Physical Therapy Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Health Lifestyle Mental Health
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October
Holiday emoji:: 💪

Physical Therapy Month champions the profound impact of physical therapists and physical therapy assistants every October. This month highlights their essential role in restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving quality of life for millions. Explore local clinics, learn about preventative care, and thank a PT for their dedication.

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Expected Physical Therapy Month Deals

Throughout Physical Therapy Month, expect a focus on educational resources and community outreach rather than traditional retail deals. Many clinics and professional organizations, such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), offer free screenings, workshops, and informational sessions. Look for local health and wellness centers like Life Time Fitness or YMCA branches to host events promoting physical activity and injury prevention. Brands specializing in rehabilitation equipment, such as TheraBand or OPTP, may offer discounts on home exercise tools. Additionally, insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare often share resources on covered physical therapy benefits. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational programs as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Physical Therapy Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PhysicalTherapyMonth. Share success stories, industry insights, and career spotlights.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PhysicalTherapyMonth. Post short videos demonstrating exercises, patient testimonials, or behind-the-scenes clinic tours.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PhysicalTherapyMonth. Create community discussions around common ailments and the benefits of physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Month Hero

Mary McMillan

Mary McMillan (1880-1959) is widely recognized as the 'Mother of Physical Therapy.' A pioneering physical therapist, she established the first physical therapy department in the United States at Walter Reed General Hospital in 1918 and was the founding president of the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association, which later became the APTA. Her work laid the foundational principles for the modern physical therapy profession.

Physical Therapy Month timeline

1992

A week became a month

National Physical Therapy Week, which was first observed in June of 1981, became National Physical Therapy Month.

The 1970s

Specialized therapies emerged

After orthopedic manipulative therapy gained recognition, more and more highly specialized fields appeared, including cardiopulmonary physical therapy, skin therapy, and sports therapy.

1921

Therapists got organized

Mary MacMillan, the first physical therapy aide, established the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association, which would later become today’s American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

1887

Physical therapy was officially recognized

Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare officially registered physical therapists.

460 BC

The father of medicine documented physical therapy

Hippocrates introduced the idea of manual manipulation for pain relief.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Physical Therapy Month

Local businesses can celebrate Physical Therapy Month by partnering with nearby clinics to offer free postural assessments or ergonomic workstation evaluations for employees. Fitness centers can host workshops led by physical therapists on safe exercise techniques or injury prevention. Retailers selling activewear or wellness products might organize joint promotions, emphasizing the importance of movement and professional guidance for long-term health. Consider sponsoring a community walk or run to promote active lifestyles.

Physical Therapy Month FAQs

When is Physical Therapy Month?

Physical Therapy Month 2026 runs throughout October, from Thursday, October 1, to Saturday, October 31. It’s a full month dedicated to recognizing the vital role of physical therapy.

How many people are physical therapists in the US?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 238,800 physical therapists employed in the United States as of 2022. This number is projected to grow significantly, underscoring the increasing demand for their services.

What conditions does physical therapy treat?

Physical therapy treats a vast array of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries like back pain and sprains, neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and post-surgical rehabilitation. It also addresses chronic pain, balance issues, and sports-related injuries.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover physical therapy services when deemed medically necessary. The extent of coverage, such as the number of sessions or required co-pays, can vary widely based on your specific plan.

How to Observe Physical Therapy Month

Stretch yourself by trying something new
Find new ways to practice self-care. Whether you’ve felt intimidated by yoga, you’ve always wanted to learn massage techniques, or you’re finally ready to sign up for those dance classes, this month may be the perfect time to push yourself just a little out of your comfort zone.
Participate in your community
You could host an NPTM event, volunteer at a pro bono clinic, or serve the community by cleaning up a park. It’s all about making a positive difference.
Appreciate physical therapists
It's likely that most of us don’t think about physical therapists — until we need one. If you happen to know anyone who works in this profession, make a point of asking them about their work, which requires not just specialized knowledge and training, but patience, consistency, and dedication as well. Let’s thank them for the difference they make in so many lives.

5 Surprising Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Regular massage can increase your quality (and length) of life
Bob Hope, who lived to be 100, had a three-hour massage every day.
Massage makes you happy!
Massage helps to release endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers that also provide an overall sense of well-being.
It's more than just pampering
In addition to treating aches and pains, massage therapy can also be useful in treating stress and anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Massage helps athletes reach peak performance
Sports massage is geared toward people involved in sports activities to help prevent as well as treat injuries.
There's a massage style to suit many needs
While the gentle Swedish technique may be the most well-known type of massage in the U.S., there are many different massage modalities in common use, including deep tissue massage, which targets deep muscles and connective tissue.

Why Physical Therapy Month is Important

It gives us the opportunity to practice self-awareness
The more we pay conscious attention to our physical habits, the more likely it is that we’ll take steps to change the ones that may lead to chronic aches and even injuries. For example, if you notice you tend to slump while working at your computer, you can start to correct your posture, which can help prevent aching muscles.
It helps us to understand the impact of physical therapy
Physical therapy can make it possible to recover more quickly and completely from serious injury or major surgery, while reducing the need for pain medication and other drugs. And with the additional effects of relaxation and pain relief, emotional ease becomes part of the equation as well.
It reminds us to focus on self-care
Whether or not you’re currently recovering from an accident or recent surgery, you can benefit from spending this month really taking care of yourself. You may be surprised to find that indulging in a little “me time” is good for you mentally and emotionally, as well as physically.