10/16/2025
October is Physical Therapy Awareness Month! Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, or just want to move better, physical therapy (PT) helps people live fuller, less painful lives. Here are 6 ways PT makes a difference -- backed by strong research:
1. Reduces pain without relying on drugs. PT uses targeted exercise, manual therapy and education to lower pain and improve function -- a safe alternative or complement to medications.
2. Restores mobility and day-to-day function. After injuries and surgeries (like knee replacements) rehab programs help people regain range of motion, strength, and independence faster.
3. Prevents falls and keeps people independent balance and strength programs delivered by PT. Reduce fall rates in older adults -- meaning fewer injuries and more confidence moving around.
4. Improves outcomes for chronic conditions (eg. COPD). Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise - based rehab improve walking distance, breathlessness, and quality of life for people with chronic lung disease.
5. Speeds recovery and return to activity. Prehab and guided post-op rehab often lead to better pain control and faster return to work/sports than unsupervised care.
6. Helps reduce opioid exposure. Early access to PT and non-pharmacologic pain care is associated with lower opioid prescriptions for musculoskeletal pain.
PT is about restoring life, not just fixing symptoms. Talk to a licensed PT about safe, personalized options for your goals
