Topic > Principles of the American Physical Therapy Association

“Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.” (APTA). This is the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) vision for all members and physical therapists. As a student, in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, I want to reflect on how that vision will advance my personal and professional development in my career path. There are many ways to influence and transform society. Physical therapy physicians strive to impact individual lives within a society by providing quality rehabilitation services that will improve the quality of life in our communities. As a physical therapy student, it is my duty to absorb the material from my courses so that I can render and sustain that service. A physical therapist plays a vital role in our society because everyone eventually falls victim to illness, injury, or suffers wear and tear on their body as they age. These paths do not represent an individual challenge but above all a social threat as these challenges will affect our friends and family and their interconnection with all of society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The main goal is to implement rehabilitative treatments that would improve the condition a patient is enduring and thus impact the patient's life and his circle of influence. Going into my program, I had already imagined myself transforming individual lives in that way. In my university studies, I studied sociology precisely for the reason of wanting to contribute to bringing about social changes and helping individual lives. I was involved in some movement at Cal State San Marcos with members of my sociology honor club. As a student in a DPT program, I want to continue to help make changes in services or innovations that will revolutionize our industry and impact society. APTA states that “Movement is the key to optimal living and quality of life.” (APTA). Newton's first law of motion states that an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest. Living things are built to move, and sedentary living has been shown to lead to negative effects on the human body, so it is safe to apply Newton's law to humans to some extent. People who are perpetually at rest tend to atrophy and "remain at rest", while those who move correctly usually continue to do so. Improving movement means strengthening, increasing range of mobility, flexibility, function and, most importantly, reducing or eliminating pain. It is therefore understandable that optimizing an individual's movement is one of the key aspects of our vision as physiotherapists and students. It is my responsibility as a student to be able to understand how to identify diagnosable disorders in order to support optimal development from cradle to death. This would involve using up-to-date evidence-based research and innovations to incorporate into my studies and future practice to provide quality services that society could benefit from. Enhancing the Human Experience provides a visualization of how physical therapists can impact individual lives, families and communities. California Delegate Terrence M. Nordstrom, PT, EdD. gave a very moving speech (viewable on APTA.com) on his definition of what the human experience entails. The human experience is our connections with each other, experiences with loved ones or complete strangers, and lives over which we have a..