With the turn of the New Year, Americans begin the year-long focus on “being healthy.” A renewed commitment to exercising, eating right, and practicing self-care boosts gym memberships, enhances cookbook sales, and increases downloads of meditation apps. But wouldn’t it be refreshing if this year’s resurgence of health wasn’t so inward-facing, and instead fostered a cycle of health that extended beyond one person and into surrounding neighborhoods?
Action Potential’s mission is creating healthy communities. As a one-on-one physical therapy practice, they believe health transcends beyond the individual. Not only do they enhance the physical health of clients by alleviating pain, relieving chronic conditions, and increasing balance and safety, but the therapists give back to the community to ensure that those in their surrounding neighborhoods have access to the information they need for a healthy lifestyle. The result? Healthier people contributing to stronger communities, thus creating the lifecycle of health.
The Future of Tomorrow
Mothers put everyone’s needs above their own, oftentimes sidelining their health due to lack of time, cost, or fatigue. But how can our communities thrive when those ushering in the next generation are left without the support they need?
It is important that specific programs are designed to help those transitioning through this period of life. Pelvic health therapists assist with prenatal planning through Birth Prep sessions which prepare the expectant mother for labor and delivery. Once post-partum, mothers receive care to ease recovery from childbirth when pelvic pain, incontinence, and back pain are common.
To reach a broader audience, the therapists of Action Potential created lighthearted gatherings called "Vagina Parties" for women to assemble and discuss the taboo topic of pelvic health. Partnering with community groups like Media Moms allows the message to reach more women. “Our Vagina Parties have been instrumental in normalizing the changes women experience with childbirth,” shares Dana van der Kieft, clinic manager of the Media location.
Caring for the Past
While protecting the future is critical, preserving the safety of those of the past is equally important. Today’s seniors are more independent and active than years prior and have varied needs.
It’s important to create a dynamic treatment approach that addresses the physical challenges of the older adult. Whether recovering from a pickleball injury, rehabbing a joint replacement, or looking to build strength for an upcoming trip, fitness and health goals enhance the total quality of life when provided by a skilled therapist.
To help educate on arthritis, balance problems, and osteoporosis, Action Potential presents regularly to community groups of seniors, most recently at Haverford Township Community Recreation and Environmental Center (CREC). “Supporting our community of seniors has been important to us since our first year in 2011,” shares co-owner and geriatric certified specialist Kristen Wilson.
The Cycle Continues
Giving back to the community is paramount, but the real magic happens in the results. Action Potential co-owner Kathy Dixon has seen this firsthand, “Our clients make a difference in the world. They have gathered hundreds of coats for those in need, provided school supplies for shelters, and donated hundreds of dollars to local charities. We help them, and they help others!”
This year, consider how enhancing your health can contribute to the greater good of your community.
Whether Glen Mills, Kennett Square or Media is most convenient, if you or someone you love needs help with a physical condition, we’re here for you.
All Action Potentials sessions are one-on-one. Their therapists treat a variety of ages and conditions, including injury and surgery rehabilitation, neck and back pain, prenatal/postpartum care, concussion and vertigo, other neurological conditions, and more. As leading experts in musculoskeletal conditions, their therapists have the skill and time to help you reach your optimal potential. ReachYours.com