How Physical Therapists Can Stay Safe (and Have Fun) on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is an ideal time for therapists to pay tribute to the veterans they treat in VA hospitals across the country

One way to do that is by joining the APTA in applauding the legislators who passed the Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act. This important bill improved the recruitment and retention of physical therapists who treat veterans, and has added to the surge of therapy jobs the allied health field is currently seeing nationwide. Rehabilitation therapy can be a vital part of a veteran's recovery and an opportunity to truly understand the sacrifice that many military personnel have made.

For most Americans, Memorial Day is also a chance to get out and enjoy the a fun-filled three-day weekend. Sometimes, though, unbridled enthusiasm can lead to the kind of incidents that physical therapists are often called upon to treat -- such as car accidents or weekend-warrior sports injuries. While it's great that sport therapy jobs are in high demand, commanding around $75K as an average annual salary, the number of people admitted into ERs across the country from preventable sports injuries is far too high -- so do what you can to remember a few safety tips and pass them along.

The American College of Emergency Physicians' (ACEP) has some essential tips for kicking off summer safely—be sure to read them in their entirety in the footnote; these are just a few highlights.

• Food and Grilling Safety: Refrigerating food properly and cooking meat at the right temperature isn't everything; the grill also has to prepped correctly -- and care must be taken wherever there is an open flame. PTs and occupational therapists who have worked extensively with burn victims know just what a wise idea it is to take extra precautions here. Please read this related blog on treating burn patients with virtual reality to better appreciate therapists' targeted expertise.

• Water and Sun Safety: Everyday those in rehab jobs are reminded of the importance of water and sun safety; they see patients overcoming a wide range of injuries treated with physical therapy, from paralysis and strokes, to metastatic melanoma. Remind your friends and family to follow the posted rules at the pool and the beach -- and to wear sunblock! Also, don’t forget to read this related blog on underwater treadmills helping patients with spinal cord injuries.

Work in the Best States for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists!

When you call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online, be sure to check into the hottest physical therapy jobs in the USA by clicking on California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa therapy jobs. Occupational therapists will find just as much opportunity in Ohio, Washington and Maryland therapy jobs. The flexible lifestyle of a travel therapist lets you work in the best hospitals in America, living in free private housing while you do it! This summer, turn up the heat in your therapy career by contacting us today!