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Physical therapy: Bringing motion to life

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Ross
  • 382nd Training Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  National Physical Therapy Month, sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, is a nationwide observance each October that recognizes all military physical therapists and technicians for the outstanding service they provide both home and abroad. 

Sheppard plays a key role in Air Force physical therapy, as it is the home to the Physical Medicine Training Program, the technical school for all of the Air Force physical therapy technicians. 

"Approximately 40 Airmen graduate from the program each year," said Tech. Sgt. Holly Long, Physical Medicine Training Program instructor. "The training curriculum is fast-paced and extremely challenging." 

Physical therapists and technicians are movement experts. They help millions of individuals manage or eliminate pain in the neck, back and other painful conditions that limit movement and physical activity.  They help people who have had a brain injury or an amputation regain their independence. They help children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome improve overall function and participation in life.  Physical therapists and technicians help people move forward. 

"Physical therapists and technicians provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery, as well as manage or eliminate pain without medication," said 1st Lt. Sonrie Pickens, 82nd Medical Group physical therapist. "When pain begins to interfere with normal daily activity, it's important to see a physical therapist. In addition to hands-on treatment, physical therapists can prescribe specific exercises for your condition. Our goals are to alleviate pain, restore normal motion to achieve long-term quality of life and have individuals incorporate exercise into their daily lives."

Physical therapists and technicians use their knowledge, skills and experience to help people take control of the movement that is critical to their lives. They diagnose and treat individuals with medical problems that limit their ability to move and perform activities in their daily lives. 

Physical therapists examine each individual using state-of-the-art treatment techniques to develop a plan of care.  Technicians promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability by carrying out the physical therapist's treatment plan. 

Physical therapists and technicians also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. 

To celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, Sheppard's Physical Therapy Clinic will have an information booth at the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center on Oct. 27 from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Some of the topics available will be injury prevention, low back pain self-management, flexibility assessment and stretching recommendations, and proper running shoe selection. 

For more information about physical therapy, visit the American Physical Therapy Association Web site at www.apta.org/consumer.