By Riva Preil
Each October, physical therapists across the country celebrate National Physical Therapy Month. There are many different types of physical therapists who work in a number of various work environments. Several of these venues include working in a hospital in an acute care facility, in a sub-acute rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, with the pediatric population in elementary schools, or in a private practice orthopedic clinic. Furthermore, there are many different types of orthopedic clinics that work with a specific population, (ex. women’s health- like Beyond Basics Physical Therapy)! The diversity that exists within the profession is actually a very appealing aspect to those considering becoming a physical therapist.
As musculoskeletal experts, physical therapists take great pride in assisting others with moving forward and improving mobility. Whether it be in helping a patient learn how to use a hemiparetic lower extremity post-stroke or helping an athlete return to their desired sport after a meniscal repair surgery, physical therapists help their patients strengthen weakened muscles and return to normalized gait patterns. One of the ways they accomplish this is through creating a personalized home exercise program for each of their patients targeting the specific deficits. To learn more about the physical therapy profession and how we strive to help other, please refer to the American Physical Therapy Association website, and in particular please refer to the link below. Happy P.T. month to one all!
http://www.moveforwardpt.com/NPTM/Default.aspx