It’s National Physical Therapy Month – 14 Tweets to Explain PT [and Brighten Your Day]
As the Marketing & Communications Director for Performance Therapies, I’m always on the hunt for how to explain physical therapy to our local community. We obviously know the benefits of Physical Therapy, and can see first hand just how much it improves the lives of our patients, but how do you describe it to people who are suffering from pain but don’t know what to do about it?
October is National Physical Therapy Month and while I was browsing our Twitter feed and the “official” hashtag of PT Month (#PTMonth), I came across a string of Tweets that – literally – made me laugh out loud. I’m a child of the early 90’s though, so the references to Ace Ventura and Chris Farley are likely more relevant to me than they could be to others. Either way, if you’re looking for a more clear understanding of what Physical Therapy is [and love a good meme], read through this series of Tweets courtesy of @GetPT1st. [For the full effect, click the blue play buttons to watch the video animations. Or click here to see them in Twitter >>]
If you still have questions about physical therapy, contact us. We’d be happy to answer your PT related questions.
What does a #PhysicalTherapist do and how can they help you be your best? Hopefully, this thread will help clear up any confusion you might have. #PhysicalTherapy is often misunderstood and there are many myths out there.#GetPT1st pic.twitter.com/DrY1TCud91
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
First, let’s go over some history.
Outside of the United States, physical therapy is usually referred to as #physiotherapy or #physio and the providers are called physiotherapists or physios. The designation “PT” is used around the world. pic.twitter.com/mI6GBLYjNz— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Physical therapy originally started as a response to the increasing need for rehabilitation services during and after WWI. The need for specialized rehab providers in the US continued to increase with WWII and the polio epidemic. And so a profession was born! pic.twitter.com/ykQ8EHtZYi
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Skip forward several decades and now you’ll find PTs working with people of all ages, #pediatrics through #geriatrics. PTs work in hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and even provide care in in the home. Wow have things grown!#acutePT #HomeHealthPT pic.twitter.com/CRRc6F8mZ7
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
The most common reason that someone will end up seeing a PT is because of a painful condition that is affecting their quality of life (sprains, strains, aches).
There are many other conditions/illnesses that PTs help with besides pain. #Stroke #Parkinsons #Incontinence are a few pic.twitter.com/AVP9dgAb7H
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Let’s address some myths next.
Physical therapists don’t heal anyone. Instead, what they do is teach you how you help yourself. Instead of thinking of a PT as a magician, think of them as a teacher, copilot, or navigator on your rehab journey using hands-on care and exercise. pic.twitter.com/zXxlk8FVWV
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Can a physical therapist help everyone with any condition? Is that the message of #GetPT1st?
Nope. No profession can claim that. You should be very leery of anyone who makes a claim like that. pic.twitter.com/czdpJMkfrS
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
PTs are trained to look for red flags, which are serious things (like signs of cancer) that would require you to be referred to a physician or sent to the hospital for further testing/care.
PTs aren’t isolated, they work together with your other doctors and providers. pic.twitter.com/focBzmakW9
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
The good news is that in many/most areas of the US and around the world, you can take advantage of #directaccess. This means that you can go to see your physical therapist without a referral from your family physician. This will save you time and ????. pic.twitter.com/tprrkwMW9w
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Thanks for hanging with us, we’re getting to the end here! pic.twitter.com/1UUWOwxuPh
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Quick summary:
Can a PT help you possibly avoid knee or shoulder surgery? The research says yes!Can a PT give you a home program that you can use to help yourself? Absolutely!
Can a PT educate you on your condition and what you can do to make your situation better? Yes! pic.twitter.com/2cTlF4IRrR
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Quick summary continued:
Should you #GetPT1st if you broke a bone and it’s sticking out of the skin? Um, go to the hospital.Are PTs magic workers that can fix every situation? No.
Do you need to see a PT for lots of visits? Nope. Sometimes a consult is all that’s needed. pic.twitter.com/lwj26LzG4F
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
Want to learn more about what physical therapists do and how they can help you? Head over to https://t.co/QH4NrFn5UU or https://t.co/LXC9sMQFAR for more detailed info on specific conditions and related research.
Have a fantastic day! Thanks for your time. ???? pic.twitter.com/5m1TGfdUFZ
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017
P.S. Just like any other profession, not all PTs are the same. It’s important that you find a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with.
Here are some tips from @ChrisHinzePT – https://t.co/IZblhqQqTC
— GetPT1st (@GetPT1st) November 9, 2017