Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — October is a month of many wonderful things: the World Series, the colors of autumn, and Halloween among them. But it’s also booked with national celebrations and awareness campaigns: National Country Music Month, Polish American Heritage Month, and even National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM).

It’s that last celebration — NPTM, which will be the focus of an event this week in the Territory, and one that will give residents an opportunity to become more aware of the many benefits of physical therapy, which include improved mobility, pain management, the ability to recover well from injuries and prevent future injuries—all components of a healthy, well-balanced life. 

One of the great points of physical therapy is that it is not limited to any age, but can work for everyone. A customized physical therapy program can help older individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage younger adults to participate in activities and lifestyle changes that can prevent injury and improve overall health and well being.

According to Sandy Scanlan, Rehab Manager and head of LBJ’s Physical Therapy department, she and her team of physical therapists will be taking a half-day tomorrow (Wednesday) to conduct fun but meaningful screenings with the public on strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Four stations will be set up to conduct assessments in each of these vital areas.

Because all of these are essential for good health, Scanlan says, “we will follow up all our screening with tips and tools each person can do simply at home to improve their health in these four areas. Back pain, for example can be eliminated for most cases by keeping a good posture, improving core strength, and keeping hamstrings flexible.”

She notes that falls in the elderly, which lead to disabling fractures can be prevented by assuring that the fine muscles of balance are intact. Simple exercises can be done each day to increase that fine muscle balance, and Dr. Scanlan and her team will take the time to teach these points.

In order to accomplish this, a Wellness Clinic will be held tomorrow, October 30th from 8am-noon at the LBJ Medical Center, in the Pavilion next to the Pharmacy.

“Join us for this unique, free event” says Dr. Scanlan, where we will test your balance, strength, flexibility and posture. Are you in alignment? See how you measure up!