Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Celebrating Physical Therapy with Every October, we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, a tradition first launched by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in the early 1980s. National Physical Therapy Month recognizes the dedication and expertise of physical therapists across the country highlighting their role in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. This year’s APTA theme, “The Value of PT,” emphasizes how physical therapists deliver evidence-based care that addresses the whole person—helping individuals regain independence and preventing avoidable health declines. In the long-term care setting, physical therapists are vital members of the interdisciplinary team. They assess residents’ mobility, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide interventions that promote strength, balance, and endurance. PTs help residents remain as independent as possible, which improves not only physical health but also emotional well-being. Their work supports reduced rehospitalizations, enhances participation in daily activities, and fosters dignity and safety for older adults. One of the most critical contributions physical therapists make in long term care is reducing the risk of falls. Through balance training, gait re-education, strength building, and environmental assessments, therapists create comprehensive fall-prevention programs. Education for residents, families, and staff ensures that strategies extend beyond the therapy gym into daily routines. This proactive approach saves lives, prevents serious injuries, and supports overall quality of life. If you are in need of physical therapy or assessment, please contact the Broad River Rehab Team for guidance. The Pinecone | October 2025 • 5 • Let's Celebrate National PHYSICAL THERAPY Month Throughout October! Toe Lifts lift toes while heels stay down Arm Raises lift both arms overhead, lower slowly Shoulder Rolls roll shoulders forward and backward Neck Stretch tilt head side to side, gentle stretch lif ti Bicep Curls bend elbows up and down (optional light weights) Overhead Reach reach one arm up, then the other, like reaching for the sky Arm Circles small circles forward and backward Le exte Heel Lifts lift heels while toes stay on the floor Side Steps step one foot to the side, return, alternate plac k Side Stretch raise one arm and lean to the side Forward Bend lean forward over thighs, relax shoulders Ankle Circles lift foot and rotate ankle both directions S in ex Toe Lifts lift toes while heels stay down Arm Raises lift both arms overhead, lower slowly Shoulder Rolls roll shoulders forward and backward Ne k S retch tilt head side to side, gentle stretch Marching lift knee one at a time s f walkin Bicep Curls bend elbows up and down (optional light weights) Overhead Reach reach one arm up, then the other, like reaching for the sky Arm Circles small circles forward and backward Leg Extensions extend one leg, hold, then switch Heel Lifts lift heels while toes stay on the floor Side Steps step one foot to the side, return, alternate Torso Twist place hand on opposite knee, twist gently Toe Lifts lift toes while heels stay down Arm Raises lift both arms overhead, low slowly Shoulder Rolls roll shoulders forward and backward Neck Stretch tilt head side to side, gentle stretch Marching lift knees one at a time as if walking Bicep Curls bend elbows up and down (optional light weights) Overhead Reach reach one arm up, then the other, like reaching for the sky Arm Circ es ma l ci cles forward and backward L g Extensions extend one leg, hold, then witch Heel Lifts lift heels while toes stay on the floor Side Steps step one foot to the side, return, alternate Torso Twist place hand on opposite knee, twist gently Side Stretch raise one rm and lean to the side Forward Bend lean forward over thighs, relax shoulders Ankle Circles lift foot and rotate ankle both directions Seated Cat - Cow inhale arch back, exhale round spine BASIC CHAIR EXERCISES BRR