October 29, 1999

Amy Kirby, MSPT, of MGH Physical Therapy, shows MGH patient Jacqueline McCarthy a better way to protect her neck and back from injury

During the month of October, the MGH Physical Therapy Department hosted four events for National Physical Therapy Month to highlight physical therapy practices and educate MGHers about its work. The events included three booths that focused on preventing injuries and diseases that require physical therapy. Information was provided about exercise and diet and their role in preventing heart disease, posture and body mechanics, and preventing falls and fall-related injuries.

"We chose these topics because they are relevant to many people," says Leah Javaheri, PT, of MGH Inpatient Physical Therapy. "Prevention is a hot topic in health care right now, and we feel that helping people prevent injury and other health problems is just as important as helping them heal."

At the educational booths, MGH physical therapists were available to screen MGHers and visitors for posture-related problems, such as back and neck aches, and make recommendations about treatment options. Literature also was available, including information about fall prevention as part of a hospitalwide effort to promote awareness about the issue. "Accidental falls are one of the most common adverse events occurring within the community and in health care facilities," says Kristin Parlman, MSPT, NCS, of MGH Inpatient Physical Therapy. "Many patients come to the MGH because of a fall, especially many of our elderly patients. We offered this information to help prevent these types of injuries and to increase awareness about how prevalent they are."

The final event was a panel discussion about a new clinical doctorate program in physical therapy being offered by some schools. "The ramifications of this new program are enormous," says Ann Jampel, PT, of MGH Outpatient Physical Therapy. "Schools are discussing whether or not to offer the doctorate program, but they also need to realize what impact this will have on the clinical sites that agree to take interns and eventually hire their graduates. The panel was helpful at opening up dialogue about this exciting subject in physical therapy."

For more information about the services provided by the MGH Physical Therapy Department, call 6-3023.