National Physical Therapy Month is an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the profession and raising public awareness about the benefits of movement-based patient care. It takes place every October, providing an opportunity to highlight the expertise of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The month serves to educate consumers on how physical therapy can improve health and functional independence throughout the lifespan.
When and Why the Observation Exists
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) sponsors and promotes this annual recognition. Established by the APTA in 1981, the observance was initially celebrated in June. It shifted to October in 1992 to align with World Physical Therapy Day, positioning the national observance as part of a broader global movement celebrating the profession.
The primary purpose is to educate the public on how physical therapy enhances health and well-being. It promotes the message that physical therapists are licensed healthcare providers who evaluate, diagnose, and manage movement-related conditions for people of all ages. The month also acknowledges the dedication of these professionals who work to improve patients’ quality of life by restoring strength, mobility, and function.
The Core Message: Defining Physical Therapy’s Value
The observance promotes physical therapy as a non-pharmacological, non-surgical approach to many common health issues. Physical therapists are experts in movement, helping patients maximize mobility and manage chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, and neurological disorders. Treatment plans focus on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and movement patterns to address muscle imbalances and joint restrictions.
This focus on movement offers a pathway to pain management that can reduce reliance on prescription drugs, including opioids. Studies show that patients with low back pain who seek physical therapy first often incur fewer healthcare costs and may avoid invasive treatments like surgery. Beyond injury recovery, physical therapy is utilized for pre-operative strengthening and post-operative rehabilitation, accelerating the healing process and ensuring a return to daily activities.
Ways to Engage and Raise Awareness
The public can engage with National Physical Therapy Month by seeking information and making informed health choices. The APTA provides extensive resources through its consumer website, ChoosePT.com, offering educational fact sheets and tools for finding a licensed physical therapist. Many local clinics and hospitals use the month to offer complimentary services to the community.
The complimentary services often include free posture screenings, balance assessments, or educational open houses to help individuals identify personal risk factors. People can also participate by sharing personal experiences or success stories related to physical therapy on social media, using hashtags like #ChoosePT or #PTMonth. Prioritizing movement and seeking professional guidance to overcome barriers to physical activity is a direct way to honor the month’s core message.