Physical Therapy Association of Georgia’s Campaign to Keep Georgians Moving for a Healthier Life will take Center Stage at the PT Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Feb. 24
The Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG) is unveiling PT Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better, an educational campaign designed to inform consumers of the benefits of physical therapy (PT) at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
“What better time than PT Day at the Capitol to talk about keeping Georgians moving?” says Dr. Joe Donnelly, PT, DHS, OCS and president of PTAG. “PT Move Better. Feel Better. Live Better. is PTAG’s initiative to help all Georgians learn about how physical therapy, which is the treatment of movement systems, can help improve mobility, health, fitness and wellness – from head to toe and throughout one’s life.”
PT – often perceived as an injury rehabilitation resource – defines a broad category of treatments that can also be sought for preventative measures. Whether it’s helping adults find the right types of exercises for healthy aging or preventing sports-related knee injuries, there are many types of PT accessible to Georgians.
For example, PT has been proven to help those affected with age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease overcome pain, prevent a decline in and maintain mobility, and preserve their independence. And it doesn’t end there.
Nearly 30 million children and adults are living with diabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control and more than 85 million people have “pre-diabetes,” a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are abnormal but are not yet considered diabetic.
For those already diagnosed with diabetes, physical activity also can reduce the need for medications, particularly for those with pre-diabetes. Physical therapists can develop individualized exercise programs with the best movements suited for the consumer after performing an extensive evaluation.
“It is estimated more than 496,000 Georgians require the care of a physical therapist each year,” says Donnelly. “PT Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better’s goal is to ensure those living in Georgia are not only aware of the numerous benefits of PT, but understand how to find physical therapists who are best suited to support their health and wellness needs.”
“The messages to the people of Georgia are simple: When you move better, you feel better and, in turn, you live better,” says Donnelly. “No matter a person’s age or area of the body, we are trained in both injury prevention and treatment, meaning the value of physical therapy is always present. And physical therapists work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients’ treatment plans are in-line with their needs.”
In Georgia, consumers can see a physical therapist as an entry point into the healthcare system, allowing even easier access to the many benefits of physical therapy. For additional information or to find a PT, please visit www.ptagonline.org.
For more information about PT Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better – Physical Therapy (PT) keeps Georgians moving for a healthier life, visit Facebook.com/PTMoveBetter or Twitter.com/PTMoveBetterGA.
About the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia
The Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG) is the membership organization for the profession of physical therapy in Georgia and a component of the American Physical Therapy Association. PTAG has approximately 2,300 members comprised of PT’s, PTA’s and Students. The mission of PTAG is to represent, promote and serve the profession of physical therapy.
About PT Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better
PT Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better is a consumer education campaign sponsored by the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG). The campaign’s aim is to inform consumers of the many aspects and practices of physical therapy (PT), including how PT keeps Georgians moving for a healthier life.
About Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol
Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and invites elected officials, legislators and interested participants to meet with physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students to discuss the benefits of physical therapy services. Those in attendance can participate in a full agenda of activities. The event is free and open to both PTAG members and non-members.
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