SUN APTA

Join UNMC and Creighton DPT students for their annual Joint Effort volleyball tournament in Elkhorn on February 2nd, 2024. Get your team together for 12 hours of nonstop volleyball, prizes, food, and fun! Tickets are $180 per 6-player team (+$10 for additional players). All proceeds go to the Nebraska Arthritis Foundation!

Register by January 15th for free event T-shirts!
The last day to register is January 29th!

To register: https://forms.gle/maDYxgTMXfi5v7JYA

To donate: https://gofund.me/73c3ad08

Registration is still open for the 2023 Students of the University of Nebraska American Physical Therapy Association (SUN-APTA) Physical Therapy Education Networking & Career Fair! Our website provides further details about the event and the link to register for the event. Please see the attached formal invitation and/or follow this link to our website: https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/education/pt/sunapta.html

Our third year DPT class, looking great for career day!

The UNMC Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library has archived the Physical Therapy class composites from 1972 - 2020. Check them out here and download the one for your class! And as you have fun reminiscing, be thinking if you would like to get your class together for a reunion the last weekend of April 2023. If your class year ends in 3 or 8, you have a milestone you could celebrate and if not, it still is reason to celebrate, as we will recognize the 50th graduating class this spring. The Alumni Office will help you plan, but it takes at least one class leader to get the party started, so reach out! [email protected]
https://unmc.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/SO_195166cc-d68d-482b-bc75-4219b2f587ba/

Think you've got what it takes to win Disney/Pixar trivia? Come on down to the Omaha Dog Bar for prizes, friends, trivia, PT-themed cocktails, and PUPPIES on March 25th! Grab the biggest Disney fans you know and REGISTER NOW as space is limited ($20 per team)! Proceeds go to support the Physical Therapy Political Action Committee! See details below.

**Even if trivia isn't your thing, don't let that stop you from joining the fun with cocktails and pups! Entry is free for humans**

Calling all students, family, friends, and Chipotle Lovers!

UNMC and Creighton's American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) student organizations will be hosting their annual "Joint Effort" fundraiser to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. This year, in lieu of our annual volleyball tournament, we will be hosting a fundraiser at Chipotle. Please see the information and flyer below regarding this event.

Please show the attached flyer at checkout to have 33% of your bill donated to the cause. For online orders, customers can use the code LFE39DH.

Now it's easier to send SUN APTA a message.

So what's the difference between a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a chiropractor?

While all are licensed healthcare professionals, each profession has its own approach to treatment. These professions are all unique and can work together or separately to treat a patient. They all work towards a common goal: to get you back to doing what you love!

A physical therapist is found in most healthcare environments. They utilize a variety of stretches, exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to restore mobility, decrease pain, and improve the body's overall ability to move. A physical therapist might be the right approach for you if you have limited movement, pain during movement, or want to improve your strength, balance, or mobility.

An occupational therapist works in many of the same places a physical therapist works, including schools, hospitals, inpatient facilities, and in the home. They educate their patients on how to safely and effectively complete daily tasks when an injury or condition affects their ability to do so.

A chiropractor is typically found in a clinic and utilizes manipulations and adjustments to reduce pain and discomfort. They primarily focus on musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions, including neck pain, back pain, and headaches.

Knowing the difference between providers can help you to be knowledgeable and informed about your care!

So why ?

The campaign is an initiative by the American Physical Therapy Association to promote physical therapy for the management and treatment of pain. Physical therapists are highly educated on pain and they utilize a variety of treatments to reduce acute and chronic pain in their patients. They work with their patients to decrease pain and improve their quality of life while reducing the need for surgery and pain medications, such as opioids. While opioids can be a valuable tool in combating pain, they can pose many dangerous risks, including substance abuse, overdose, and withdrawal. In instances of acute pain, opioids may be appropriate, however, physical therapy can be a safer alternative to opioids in the management of long-term pain. Opioids can mask the pain, but physical therapy will address the root cause of pain, resulting in improved mobility and quality of life.

Reach out to a physical therapist today to see how they can help you to address and manage your pain.

Information from: https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/physical-therapy-vs-opioids-when-to-choose-physical-therapy-pain-management

What is the difference between a DPT, a PT, and a PTA?

Physical therapists practice as either a PT or a DPT depending on when they attended an accredited institution. As of 2016 it is required that students attending a physical therapy education program must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy. PTs previously obtained a Master of Physical Therapy degree and followed an older curriculum. DPTs follow a newer curriculum that emphasizes red and yellow flags, a better understanding of pharmacology, and proper medical management of patients, improving holistic patient care. The curriculum shifted as an understanding of the complexity of patients was noticed. Understanding of these areas help DPTs better refer patients to the proper healthcare professionals. PTs and DPTs are both trained to evaluate patients, develop a plan of care, and perform manual therapy. PTAs earn an associate degree and are able to assist the physical therapist. They can follow a PT’s treatment plan but cannot perform an evaluation or create a plan of care.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are crucial in helping patients recover from injuries, decrease pain, and move optimally. Reach out to a physical therapist today to see how they can improve your quality of life.

