IRG Physical & Hand Therapy - October Newsletter

October is National Physical Therapy Month

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated each October. The goal of the month long celebration is to raise awareness of the important role that physical therapists and physical therapy assistants play in helping people decrease pain, improve mobility, and engage in healthy lifestyles. This year, we take the opportunity to highlight the benefits of physical therapy through APTAâ€™s move forward campaign.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion, and pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of daily life, your ability to earn a living, your ability to pursue your favorite leisure activities, and so much more.

Improve Mobility & Motion

Movement can help you prevent obesity, which may be responsible for at least 18% of US adult deaths. Meanwhile, recent studies suggest that prolonged sitting can be unhealthy, and that walking just a little bit more each day can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Consistent movement is also vital to maintaining a healthy balance system, and that's important because falls often lead to significant, costly injuries.

Physical therapists work with their patients and clients of all ages and abilities to expand, restore, and maintain motion.

Participate In Your Recovery

Physical therapists routinely work collaboratively with their patients. Treatment plans can be designed for the patient's individual goals, challenges, and needs. Receiving treatment by a physical therapist is rarely a passive activity, and participating in your own recovery can be empowering. In many cases, patients develop an ongoing relationship with their physical therapist to maintain optimum health and movement abilities across the lifespan.

-Move Forward PT

RAKING
First, use the power of your arms and legs to pull the rake, while minimizing how much your back moves.

When holding the rake, place one hand at the top of the handle and the other hand down the handle far enough so that your elbow bends just slightly. This way, you can stand up as straight as possible and only use your arms and legs to rake.

Do not reach so far away with the rake that it forces you to bend your back.

BAGGING
When bagging leaves, remember to use good mechanics. Kneeling down onto one knee or even sitting on the ground can be helpful in reducing stress on the lower back.

Whenever possible, rest your entire torso on your thigh through your elbow and forearm, so that your back muscles do not have to work as hard. You can also use a foam knee pad, alternating which knee takes the pressure.

LIFTING BAGS
When you lift the bag of leaves, use the same kneeling technique (on one knee). From this position, pull the bag close to you. Keeping your back straight, shift your weight onto the forward leg and stand up slowly.

THINGS TO REMEMBER
Be sure not to hold your breath while raking or during any outdoor activity. Inhale and exhale normally. This is especially important during lifting of the bag.

Switch hands with the rake every two to three minutes. This way you are not placing excessive stress on one side of the back.

TAKE REST BREAKS
Take short rest breaks during raking and briefly bend backward with your back placing your hands on the small of your back. This will let your back muscles shorten to allow them to rest.

In This Issue:

October is National Physical Therapy Month

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Improve Mobility & Motion

Participate In Your Recovery