Month of October honors physical therapy pros

October is national physical therapy month. What is physical therapy? Physical therapy is the treatment and rehabilitation of an injury, disability or condition.

What is a physical therapist? A physical therapist is a professional that has gone through extensive training at an accredited school. The schooling includes seven to eight years of education and training. Following graduation from an accredited school, the physical therapist then has to pass a National Board Exam meeting the state standards. At that point the physical therapist is licensed and registered to treat patients.

What conditions or injuries can physical therapy help? Every aspect of the body's posture and movement, from orthopedic and sports injuries involving soft tissue or joint to all areas of the body; neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries; pediatrics and cerebral palsy; cardiopulmonary conditions such as congestive heart and pulmonary disease; and everyday aches and pains.

Physical therapy is head to toe treatment of the body. Physical therapy has helped all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics.

How can physical therapy help? On the first patient visit, the physical therapist will perform an evaluation and examination of the individual and develop a plan of attack that promotes the ability to reduce pain, restore function and improve disabilities. The physical therapist will work side by side with the patient to make sure the goals of the treatment plan are met.

Physical therapy usually involves therapeutic exercise and functional training to assist the range of motion, flexibility, mobility, strength and function. The program will also teach what the patient can do in a better and more efficient way to assist in daily life.

The physical therapist has an extensive training and background in anatomy and physiology and also hands on techniques to assist individuals with achieving their goals.

The purpose and the goal of physical therapy are to assist the individual with a recovery program for their injury or condition, improve the quality of life and to teach the individual how to continue to live an improved lifestyle. The physical therapist is a rehab and musculoskeletal specialist.

Core Physical Therapy will promote health and wellness during National Physical Therapy Month by providing free injury assessments during October. Call to schedule a 15minute assessment with a licensed professional therapist.

Dan Kinney is a licensed physical therapist with 28 years experience and owner of Core Physical Therapy, 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 172, Westlake Village. For an appointment, call (805) 494-3131.