The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has designated October as National Physical Therapy Month to recognize how PTs and PTAs help to restore or improve motion and function. This year’s campaign is focused on tips for aging well through movement and exercise. Movement as medicine to promote wellness and prevent disease is something all members of ASHT value as part of their practice. It is not just limited to the PTs. For more tips and information to share with your patients on aging well, please visit APTA's Move Forward site.
For specific resources on how PTs and OTs specializing in hand and upper limb rehabilitation can restore movement and function, check out ASHT's recently released Patient Education Resources for the shoulder. HTCC recently reported in the ASHT 2015 Annual Report that 14% of the CHTs are physical therapists. A similar percentage comprises membership within the ASHT. As some of you know, I have been a PT for nearly 30 years, dedicated to the practice and profession of hand therapy. I am not alone. Currently there are five active members who are PTs serving on the ASHT Board of Directors: Diane Coker, Maureen Hardy, Marsha Lawrence and Ann Lucado. There is also at least one PT serving in each division or standing committee. The ASHT Times co-editors and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Hand Therapy are also PTs. The volunteer leaders of the APTA Hand Rehabilitation Section are also engaged members of the ASHT. Our PT members clearly enjoy serving alongside their OT colleagues to promote the value of hand therapy to their colleagues, clients and communities.