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National Physical Therapy Month is a celebration held every October by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The APTA represents more than 77,000 physical therapists nationwide. In Tennessee there are more than 4350 physical therapists and more than 2700 physical therapist assistants.

“The Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) works across the state to raise awareness of and recognize the important roles that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants play in helping people maintain, improve, and restore the mobility necessary to stay fit, active and independent,” according to (local PT name) , (add either TPTA volunteer title or name of local PT clinic.)

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.

In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Physical therapists can focus their practice on geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, women's health or other specialties.

Currently Tennessee, along with 45 other states and the District of Columbia, allow physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without a physician's referral under varying circumstances. The TPTA calls this "direct access" to physical therapist services.

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TPTA—add one

Physical therapists:

  • Significantly improve mobility to perform daily activities;
  • Provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery, in many cases; and,
  • Manage or eliminate pain without medication and its side effects, in many cases.

For more information on how physical therapy can restore motion to your life or to find a physical therapist in your area, visit TPTAtn.org or contact TPTA at 615-269-5312.

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