Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This year, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is focusing its efforts on educating people of all ages on the importance of physical activity in preventing and combating obesity and its consequences.

When working with obese children and adults, physical therapists work to promote movement, reduce pain when it is present, maintain or restore function and prevent disability. They also incorporate behavior modification into weight loss programs, such as identifying causes of unhealthy behaviors and recognizing any barriers to forming healthy habits.

During National Physical Month, the APTA will also strive to educate the public on how physical therapists can help ease complications associated with type 2 diabetes. For example, they can perform tests to check foot sensation, help decrease cramping pain during walking, evaluate and care for skin ulcers and slow-to-heal sores and improve walking ability with orthotics and special shoes. They can also provide diabetics with an individualized program to help reduce the need for medications, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and manage glucose levels.

To learn more about National Physical Therapy Month, click here.