Month celebrates movement, physical therapy

While we usually think of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also the month when we recognize another key health initiative-National Physical Therapy Month. The American Physical Therapy Association’s theme this year is “Move Forward-Bringing Motion to Life,” which encapsulates the health benefits that physical therapy can provide.

Physical therapists are movement experts. They help people move forward. They help people who have had a stroke or an amputation regain their independence. They help people manage or eliminate their neck or back pain. They help children with debilitating conditions improve their overall function and participation in life. In short, they help people move forward.

Movement is essential to our everyday lives. Having the ability to move safely and effectively is crucial in our lives and the lives of the people physical therapists treat.

The physical therapy profession empowers people to move forward and take control of the movement that is so important in all of our lives.

Bonner General Hospital offers our community a comprehensive range of physical therapy services.

Our physical therapists can help with the rehabilitation of both general and sports-related injuries, including conditions of the spine, neck and hand. They’re also able to provide rehabilitation services to those who have suffered neurological impairments, such as a stroke.

In addition to providing traditional therapies, the hospital’s therapists can also accommodate specialized needs, whether it’s physical therapy, speech/language pathology or occupational therapy. For our smallest patients, we provide rehabilitation through a special pediatric rehabilitation play gym.

For those who can’t tolerate traditional “dry-land” therapy and need something that’s easier on their joints, we can provide aquatic pool therapy services that feature underwater treadmills and massage attachments for treatment of soft tissue injuries.

And for those who have suffered a hand injury, the hospital’s certified hand therapist can create a customized treatment plan to help patients regain the use of their hands.

The snow hasn’t started falling and the weather is still nice, so take this opportunity to get out there and get moving!

If you would like more information about the rehabilitation services available through Bonner General Hospital, please contact Michelle Tucker, the hospital’s Director of Rehabilitation Services, at 265-3675.

Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. For more information about National Physical Therapy Month, visit www.npta.org.