Physical therapy: Bringing motion to life Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Maj. Michael Ross 382nd Training Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- National Physical Therapy Month, sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association, is a nationwide observance each October to recognize all physical therapists and technicians, who serve the military, for the outstanding service they provide both home and abroad. Sheppard plays a key role in the Air Force physical therapy, as it is the home to the Physical Medicine Training Program, the technical school for all of the Air Force physical therapy technicians. "Approximately 40 Airmen graduate from the program each year," said Tech. Sgt. Holly Long, an instructor for the Physical Medicine Training Program at Sheppard. "The training curriculum is fast-paced and extremely challenging." Physical therapists and technicians are movement experts. They help millions of individuals manage or eliminate neck, back and other painful conditions that limit movement and physical activity in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. They help people who have had a brain injury or an amputation regain their independence. They help children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome improve overall function and participation in life. They help people move forward. "Physical therapists and technicians provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery as well as manage or eliminate pain without medication," said 1st Lt. Sonrie Pickens, a physical therapist with the 82nd Medical Group. "When pain begins to interfere with normal daily activity, it's important to see a physical therapist. In addition to hands-on treatment, physical therapists can prescribe specific exercises for your condition. Our goals are to alleviate pain, restore normal motion to achieve long- term quality of life and have individuals incorporate exercise into their daily lives." Physical therapists and technicians use their knowledge, skills and experience to help people take control of the movement that is critical to their lives. Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. While physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using state-of-the-art treatment techniques, technicians help promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability by carrying out the physical therapist's treatment plan. Physical therapists and technicians also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. To celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, Sheppard's Physical Therapy Clinic will have an information booth at the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center on Oct. 27 from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Some of the topics available will be injury prevention, low back pain self-management, flexibility assessment and stretching recommendations, and proper running shoe selection. For more information about physical therapy can also be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org/consumer .