Every October
we celebrate National Physical Therapy (PT) Month. This annual occurrence is our
opportunity to celebrate the profession and our own physical therapists and
physical therapy assistants and aides, who make a difference in patient lives
each day. It also gives us the opportunity to raise awareness about the
benefits of physical therapy, and the importance of physical activity and the
role PT's and PTA's play in helping people get moving.
Summit Medical Group has eight Physical Therapy Centers across East Tennessee. To learn more about the range of PT services offered at Summit Medical Group, visit us online or call (865) 470-2696.
Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are experts in human movement and the musculoskeletal system. They diagnose and treat individuals of all ages and abilities, with the goal of improving quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise. Physical therapists primarily work with individuals recovering from an injury or surgical procedure, but also care for people who simply want to become healthier and prevent future issues.
Physical therapists are evidence-based health care professionals who offer cost-effective care that improves mobility and relieves pain, reduces the need for surgery and opioid prescription drugs, and allows patients to actively participate in their own recovery plan that is designed to meet their needs and achieve their individual goals.
What are the benefits of working with a physical therapist?
There are many
benefits of physical therapy - from pain reduction to improved movement. But
many people are unaware of the extent of the benefits that PT can provide.
- Avoid Surgery. Because physical therapy can help to eliminate pain or aid in healing after an injury, surgery may not be needed. And even if surgery is required, physical therapy before surgery can improve your overall outcome. If you are going into surgery stronger and in better shape, recovery afterwards is faster in many cases. Additionally, post-operative rehabilitation is more successful when you work with a PT.
- Injury Prevention. Physical therapists understand how the body moves with various activities and understand how those activities can increase the risk for specific types of injuries. Through the design of an individualized exercise program, a PT can help to minimize injury risk through increased strength and mobility.
- Avoid Opioids. Opioids mask pain without treating the underlying cause of it. Physical therapy not only helps with relieving pain, but it also addresses the condition that is causing the pain in the first place.
- Improve Mental Health. Chronic pain and prescription pain medication can lead to depression, anxiety, and isolation. Physical therapy will help to get your body moving and working normally again, releasing "feel-good" chemicals called endorphins. Working with a PT to establish a regular, daily exercise routine is the optimal choice to support mental health and combat depression.
- Manage Diabetes and Vascular Conditions. Exercise can effectively control blood sugar levels. Additionally, people with diabetes may have problems with sensations in their legs and feet. A physical therapist can help provide and educate these patients on proper foot care to prevent further problems down the road and can aid in the development of a customized exercise program.
- Keep You Active and Healthy. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services second edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, more than 80% of adults and adolescents are not getting enough physical activity. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise. For individuals looking to start a new exercise routine, a physical therapist can assess your beginning fitness levels and tailor a plan that is right for you.
Did you know?
5 things you may not know about physical therapy:
- World War I and the 1916 Polio outbreak led to a national and international need for rehabilitation to treat soldiers and children. The field provided career opportunities for women, and in 1918, the term 'Reconstruction Aide' was given to those practicing physical therapy.
- Physical therapy is a female-dominant field, making up just under 70 percent of the physical therapist work force.
- Many studies have shown that physical therapy can be more effective than surgery to address knee and back conditions.
- Conditions you may not know can be treated by a physical therapist include dizziness, headaches, concussions, and jaw pain.
- In all states, physical therapists can be seen without a doctor's prescription. This is known as Direct Access.