Physical therapy gets a month of focus

[thedrifter]

Physical therapy gets a month of focus
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 2003101315837
Story by Aimee Leach and Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Langner



MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(October 10, 2003) -- October is National Physical Therapy Month, which celebrates a health care profession that focuses on helping people to restore optimal movement and function.

The MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay SMART Center staff will be providing interactive lunchtime courses for active duty Marines and Sailors here.
Its first lecture will be on fitness and injury prevention, as they go hand in hand.

To get fit, service members must work on the three main components of fitness set by the Navy and Marine Corps: aerobic conditioning, strengthening and flexibility.

If you neglect one component, your risk of injury increases drastically.

Many times, Marines and Sailors dismiss flexibility leading to muscle pulls.

Another high percentage of athletes focuses on strengthening, but forget the importance of aerobic conditioning. But, athletes must pump-up the heart, too.

The SMART Center's patients are taught basic and advanced stretches as well as light strength training. Keep in mind the following basic tips with any exercise program.

Exercise Tips
When stretching and exercising, be sure to only move the body part that you are working on, and keep the rest of the body stationary.

When beginning an exercise program, start slow for the first two weeks and continue with that program for eight to 12 weeks before expecting big results.

When stretching, hold each stretch for 30 seconds and not the "traditional" 10 seconds.

Active duty are invited to attend the Fitness and Injury Prevention Seminar, Oct. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at the SMART Center in Bldg. 221 (behind the base theater).

Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Langner will lead the discussion titled "Exercise Your Options!"

The remainder of courses are Back Care on Oct. 17, Knee Care on Oct. 24 and Running Shoe Selection, Oct. 31.



The Sports Medicine And Reconditioning Team (SMART) Clinic physical therapy technicians evaluate a Marine's sprained ankle. The difference in severity of the sprain will determine the course of action the technicians will take during therapy.
Photo by: Sgt. Joseph A. Lee

Sempers,

Roger

[the humper]

Shows how far behind times, I am. Thought that was a 24/7, 365 normal requirement!!!!!
SF
NC

[thedrifter]

Humper

I'm learning new things everyday.....

SF

Roger