MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT – National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM) is a celebration held every October by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to raise awareness of and recognize the important roles that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants play in helping people maintain, improve, and restore the mobility necessary to stay fit, active, independent while enjoying the things they like to do as they age.

In recognition of the importance and value of physical therapy in improving people’s lives, Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) is joining in the national observance of October as National Physical Therapy Month. This year's celebration is focused on sports injury prevention across the lifespan. Whether someone is playing Little League or in the Masters, participating in sports helps promote physically active lifestyles. Yet, despite the documented health benefits of physical activity (weight management, cardiovascular endurance, improved muscular function, increased self-esteem, etc.), the potential for sports-related injuries exists.

No matter the area of physical therapist practice, whether it's geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, women's health, or another specialty, the role of the physical therapist is to improve and restore motion to people's lives. Physical therapists:

• Significantly improve mobility to perform daily activities;
• Provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery, in many cases; and
• Manage or eliminate pain without medication and its side effects, in many cases.

For more information on how to regain or improve your movement through physical therapy or to make an appointment, please contact any one of the locations listed below. Please note that ECHN’s physical therapy services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, CIGNA, Blue Cross, ConnectiCare, Aetna, and other carriers.

Rehabilitation Services:

Manchester Memorial Hospital
860.647.6485

Rockville General Hospital
860.872.5261

The Rehab Center at Court House Plus
860.649.3369

CorpCare Occupational Health Center
860.533.6500

Glastonbury Wellness Center
860.652.3181

Rehabilitation Services at Evergreen Walk
860.533.4670

Woodlake at Tolland Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
860.872.2999

Rehabilitation Services at the Ellington Y
860.871.1078

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 72,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education. For more information on the APTA, please visit www.apta.org.