It’s that time of year again! Time to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM), when we take the month of October to recognize the significant contributions of physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and students who work tirelessly to improve lives. 

It’s also a time to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy, from pain management and recovery to improved mobility and overall quality of life. 

This annual observance is spearheaded by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and encourages us to reflect on the history and impact of the profession and consider how we can further the mission of physical therapy in our communities.

Let’s begin by delving into the history of National Physical Therapy Month.

NPTM traces its roots back to the early 1980s when APTA first established a week-long celebration of physical therapy. Initially held in June alongside the APTA’s annual conference, the observance shifted to October, and in 1992 it evolved into a full month dedicated to celebrating the profession. 

Over the years, NPTM has grown in scope, with physical therapists and healthcare providers participating across the country, sharing the many ways physical therapy helps people of all ages live healthier, more active lives.

As with all therapy disciplines, there is an essential element in raising awareness of the profession to strengthen the appreciation of the scope of practice. The field of physical therapy is dedicated to helping individuals recover from acute injury, as well as managing long-term chronic conditions, and enhancing overall physical function and mobility. 

PTs truly are movement experts who empower patients to live independently and confidently. PTAs work under the direction of PTs, supporting them in delivering hands-on care that’s grounded in science and compassion. National Physical Therapy Month serves as a reminder of these efforts, spotlighting stories of recovery, resilience, and transformation.

Additionally, every year, NPTM has a specific focus, with 2024 aimed at an area crucial in the long-term care environment: fall prevention. 

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and are a critical area where PTs can make a difference. 

With the resources available on APTA’s website, PTs and PTAs are encouraged to host community events such as fall risk screenings. These screenings help identify individuals at risk, educate them on strategies to reduce their likelihood of falling and direct them to appropriate care. The CDC’s STEADI program (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) provides tools to conduct these screenings effectively, from the initial 12-question checklist to the Four-Stage Balance Test and discussions on medications, home hazards, and proper footwear.

How can rehab teams get involved? 

In addition to providing hands-on care, there are numerous ways to support National Physical Therapy Month:

  • Host a fall risk screening: APTA provides resources to help PTs host screenings, empowering community members to assess their fall risk and learn about prevention strategies.
  • Advocate for fall prevention legislation: Legislation such as the SAFE Act (H.R. 7618) aims to improve access to fall prevention services. By advocating for this and similar measures, PTs can further support patient safety and well-being.
  • Share your story: Use APTA’s public relations materials to promote physical therapy and share stories of how it has impacted lives. Raising awareness helps consumers understand the value of physical therapy in their health journey.

As we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, let’s recognize the passion and dedication of PTs and PTAs across the country. Every day, they transform lives through personalized care, helping people regain their independence and mobility. 

From fall prevention screenings to community outreach, and advocacy, physical therapists continue to lead the way in making our communities healthier and safer places to live.

Raise awareness and celebrate the value of our profession this October! Together we can strengthen the role of physical therapy in healthcare and inspire others to embrace the benefits it offers.

Additional resources from APTA:

Renee Kinder, MS, CCC-SLP, RAC-CT, serves as the Executive Vice President of Clinical Services for Broad River Rehab. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Healthcare and Economics Committee, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine community faculty, and an advisor to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology CPT® Editorial Panel, and a member of the AMA Digital Medicine Payment Advisory Group. For further inquiries, she can be contacted here.

The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.