DGMC physical therapists raffle aqua massage during open house Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Jim Spellman 60th MEdical Group Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A free aqua massage along with other door prizes and free information were up for grabs during an open house held Oct. 30 at David Grant USAF Medical Center. The annual event is an opportunity for DGMC's physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to demonstrate how "Physical Therapy brings Motion to Life" -- this year's theme for National Physical Therapy Month. "Freedom of motion is vital to our lives," said American Physical Therapy Association president R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "Motion is anti-aging and something we tend to take for granted until we lose it. Physical therapists are experts in the way the body moves, so we can help improve people's quality of life by helping them move freely so they can do the things they want to do without pain and discomfort." DGMC's physical therapy staff provides effective, personalized care to their patients and are trained to treat a wide variety of diagnoses. Therapists tailor treatments to the individual and create goals for therapy based on the needs patients express. Specific therapies that DGMC offer includes custom foot orthotics, wound care, pediatric therapy, sports medicine and osteoporosis prevention and treatment. "Physical therapists are experts in restoring and improving the motion that is so crucial to your well-being," stated Lt. Col. Joseph Rogers, 60th Medical Operations Squadron physical and occupational therapy flight commander. "When you have pain, daily activities can become a challenge - from picking up a child, to grocery shopping, or enjoying an evening walk -- just to name a few. "It's good to know that physical therapists are the experts on whom you can depend on to help you move forward," explained Colonel Rogers. He highlighted a few things physical therapists can do for patients: Help you improve your mobility and quality of life, in many cases without surgery or prescription drugs, apply their intensive education and clinical experience to bring motion back to your life and teach you how to prevent or manage your health condition so that you will achieve an improved quality of life. "A lot of individuals automatically think pain when they hear the words 'physical therapy.' however, the goal of therapy is actually the opposite," said Capt. Jennifer Bertram, a 60th MDOS physical therapist. "It is true that pain may increase during treatment, but the ultimate goal is to have the patient experiencing the least amount of pain possible so that everyday activities can be performed with comfort. It is so rewarding, as a physical therapist, to witness firsthand the joy and excitement your patients feel when they have totally regained their mobility and their independence." Today, physical therapists help people of all ages. Infants with birth defects or developmental delays can have the effects of their deficits decreased. Adolescent and teenage athletes can be treated to get them back on the playing field quickly. Active-duty personnel and adults are provided treatment, along with advice, allowing them to return to duty safely and diminish the risk of re-injury. The elder and retiree population are assisted to gain better health so they may improve their quality of life. DGMC's physical therapists and physical therapy assistants hope Travis personnel who attended the open house will gain a greater understanding of the physical therapist's role in helping the injured restore and improve their range of motion -- something that is so important in everyday life. To learn more about how a physical therapist can help you in your daily activities, please call DGMC's Physical Therapy clinic at 423-7899.