(photo taken from: https://brothersofmercy.org/october-is-national-physical-therapy-month/)

Did you know that physical therapists are movement experts that use hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement to improve your quality of life? There are many reasons why you should see a physical therapist early if you are experiencing an injury or developing pain. A PT can help you:

1) Stay physically active with decreased risk of causing further injury
2) Avoid the cost and potential risks of opioids and surgery
3) Recover as soon as possible in a safe way
4) Achieve your goals
5) Decide upon beneficial lifestyle modifications

Find a physical therapist today to improve your quality of life!
(information adapted from https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/five-reasons-to-choose-physical-therapy-early-pain)

Health Tips | Five Reasons To Choose Physical Therapy Early for Pain If you experience an injury or develop pain, seeing a physical therapist early can help you address and manage your symptoms.

October is National Physical Therapy month. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals that use exercise and movement as medicine to treat a wide variety of patients. They love to help patients recover from surgery, decrease pain, move better, and get back to doing what they love.

Over the past 6 weeks the Class of 2023 participated in their first clinical rotation. There were students working in orthopedic clinics, home health organizations, hospitals, and pelvic health clinics throughout Nebraska and surrounding states. The experience was amazing so here Is what some of them had to say about their first rotation!

“I was at Columbus Physical Therapy for the past 6 weeks and I didn’t want to leave! I had the best experience meeting new people, treating various conditions, and furthering my education. I can say without a doubt that my career path as a future physical therapist was solidified yet again.” –Macy Scheffler, PT2

“I completed my clinical rotation Sandhills Physical Therapy. I had the opportunity to see a plethora of injuries and conditions in patients of all ages. I was so fortunate to work with an excellent team who was able to remind me of my passion for helping individuals restore and improve their quality of life. I have definitely found the right career!” – Joel Schroeder, PT2

“I learned so much over the last 6 weeks and loved being able to put textbook information into actual clinical practice. I already can’t wait to get back out into the clinic next summer. -Alyx Jorgensen, PT2

Photo taken from (https://www.wholebodyhealth-pt.com/wbhptblog/1st-week-of-physical-therapy-month-bringo-2020)

National PT month is here again just in time for SPOOKY SEASON!
Here are some facts about the profession:

1. Physical therapists are primary care providers (you can see a DPT without a referral in Nebraska) and skilled in the treatment of a wide variety or ailments.
2. There are currently 9 different areas of specialization that a DPT can become certified in, with more to come! Whether it’s for sport, pelvic floor, cardiopulmonary, or outpatient...there’s a PT that can help you!
3. The benefits of exercise and physical activity can not be understated. They include improved quality of life, increased freedom to partake in things you enjoy, and adding years to your life. If you’re not sure where to start, a DPT can help you create your own plan!

These facts are taken straight from our very own 3rd year physical therapy student, Jayce Cameron! Reach out to a physical therapist today to see how they can improve your quality of life.
(photo taken from: https://activeptw.com/programs-services/)

Get Up and Move!

October is National Physical Therapy Month! Did you know physical therapists are movement specialists? Movement has many benefits that can enhance our daily lives! Movement can increase strength, endurance, and balance. Movement also helps improve health by lowering blood pressure, controlling body weight, and boosting the immune system. Movement can reduce stress, boost brain function, and improve memory. Movement doesn’t have to be strenuous! A leisurely walk, gardening and even dancing can be beneficial! If you have any questions about the best way to move for your goals talk to a physical therapist near you!

Do you find yourself sitting at a desk for work all day? Do aches and pains ever creep into your body? These can be SPOOKY and uncomfortable sensations at your job. Scare away the pain by talking to a physical therapist about your sitting posture! PTs are trained to assess posture and educate patients about proper alignment. These professionals can provide interventions for muscle imbalances and help you develop strategies to move throughout the day. BEWARE of the chair and don't let your desk job frighten you! 👻🎃🦇Below is a picture of how your posture should look while sitting at a desk:

Physical therapists serve as an integral part of the healthcare team by facilitating movement and restoring function. What you may not know is that PTs can also become specialized in a specific area of practice! Here's a list of specialties:
1. Pediatrics
2. Sports
3. Women's health
4. Geriatrics
5. Cardiovascular and pulmonary
6. Neurology
7. Orthopedics
8. Oncology
All of these areas are tailored to meet the needs of a particular patient population. You can find PTs in community clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, or even in your own home! This profession is here to serve YOU!

Did you know that chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare? Treating pain is typically a multidisciplinary approach, and there is strong evidence that physical therapists are highly effective at reducing pain and improving function. Modern society often puts a quick-fix on complex pain problems with drugs, such as opioids, which can be very addictive with adverse side effects. Opioid addiction and death by overdose have risen drastically over the past 15 years. It is time for patients and healthcare to use more conservative strategies to transform pain management. Physical therapy is safe, effective, and long lasting!

Information provided by the American Physical Therapy Association. https://www.apta.org/apta-magazine/2018/10/01/moving-away-from-opioid-reliance

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This is our opportunity to spread awareness about the benefits of PT. To start off, we'll share a couple facts about this profession.

1. Physical therapists combine evidence based practice, clinical expertise, and patient goals into their interventions to provide the best possible care.
2. Did you know that physical therapists must obtain a clinical doctorate degree in order to practice in the community? That means three additional years of schooling after receiving a bachelors degree!
3. PTs are highly trained to recognize and treat a wide variety of movement disorders without the large expense of imaging and surgery.

Shoutout to our own student, Jayce Cameron, for sharing some facts with us. More to come throughout the month of October. Get in touch with a physical therapist today to learn more information!