ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 20, 2009 — The American Physical
Therapy Association (APTA) will participate in the city of Alexandria's
16th Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, October 24, 2009, at the AMC
Hoffman Theatres on Swamp Fox Road beginning at 8 am. Since 2002, APTA
has sponsored the event whose proceeds support free mammograms and other
diagnostic screening procedures for Alexandria women who could not
otherwise obtain this necessary medical care.
October is both National Physical Therapy Month and National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month. During this time APTA sheds light on the role
that physical therapists play in the treatment of women living with
breast cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment.
"Early detection is key to decreasing the progression of this disease
to more advanced stages and APTA is proud to support the city of
Alexandria in its effort to help women obtain these critical
screenings," said APTA CEO John Barnes.
When surgery is required, physical therapists help patients regain
strength and range of motion in the shoulders and arms throughout the
healing process. They also provide scar massage to help keep the tissue
flexible and develop quality cancer-specific exercise programs for
post-surgical patients and those dealing with fatigue caused by
chemotherapy and radiation to keep them moving.
Physical therapists are also instrumental in helping patients with
breast cancer-related lymphedema, a chronic, debilitating and often
irreversible side effect of cancer treatment, which can develop weeks,
months, or even years after surgery or radiation. This painful condition
can be prevented or greatly improved if caught in its earliest stages
and managed through a comprehensive physical therapy program.
The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer was initiated in 1994 by former City
of Alexandria Manager Vola Lawson and has become a popular tradition in
Alexandria among the community's business leaders and individuals. To
date, the Walk Fund has helped more than 5,000 women receive mammograms
and other diagnostic procedures.
For more information about The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer visit www.alexcancerwalk.com.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects
of prescription medications. APTA represents approximately 76,000
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of
physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about lymphedema and other conditions
physical therapists can treat, and find a physical therapist in your
area at www.moveforwardpt.com.