National Physical Therapy Month - 5 Fun Facts!
Halloween isn’t the only holiday we’ll be celebrating throughout October! Did you know that it’s also National Physical Therapy month?! While we celebrate our profession each and every day, the month of October seems to be a good time to brag about our services. Let’s talk fun facts - including some common misconceptions and the effects of physical therapy on the body.
- You do not need a referral to be seen by a physical therapist.
A common misunderstanding surrounding physical therapy is that a referral from a physician is required to be seen by a therapist. Lucky, this is NOT the case! All 50 states – including Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands - offer some sort of direct access to physical therapy. By increasing PT's accessibility, patients can skip an extra visit to the doctor’s office. - Physical therapists now require a doctorate degree.
Physical therapists are required to obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree, making them more than qualified to evaluate and treat you. Our qualified PTs have each endured seven total years of college to be able to serve you!
- Physical therapy can lower patient treatment costs by up to 72%.
Surgical candidates are often referred to physical therapy because its services can lower treatment costs by up to 72%! In physical therapy, we focus on strengthening and increasing mobility which, as a result, can sometimes prevent surgery and spare your pockets the hurt.
- The average course of outpatient therapy is seven to ten sessions.
While each plan of care is individualized, the average course of outpatient therapy only requires 7-10 sessions. Although some patients experience either more or less follow-up appointments, PT is most effective with consistent visits for several weeks.
- Women were the pioneers for physical therapy in the U.S.
Physical therapy was initiated in response to World War I, in which the army utilized ‘reconstruction aides’, or nurses who provided rehabilitation to wounded soldiers. These ladies often worked 14-hour strenuous days. Little did they know they would later shape an entire profession!
Whether you want to join us in observing National Physical Therapy Month or you simply think that physical therapy could help you, don’t hesitate to give our clinic a call! Our highly-trained, skilled therapists at FYZICAL Dunes are eager to help you achieve the pinnacle of healthy living.