Mobile. Active. Independent. How close are you or the patient in your life to those attributes?
October is National Physical Therapy Month, which is designed the highlight the role of physical therapy (PT) in restoring and improving motion. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the benefits can include enhanced quality of life as well as avoiding surgery or the long-term use of prescription medications.
The theme for this year’s event is Sports Injury Prevention Across a Lifespan. “Participating in sports the right way is the key to avoiding injuries that can sideline you for a significant amount of time,” writes the APTA. Learn more about preventing sports injuries and the role of PT at www.MoveForwardPT.com.
Here at PatientsLikeMe, 700 patients report using PT as part of their treatment regimen, and nearly 300 of them have submitted treatment evaluations of their experience. The most common reported dosage is “weekly,” and the most common reported reason for having PT is stiffness/spasticity.
What do these patients have to say? Here’s a sampling of their feedback:
- “I had not realized how badly I walked and moved until my PT evaluation and treatment. PT has helped me regain muscle movement and has helped the leg/foot pain go away.” – Patient with Parkinson’s disease
- “If it tires you, stop. Do only light, non-resistant exercise. If it tires your muscles or causes pain, tell them immediately. Pain is not gain, it is loss of function.” – Patient with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
- “PT actually does help in building up weakened muscles, especially in my legs. I am very sore after I leave, though. It works itself out after an hour or so at home.” – Patient with fibromyalgia
- “I am walking better with and without the walker. I work out for an hour and fifteen minutes a day now. Monday, Wednesday and Friday with therapist, and the other four days alone. I WILL WALK ALONE AGAIN.” – Patient with MS
Have you tried PT? Share your experiences at PatientsLikeMe today.
