the entire month has been dedicated to National Physical Therapy Month? So, as the leaves are turning and you’re working on your jack-o-lanterns, take the time to learn more about the many benefits of physical therapy. What Is National Physical Therapy Month All About? For almost 40 years, physical therapy has been celebrated by official proclamation. And since 1992, October is the month for honoring physical therapists and the important role they play in healing people in pain. In the modern era of social media, hashtags like #UsePhysicalTherapy and #ChoosePT have helped spread the word. Physical Therapy Month allows patients to share their stories about how PT haschanged their lives for thebetter. Italsogivesphysical therapistsa forum for spreading the word about the different kinds of treatment patients can receive. Many members of the general public don’t realize that aside from specialized exercises that build strength and flexibility, PT also offers pain management through massage, heat and cold applications, and specialized electronic-pulse devices. What Symptoms and Conditions Does PT Help? Physical therapy tends to be associated with sports injuries, along with chronic problems such as back pain, surgery recovery, and balance issues. Yet, you may not realize the range of problems which physical therapy can help -- both for pain management and to help ease other symptoms. Do you have hand pain and stiffness? Physical therapists treat hand and wrist conditions ranging from carpal tunnel to “trigger finger.” Tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries can also be aided through PT. Among other conditions the general public may not associate with physical therapy are pelvic floor dysfunction, TMJ, cardiopulmonary disease, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injuries. Why #ChoosePT? In recent years, National Physical Therapy Month has also focused on the alternative PT offers over opioids. With opioid abuse at an all-time high -- and tragic overdoses on the rise -- alternatives to this class of prescription medication are even more important. The National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that opioid prescriptions have quadrupled in recent years. Yet, the number of people reporting chronic pain has not gone down. So how can you tell if physical therapy is a better choice than prescription opioids? The CDC suggests that if you fall into any of these categories, physical therapy can be beneficial: • Pain comes from fibromyalgia, low back pain, knee arthritis or hip arthritis. These conditions in particular are known for responding well to physical therapy when it comes to pain management. • The pain has lasted more than 90 days, meaning that it has gone from “acute” to “chronic.” • Thebenefitsofprescriptionopioidsdon’toutweigh their risks. In theearly days after an injury or an operation, painkillers help patients function without crippling pain. But with each day that passes, the risks opioids pose outweigh the rewards. If you’ve become afraid of the pain. Obviously, nobody welcomes physical discomfort. But some people become overly dependent on a pill’s ability to remove all aches and twinges. In PT, pain is a way to determine exactly what needs to be worked on, in order to reduce discomfort down the road.
“This place is a little under the radar, but it’s definitely worth going in and getting better. I came here after a surgery by Dr. Rosenberg after a drunk driver knocked me off my motor cycle. Let’s break it down like this – most staff are/were patients or have friends and family that are/ were in a similar position, which earns this place five stars for caring and compassion. The water is warm and I feel welcomed, the staff keeps me upbeat and optimistic. I have to thank Julie for her healing hands and, of course, her little helpers Brittany, Dave, and Kathrine for their love and support helping me get back to 100%. Long story short, I still have a ways to go, but if you’re like me and need to get better, this is the best aquatic therapy center in So Cal. Thanks again you guys!” - Chance S. ...if you’re like me and need to get better, this is the best aquatic therapy center in So Cal.
Relieve Neck Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing neck pain.
Stretches Neck
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LEVATOR SCAPULAE STRETCH
Grasp your arm on the affected side and tilt your head downward into the armpit. Use your opposite hand to guide your head further into the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
www.socalaquatictherapy.com
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