Physical Therapists Say 'Move California' Is Answer to Winter Blahs

Physical Therapists Say 'Move California' Is Answer to Winter Blahs

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't let broken New Year's resolutions, bad weather and not knowing how to add physical activity to your life lead to seasonal doldrums. California physical therapists say they're ready to help you fight the blues and improve your health with their "Move California" campaign.

Researchers have concluded physical activity produces a powerful and positive effect on our dispositions and undeniable benefits for our bodies. Resisting that urge to hibernate in winter will elevate your mood while improving your physical fitness level. Even incidental physical activity we do almost unconsciously throughout the day is very important to increasing energy, moderating weight and improving general outlook. No one knows this better than a physical therapist.

"Our clients feel better in body and spirit," says Patti Evans, PT and CEO of the California Physical Therapy Association. "Whenever possible, we talk with people to educate them on the significance of incorporating physical activity and exercise into their daily routines. We believe this is such an important message, we developed an entire campaign around the notion of Movement!"

Physical therapists are experts in body movement and performance. These highly trained professionals help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities from injuries or disease. Of course, a body that feels better translates into an improved disposition. Teaching individuals how to incorporate safe, healthy exercise and activity into daily life is the focus of physical therapy and currently highlighted by the 2005 "Move California" campaign. Individuals can look to their physical therapists for a number of services, including:

-- Evaluating abnormal movement and enhancing physical and functional
abilities.
-- Developing individualized treatment plans and anticipating outcomes.
-- Personalizing exercise programs for increased strength, endurance,
coordination and range of motion.
-- Instruction and demonstration of adjustments for limitations from
injury, illness or disabilities.
-- Specialized interventions such as therapeutic exercise, walking, heat,
cold, water, light, sound, electrical stimulation, device & equipment
use and massage to restore, maintain and promote optimal physical
function, wellness and fitness to achieve optimal quality of life as it
relates to movement and health.
-- Instruction and motivation to patients, families and other caregivers
during the treatment and convalescent periods, including home exercise
for patients.
-- Consultation and patient-team building with other professionals such as
physicians, dentists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists,
speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
-- Ongoing evaluation re-assessment with the individual and members of the
health care team.



Physical therapists specialize in wellness and take the holistic approach when it comes to the winter blahs. "Understanding the impact of physical activity on the mind and emotions is not just something we've studied," stresses Evans. "It's something we see in our practices every day." Even the Surgeon General suggests just a moderate increase in daily physical activity can increase the quality of life. "A visit with your physical therapist will move you safely toward better fitness in your everyday life," urges Evans. "The byproduct of 'Move California' will be not only a healthier population, but a happier one."

The California Physical Therapy Association exists to educate the people of California as to the attributes, benefits and value of physical therapy; meet the physical therapy needs of the people of California through the development and improvement of physical therapy education, practice and research; meet the needs of the Chapter members through identification, coordinated action, communication and fellowship.


Source: California Physical Therapy Association

CONTACT: Stacy DeFoe of the California Physical Therapy Association,
+1-916-929-2782, ext. 108, or SDeFoe@ccapta.org


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