School physical therapists serve as a resource and an advocate to foster awareness and an emphasis on health and wellness for all students. Schools play an important part of meeting physical activity needs for students. It is recommended that all children participate in 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. Movement is critical for learning and engaging the brain.
American Physical Therapy Association states:
Physical therapists play a unique role in society in prevention, wellness, fitness, health promotion, and management of disease and disability by serving as a dynamic bridge between health and health services delivery for individuals and populations. This means that although physical therapists are experts in rehabilitation and habilitation, they also have the expertise and the opportunity to help individuals and populations improve overall health and avoid preventable health conditions. Physical therapists’ roles may include education, direct intervention, research, advocacy, and collaborative consultation. These roles are essential to the profession’s vision of transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience