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In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, 91Ů�� hosted a community wellness event on October 26, to showcase how physical therapy can enhance quality of life. Organized in partnership with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) New York, the event featured evaluations and presentations by students and health professionals from the School of Health and Natural Science's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Open to community members, faculty, staff and students, the event offered insights into managing chronic pain, recovering from injuries and enhancing mobility. 

Mercy students, alongside faculty and licensed physical therapists, conducted health assessments and provided personalized feedback to participants about their physical health. The event also included informative sessions on how physical therapy can significantly improve quality of life, offering practical strategies for incorporating physical therapy into everyday routines.

The event served as an opportunity for participants to learn how to access physical therapy. “Participants did not know they could go directly to a physical therapist without a doctor’s order,” said Nanette W. Hyland, Ph.D., M.S., PT, interim dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences and physical therapy program director and professor. 

Mercy’s Physical Therapy Program also runs a clinic that offers free serves to the Mercy students, faculty and staff, with access available to the broader community. The clinic is open by appointment every Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening by appointment. For more information and to make an appointment, individuals can contact the clinic at ptprogram@mercy.edu.

“Attendees left with valuable knowledge and resources to improve their health and well-being,” Dr. Hyland noted. “Overall, it was a success, and we hope to do more of these events in the future.”