Oct
7
Written by:
Greta Bullock
10/7/2010 9:24 AM
This month is National Physical Therapy Month. It is our chance as SLP’s, OT’s, and PT’s to celebrate physical therapy, and share about it with one another.
Just the other day, as I sat in the California OT Fieldwork Conference, there was some discussion over the differences between OT and PT. We all know that many times our patients and students think OT and PT are the same. This month let’s educate on the differences between the professions and the definition of physical therapy.
The American Physical Therapy Association says, “Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.”
This year, the focus of National PT Month is encouraging families to prevent and fight obesity through physical activity. It is especially important for us to focus on promotion of physical activity in children with disabilities. Check out the Move Forward PT Website for more information on promoting physical activity and getting moving: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/.
Also consider looking for ways to volunteer your time to help children with disabilities to get moving. This month I will be volunteering at California State San Bernardino’s DisAbility Sports Festival. And above all, spend some time this month getting yourself going with physical activity!