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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH October is fast approaching, and with it comes its share of official “national day” designations, includingwhimsicaldays like “NationalPumpkin Seed Day.” But did you know that the entire month has been dedicated to National Physical TherapyMonth?So,as the leavesare turningand you’re working on your jack-o-lanterns, take the time to learn more about the many benefits of physical therapy.

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. Does an official month really matter, given that physical therapists are out there making a difference every day? If you have any questions about whether you should seek physical therapy, call our office today to discuss your condition and to set up an evaluation.

The American Physical Therapy Association’s #ChoosePT campaign is raising awareness about the dangers of prescription opioids, and encourages consumers and prescribers to choose safer alternatives like physical therapy for most chronic pain management.

EveryyearmillionsofAmericansuseopioids tomanagepain.Doctor-prescribedopioidsareappropriate insome cases,but they justmask thepain—andrelianceonopioidshas led to theworstdrugcrisis inAmericanhistory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Physicians, and the National AcademiesofSciences,Engineering,andMedicinehave issuedguidelinesandreportsurginghealthcareproviders to pursue safe nondrug alternatives, including physical therapy, for most non–cancer-related pain treatment. Physical therapists (PTs) treatpain throughmovement,hands-oncare,andpatienteducation—andby increasing physical activity you can also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases. A recent study published in Health Services Research found that patients who saw a PT before trying other treatments for low back pain were 89% less likely to need an opioid prescription. If you know someone in pain, encourage them to talk to their physician or PT about safe ways to manage pain.

To read more about National Physical Therapy Month and the #MoveForward campaign, visit at www.apta.org/NPTM. Also visit www.moveforwardpt.com

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