October is National Physical Therapy Month. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) celebrates every October to raise awareness of the many benefits of physical therapy and to appreciate the work of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students. The APTA’s campaign is “PT For Future Me.” According to the APTA, this theme “highlights the importance of physical therapy in promoting resilience and supporting strength, mobility, and overall wellness throughout the lifespan to optimize the health span, the period of life when people are generally healthy and free from preventable chronic disease.”
The Cleveland Clinic defines physical therapy as a treatment that can help you recover from an injury or surgery, or manage symptoms from a health condition that affects how you move. Different exercises, stretches, and movements “increase your strength, flexibility, and mobility to help you move safely and more confidently.”
Who Can Benefit from Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you are an athlete recovering from a sports injury, someone experiencing persistent back or joint pain, or an older adult looking to improve balance and mobility, physical therapy can help you work toward your individual health goals.
Physical therapists also help people manage chronic conditions that affect movement, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. In addition, physical therapy may be recommended before or after surgery to help prepare the body for a procedure and support recovery afterward. Depending on your needs, therapy can focus on reducing pain, restoring movement, improving coordination, or building strength.
Physical therapy is not just about recovering from an injury. It can also help people maintain their physical abilities, prevent future injuries, and continue participating in the activities they enjoy. (Cleveland Clinic)
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
One of the greatest benefits of physical therapy is that treatment is tailored to each person’s needs, abilities, and goals. A physical therapist evaluates your movement and works with you to develop a plan that supports your recovery and long-term wellness.
Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:
These benefits can make a meaningful difference in a person’s quality of life, helping them stay active and continue doing the things that matter most to them.
What Should You Expect During Physical Therapy?
Your physical therapy journey begins with an evaluation. Your physical therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals while assessing your strength, flexibility, balance, and movement. This information helps them develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
Treatment may include stretching, strengthening exercises, balance training, hands-on techniques, and other therapeutic approaches. Your physical therapist may also recommend exercises to complete at home between appointments to help you continue making progress.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people may need only a few weeks of therapy, while others may benefit from a longer treatment plan to manage an ongoing condition. Progress takes time, and consistency is important. Communicating with your physical therapist about your progress, concerns, and any discomfort can help ensure your treatment continues to meet your needs.
How AFSPA Can Help
The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) provides coverage for up to 125 outpatient physical therapy visits per calendar year, with this limit shared among physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. FSBP pays 90% of the Plan allowance for in-network providers (including Guam) and providers outside the 50 United States, and 70% of the Plan allowance for out-of-network providers.
In addition to physical therapy coverage, FSBP offers massage therapy benefits that may complement your overall wellness and recovery goals. Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension, ease discomfort, and promote relaxation. FSBP provides reimbursement of up to $75 per massage therapy visit, for up to 50 visits per calendar year. This benefit offers members another option to support their physical well-being.
The Pain Management Program offers support for FSBP members with chronic pain and either taking opioids or trying to avoid opioids. Members enrolled will receive coaching and support, which includes assisting with identifying the availability of other treatment plans that may include non-pharmacologic modalities for the treatment of pain such as, but not limited to: targeted digital exercise therapy, injection therapies, cognitive therapies, psychosocial supports, medical devices (e.g. nerve stimulators) and additional chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy visits. The program also provides assistance with psychological effects of chronic pain, reduction of opioid use, avoiding opioid use and resources for those who are dependent on opioid medications.
