Now is The Time to Move

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalia sees the direct benefits that movement and exercise have on her patients. For years, she has helped individuals improve their health by enhancing their ability to move. Rosalia understands that physical activity not only leads to a healthier life, but is critical in preventing some of the leading causes of death, including cancer and heart disease. She, like other California physical therapists, capitalizes on her training as an expert in movement by regularly reaching out and working with community residents.

"We are out in the community all year long to show people how physical therapy can make a difference in their overall health," said Rosalia Arellano, PT. "Physical Therapy Month seemed to be a perfect time to participate in San Diego's Take Control of Your Diabetes Conference and increase awareness of what we do and how we can help."

At the conference, members of the San Diego Chapter of the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) will educate the public on how exercise can improve blood-sugar levels and circulation and teach individuals about the variety of physical therapy specialists available to help them. These range from geriatric specialists to neurologic specialists for individuals suffering with neuropathy as well as balance and vestibular specialists. With the increase in childhood diabetes, pediatric physical therapists teach young children how to control diabetes with activity in addition to wellness education.

Physical therapists are uniquely qualified, well-educated healthcare providers who are competent in the diagnosis of movement dysfunctions and who take a direct approach to instructing individuals on appropriate movement and exercise. Physical therapists practicing in the state have completed an accredited college program at a master's or doctorate level and have been licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, more than 92 percent of the 210 accredited academic institutions nationwide offering professional physical therapist education programs now offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree – and more than 75 percent of all 2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree. Dorothy Ho, PT, DPT, holds such a degree.

Ho knows firsthand the benefits of exercise and movement, and she is eager to share her knowledge and expertise with the public. "We're given an incredible opportunity at health fairs to let the public know that physical therapists are skilled health professionals and integral to someone's healthcare team," noted Ho. In October, Ho and members of the CPTA Tricounties Chapter will participate in a health fair to provide health screenings, including blood pressure, heart rate, posture, strength and balance.

"Health fairs are a great way to directly interact with people, and not only educate them through screenings, but educate them on the importance of and right way to move," said Ho. "By getting out into the public, we have an opportunity to work with other providers in building a healthy community, which is a great way to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month not only in October but all year long!"

CPTA is the largest voice for the physical therapy profession in the state of California and the third largest physical therapy association in the world. CPTA is a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, representing more than 80,000 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants nationwide.

SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association