National Physical Therapy Month

In honor of National Physical Therapy Month here in October, we as physical therapists would like to spread awareness about the benefits our profession can offer to the public at large and in our local communities. Physical therapy over time has extended their services to reach people in acute hospitals, outpatient clinics, school systems and directly in the homes of our patients. With the diversity that makes our profession so complex, the common theme that unites us all is the idea that human beings are designed for movement. We as physical therapists are specifically educated at the doctoral level to address the human movement system, which is a collection of human organ systems including the nervous, muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems.  Intricately woven together, these systems help support and produce movement of the human body. Provided with a one-on-one evaluation, a physical therapist can perform a series of movement tests in order to diagnose or determine the specific movement quality that may be limiting your ability to perform your work, recreation or functional activities of the day-to-day which have a great impact on your quality of life.

This may beg the question, “Why is movement so important?” I would then counter with a question of “What is important in life to you?” Do you enjoy quality time with your family? Do you find rejuvenation from spending time among the outdoor beauty of fall in Minnesota? Or how meaningful is it for you to feel safe in your own home and remaining independent? At the core foundation of these activities, movement is what allows us to participate and enjoy the experiences which are most important to sustain and enhance our quality of life. Having a physical therapist as part of your support network can make the difference between living with pain or impairment and living without it while enjoying life to its fullest.

One particular form of movement that is personal to me, and of which has provided benefit to my patients/clients, is the practice of kettlebell resistance training and gaining understanding of bodily awareness. Physical loading, as provided by weighted resistance of the kettlebell, when added to essential human movements can allow for new sensory activation of the nervous system as well as develop resilience to our muscles, bones, and joint tissues. By specifically designing a program that is appropriately matched to the individual, we as physical therapists can enhance the human movement system and improve the quality of life for the individuals in our local communities.

For more information, you may utilize resources provided by the American Physical Therapy Association at www.moveforwardpt.com to learn more about the benefits provided by our profession.  In the words of physical therapist and strength coach, Gray Cook, I hope you “move well, and move often.”¹

Kindest Regards,

Steven Babcock, P.T., DPT

Physical Therapist
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Dr. Steven Babcock has a passion for movement and is motivated to facilitate others in their journey towards physical performance goals. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Saint John’s University in 2008 and furthered his education in achieving a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 2015.

Dr. Babcock has experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal complaints and utilizes Postural Restoration to help his patients obtain proper joint position required to train and perform at their best. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

As a lifelong enthusiast for exercise, health and wellness, Dr. Babcock has infectious care to help others realize the power each individual possesses to take control of their personal health.

References
¹Cook, Gray, et al. Movement: Functional Movement Systems: Screening, Assessment, and Corrective Strategies. On Target Publications, 2015.