'Play for Life' and health, says Jersey Physical Therapy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 9th, 2015

‘Play for Life’ and health, says Jersey Physical Therapy SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – However you define it, play is a powerful life tool – and it isn’t just for kids. That’s the message Marc Rubenstein, physical therapist and co-founder of Jersey Physical Therapy and his staff, plan to spread throughout South Brunswick, East Brunswick and Plainsboro during the remaining months of 2015.

A physical therapist for more than 15 years, Rubenstein has witnessed the positive effects play can have on his clients as well as people throughout the community. Not only does regular play lead people on a path toward happier, healthier lifestyles, but the prospect of “play” (however a particular client defines it) exists as motivation for people who are rehabilitating from injury or surgery or who wish to improve athletic performance.

“Play isn’t limited to the playground or the soccer field, and it’s not just for our days off,” Rubenstein said. “Play is about having fun, regardless of age. My colleagues and I believe that every day should be an opportunity for people to do what they love, and we don’t think pain, injury or deficiencies in movement should stop people from play.”

This fundamental belief is the basis for a yearlong campaign recently unveiled by Jersey Physical Therapy. Called “Play for Life,” the campaign is geared toward encouraging people of all ages to make time for play in their lives, whether they define play as chasing their kids, running a 5K, taking up a new hobby, or even furthering their education.

“Play is a normal part of being alive, but as we get older – and especially when we struggle with movement issues be it due to injury, surgery or age – we may begin to look at play as a thing of the past,” Rubenstein said. “This should never be the case. We need play like we need sleep, and as physical therapists, it’s our job to make sure people are able to embrace this part of their lives without limitation.”

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) supports Rubenstein’s contention that play is essential in everyone’s lives, despite age or perceived limitation.

“The ‘power of play’ for adults lies in simply focusing on the joy of moving, having a little fun with it, and not taking ourselves too seriously,” said Carol Torgan, Ph.D., while representing the ACSM back in 2009. “Play has no obvious goal and has no winners or losers… It’s the perfect anecdote for when your exercise routine starts to feel like more of a choice than the activity of enjoyment.”

The physical therapists at Jersey PT follow this advice within each of their three sites, mixing everyday clinical duties with events that benefit the community – things from providing free educational events to coaching area youth sports teams. As part of the campaign, the Jersey Physical Therapy team will share the ways they “Play for Life” via social media channels, and they hope their clients will do the same.

To share the ways you play for life, upload a photo of your activity of choice to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #PlayForLife. Those who share will enter to win a prize valued at $100. About Jersey Physical Therapy Jersey Physical Therapy was founded in 2002 in Kendall Park by South Brunswick natives Marc Rubenstein, PT, DPT, OCS, and Georey Hunt, BS, PT, OCS. The clinic expanded in 2006 with partner Sean Moore, PT, MPT, and the opening of a second oce in Milltown/East Brunswick. Both practices, along with the new third location in Plainsboro, strive to deliver the highest quality in physical therapy services with a focus on evidence-based, one-on-one therapy.

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