In October, We Recognize the Importance of Physical Therapy

Just days away, skilled nursing facilities across the nation will recognize the importance of physical therapy during National Physical Therapy (NPTM) month.  In June 1981, originally called “Physical Therapy Week,” the recognition week (expanding to a month) was later moved to October so it would not conflict with the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual conference held in June.

Physical therapist and patient Photo Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics

NPTM’s goal is to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of physical therapy in the rehabilitative regimen of helping those in pain find relief, improve their mobility, to enhance their health and increase their quality of life.

Physical therapy helps patients to recover after having a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or any other medical event that has affected their ability to live independently. as before.

Physical Therapy in a SNF

Inpatient and out-patient physical therapy offered at the Institute for Advanced Rehab at Meadowbrook Care Center helps stroke patients improve their strength and functioning of weakened arms, restoring more movement.  The rehab therapy can also increase the flexibility joints affected by arthritis, helping to reduce the patient’s pain, joint inflammation and stiffness. It can also improve one’s balance and gait as the patient recovers from joint replacement procedures, resulting from hip fractures and orthopedic injuries,

For long-term residents, physical therapy can help slow the disabling affects of degenerative conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Their mobility can also be increased by this rehabilitation to help them regain some independence. Physical Therapists can also work with wheelchair bound patients to maintain their range of motion and strengthen their muscles to keep them from slumping.

In October, Meadowbrook recognizes the benefits of Physical Therapy and the important role our therapists play in enhancing the health and quality of life of our patients.