Resolutions to Rehab: Move better in the New Year

New York, NY (December 17, 2014) – While your holidays are filled with Christmas hams, latkes, sugar cookies and eggnog, the pending New Year and accompanying resolutions will be lingering in the back of your mind. And if it’s been awhile since your last trip to the gym, you should brush the rust off and talk with your local physical therapist about ways to stay safe while getting fit.

More than 38% of Americans resolve to lose weight in the New Year, which means that your neighborhood gym will be full of newly minted fitness fanatics tackling the treadmills and weights. A 2012 Consumer of Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report states that there were approximately 460,000 injuries caused by exercise and exercise equipment, that’s more people than the entire population of Sacramento, CA. Before you hop on the treadmill or attempt your first spinning class, you should exercise caution to avoid injury.

“It’s much better to see a patient prior to them starting a fitness program in order to better help them start out on the right foot,” said Erica Meloe, owner of Velocity Physiotherapy in New York City and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS). “While we are always here to provide excellent rehabilitation treatment, it’s better for everyone involved if we can assess, educate, instruct patients before they end up in pain.”

A consultation with a physical therapist before starting a fitness program can help you to:

· Identify muscular imbalances and incorporate stretching and strength for corrections

· Assess balance and provide exercise modifications if necessary

· Provide treatment options for any existing pain, such as joint or lower back problems

“New Year’s Resolutions provide us a sense of rejuvenated commitment and nothing diminishes that faster than an unexpected injury,” said Meloe. “With a focus on prevention, we are helping our patients achieve their 2015 goals in a safe and effective manner.”

Meloe says Velocity Physiotherapy doesn’t require a physician’s referral and opens its doors to anyone interested in learning more about how to have a healthy, safe and injury free holiday season. For more information, please visit velocityphysiony.com .

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the health care system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.

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