We love the month of October at Professional Care. No, it’s not because it’s the height of spooky season (at least not entirely). We love October because it’s National Physical Therapy Month!
Thirty years ago, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) set aside one month a year to celebrate all the benefits of physical therapy. Every October, physical therapists nationwide ask their patients to share how PT has helped improve their health and well-being.
When many people think of physical therapy, they usually go for one of two reasons: pain relief and post-surgical rehabilitation. While those benefits are undeniable, we wanted to take this October to share some of the surprising ways that physical therapy (and certified hand and occupational therapy!) can help you live a stronger, healthier, and more active life.
To do this, we want to share four of our services you might not be familiar with. If you think you might benefit from them, call to schedule an appointment today.
Four Unexpected Ways Professional Care Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Can Help You Thrive
1. We can help prevent falls
We’re kicking things off with our fall prevention program, as that’s this year’s focus for National PT Month. Falls are a significant health issue in the United States, especially among adults over 65, and a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among that age group.
Everyone’s fall risk is different. Several factors can increase your risk of falling, including age, loss of muscle mass, joint pain, visual impairment, gait impairment, and more. The more risk factors you have, the more you’ll benefit from our fall prevention services.
We take a comprehensive approach by addressing your specific risk factors. This might include helping you build core strength, improving your stability through balance challenges, or addressing vertigo and dizziness through vestibular therapy.
2. We can help you manage a neurological disorder
Physical therapy is also important in managing the symptoms of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or stroke. The conditions affect your nervous system and can cause various physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects. Physical therapy is essential in helping you manage those symptoms so you can stay mobile and independent for as long as possible.
We’ll work closely with you, your caregivers, and members of your healthcare team to create a personalized treatment program that addresses your specific symptoms. Our physical therapists can address balance and gait issues and improve strength and mobility. Meanwhile, our certified hand and occupational therapists can help you restore the fine motor skills in your hands and wrists and ensure you can complete day-to-day tasks.
3. We can help you manage fibromyalgia
Pain management is a common reason people seek out physical therapy, usually after an injury or surgery. But what happens when your pain is chronic and stems from notoriously difficult-to-manage conditions like fibromyalgia?
This shouldn’t come as a surprise: physical therapy can help! Although it can be difficult to get started, exercise does help manage fibromyalgia symptoms. We’ll work with you to create a program customized to your ability levels, with an emphasis on targeted strength training and gentle aerobic exercises. We also offer several tools for acute pain management, such as trigger point therapy or electrical stimulation.
Furthermore, our hand and occupational therapists can help you find the tools and strategies to navigate daily tasks, such as grooming or completing chores. Fibromyalgia can cause pain everywhere, including in the hands, wrists, and fingers. We’ll offer specialized techniques to help restore your fine motor skills.
4. We can help you get back to work after an injury
Working a physically demanding job can increase your risk of suffering a painful, debilitating injury. Our team has experience navigating the worker’s compensation process and can help you get the treatment you need.
We also cover a range of different worker’s injuries. Our physical therapists will work with you to address conditions like back pain, rotator cuff tears, and other types of sprains and strains so you can get back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
Experience the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Yourself
Are you struggling with chronic pain? Living with a neurological disorder? Take some time to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month by scheduling an appointment at Professional Care Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation.
No matter your needs, we’ll find a solution that works for you!
Meet Olivia Janssen
PT, DPT
Olivia grew up in Lake Grove, NY where she graduated from Centereach High School in 2014. Olivia attended Binghamton University, where she graduated with her Bachelor’s in Integrative Neuroscience in 2018. At Binghamton, Olivia was a member of the Binghamton Running Club and served on their eboard. Upon graduation Olivia began working at Professional Care Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation as a physical therapy aide and patient coordinator where she continued to work throughout her graduate studies.
Olivia went on to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University, graduating in May of 2024. While at Stony Brook, Olivia served as president of her class, was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society, and received the Edmund J. McTernan award at graduation for academic merit. Oliva’s diverse clinical experiences include an acute care rotation at Stony Brook Hospital, sports rehab at Orlin and Cohen, vestibular rehab at New York Balance and Vestibular Therapy, and a general orthopedics rotation at Ivy Rehab. Olivia also had the opportunity to attend the APTA CSM Conference in Boston in February 2024, furthering her interest in sports and orthopedic physical therapy.
Outside of the clinic, Olivia enjoys playing soccer and running. Olivia is excited about her new role at Professional Care and ready to continue to help our patients get back to doing what they love.
Patchogue-Medford Girls Basketball Coach Teams Up with Professional Care Physical Therapy
Leighann Gallagher
The Patchogue-Medford Varsity Girls Basketball Coach is ready for the new school year and the upcoming season, thanks to her team of physicians, Dr. James Paci, Sports Medicine Specialist and Orthopedist at Orlin and Cohen, and Dr. Nicholas Constantino of Professional Care Physical Therapy!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Pumpkin Soup
This pumpkin soup is deliciously creamy and smooth. Tender onions and garlic give it depth of flavor, and it’s seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 4 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp black pepper
Directions: Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Exercise of the Month
Bird Dog
Start on your hands and knees on a mat or table. Brace your abdominals and keep your back flat. Slowly raise one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously raising your opposite leg back behind you until both limbs are straight and parallel with the ground. Lower them back down and repeat with your other limbs. 3 sets, 10 reps.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
