Physical therapists are presently demonstrating the importance of their work during National Physical Therapy Month, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.
The focus on this October’s observation is the prevention of sports injury and physical therapists are joined by their assistants in helping people maintain and improve their levels of physical fitness. Their efforts are aimed at restoring and preserving patients’ mobility and their ability to remain active and independent.
“Whether someone is playing Little League or in the Masters, participating in sports helps promote physically active lifestyles,” states a note from R. Scott Ward, president of the American Physical Therapy Association. “Yet, despite the documented health benefits of physical activity … the potential for sports-related injuries exists.”
According to Sarah Licharowicz, a certified athletic trainer and physical therapist assistant at Wellspan Rehab at Deatrick Commons in Pennsylvania, the most common sports knee injuries involve the joint’s ligaments.
Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) can help the injured person deal with the pain and reduce the joint’s swelling, although a physician should be consulted if a serious injury is suspected.