October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is widely known for pumpkins, hayrides, and trick-or-treating, but did you know it is also National Physical Therapy Month? This month is a great time to recognize the important work of physical therapists and the impact of physical therapy, improving lives through rehabilitation and movement. We want to take a moment to discuss the importance of physical therapy, it’s use-cases, and overall injury prevention!

Injury Prevention

This year, the American Physical Therapy Association is emphasizing the vital roles physical therapists and physical therapist assistants play — across all specialty areas and patient populations — in falls awareness, prevention and recovering from falls-related injuries.

This October, focus on getting active and increasing your physical activity. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Unfortunately, more than 1 out of 4 older adults will fall each year. By staying active, you not only increase your overall health but also reduce your chances of taking a fall.

Common injuries due to falls include head injuries, shoulder fractures, spine fractures, and hip fractures. A fall can be a major life-changing event that robs an elderly person of their independence.  Fortunately, many falls can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and safety modifications in the home.

Physical Therapy & Orthopedics

The collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists can be a vital step in recovery and creating optimal patient outcomes. OrthoManhattan is a multi-specialty orthopedic surgery practice that combines an outstanding group of experienced “Top Doctors” to treat all your musculoskeletal problems. Physical therapists often work closely with orthopedic surgeons like ours to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. These plans often include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function.

Orthopedic surgery focuses on the musculoskeletal system, addressing conditions and injuries related to bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. After undergoing orthopedic surgery, patients often require physical therapy to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation. 

Physical therapy after orthopedic surgery can help restore mobility and flexibility in the area. It can also aid in strengthening the area after surgery. By engaging in targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques, patients can improve their quality of life by regaining functionality and range of movement. 

After surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in preventing complications such as muscle stiffness and muscle atrophy that can arise from immobilization after surgery. Individualized physical therapy can help promote optimal healing and help patients regain confidence and independence while doing their daily activities. 

Suffering from Pain or Discomfort?

If you’re struggling with the aftermath of an injury, and traditional methods like rest or physical therapy haven’t brought relief, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Top Doctors. Book an appointment today! We’re dedicated to providing the most advanced orthopedic care in Manhattan, and we’re here to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free.