Changing the Culture: What role does PT play in?

To change our culture we must be able to start with public health which is to focus on intervention or prevention of these chronic health problems. Like I said before, people think physical therapy is only there to help with injuries and rehabilitation. Yet a very important part is beyond just the patient. As physical therapists being able to take four categories into consideration from the - individual patients; their relationship with others; the community in which they live in; as well as overall in society - are the steps into promoting real change in healthier living for all. 

Intervention planning first starts with the individual. When PTs first meet a patient, we do a comprehensive physical exam and evaluation to make sure you belong in PT! We then educate on proper physical activity and encourage you to stay active even when you are discharged from our care! PTs will work to make realistic and achievable goals catered to you. If you want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling tired, or making sure you can safely play with your grandkids, these are the functional activities we can help with! 

Now, Let's take child obesity and its problems later in life for example. How might we change the attitude of physical activity today?  Children with obesity may be facing bullying or negative experiences trying to start going to the gym, or just having a hard time to start changing their diet. As PTs, it is our job to listen to them and acknowledge what they may be feeling. We may be only helping patients with physical activity, yet we have many resources that we can help patients turn to. PTs are very good at working with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that all bases of these children are accounted for. 

Next step in intervention, PTs help integrate a patient’s relationship with participation of family and friends. When familial support is involved in healthcare, then there are better outcomes . As PTs we include family in sessions when possible, and are encouraged to learn exercises their loved one is doing. PTs tell families to make it fun such as doing group exercises or walking at the local park together. The influence of staying active together is a step toward an active lifestyle. In general 30 minutes 5 x a week of moderate exercise is great to get started.

For me, my family has a history of diabetes and hypertension. I have seen the influence of just being in PT school has on my own family’s health and activity. My sister and her husband have made regularly working out and dieting a part of their daily routine. My parents have started to take those 30 minute walks and made a conscious effort to limit their diet from the fatty Filipino dishes such as Pork Adobo, to healthier ones like Sinigang. All in efforts to combat our family history of heart conditions. It is refreshing to be able to have those close to you be motivated to care for their own health!