Physical therapy should not just be about getting better. It should include a process to get your patients HEALTHIER than they were when you started.

Following 5 key elements advocated by The APHPT can help guide us in getting EVERY patient that we interact with HEALTHIER, whether only for an evaluation or for longer lengths of care.

Let's start with Element #1: MOVE

This should be the easiest for physical therapists to implement. We already include movement, physical activity, and exercise with every patient. It is at the core of what we do! But the key to the element MOVE is to focus on ways to creates habits outside of the clinic. It's about consistency, finding something the patient enjoys, and being creative in how to implement. 🙏🏻👏🏻🤙🏻

There is no right answer and in fact, it may change from week to week or month to month with a patient. But it is undeniable that if we work with our patients to get them to incorporate more physical activity and exercise, they will shine! Exercise and physical activity improve physical, mental, and social health and are pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Your patients will see and FEEL the difference if you take the time to educate them at the time of evaluation AND throughout their plan of care about how physical activity and exercise reduces injury risk, improves rehab outcomes, and improves overall wellbeing. Be creative, have fun, and IMPLEMENT. 💥🔥🧠

See the infographic below to guide you along the way!

Stay tuned for ELEMENT #2: #FUEL! 🥗🥑🍎

If you are a PT clinic and want to learn more about to incorporate wellness into your business, contact me here.

Incorporating physical activity and exercise into your patient's plan of care should not just be inside the clinic. Help them create habits for a healthy lifestyle OUTSIDE the clinic!