Inadequate physical activity results in an added $117 billion in health care costs in the U.S. and leads to reduced quality of life for millions of Americans. As we struggle to address a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to encourage movement to help people manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injuries, and reduce the risk of future injury and chronic disease.

Cue National Physical Therapy Month.

October is National Physical Therapy Month — a time to celebrate the profession and all the ways physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and PT and PTA students help improve lives across the country. This year's theme is the promotion of physical activity and the unique value PTs and PTAs bring to help people get moving, a focus that's also in line with our latest #ChoosePT public awareness campaign.

"Although this year has brought significant challenges to health care and the profession, we are getting through them together," said APTA President Sharon L. Dunn, PT, PhD. "Now, more than ever, it's important to share the value of keeping active and moving, and APTA offers inclusive ways for us to share with our communities the importance of physical activity to a healthy life."

While in-person celebrations may be postponed or look different this year, there are still exciting ways you can get involved to promote your profession! Visit the APTA NPTM website for more information, and check out these eight easy ways to participate.

APTA developed resources for you to share with patients and consumers during NPTM, which can be found in our online ChoosePT.com toolkit. We've added more graphics, videos, and articles to the toolkit and to our physical activity page.

Contact APTA's Public and Media Relations at public-relations@apta.org with questions.