GPT therapist Chet Clodfelter helps adopt new life changes as resolutions get ditched

Nearly 50 percent of Americans create New Year's resolutions annually, among which losing weight and being fit are two of the top five goals set.

Yet, according to Statistic Brain, 71 percent of those who pursue a New Year's resolution drop it before the end of January.

However, Chet Clodfelter, a physical therapist-owner of Gre-encastle Physical Therapy (GPT), and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS), is helping create lasting health life changes.

"We all know that building and keeping a healthy New Year's resolution is based on forming habits," Clodfelter said.

"As a physical therapist by nature and by profession, my job is to establish an individually tailored plan that helps replace weakness with strength by achieving goals step by step over time until habits become integrated as part of a lifestyle."

Top reasons for terminating resolutions at the onset are varied but include setting too many goals, expectation for immediate results, lack of accountability and the "all-or-nothing" approach, where once one falls off the wagon, one stays off the wagon.

Clodfelter says most people attempt to tackle resolutions without assistance and direction from a medical professional equipped to build solid habits. A solo effort often lacks a necessary reward system for smaller accomplishments, results in injury and/or burn-out, and ends in frustration.

"Too often, when someone falls short of sticking to a resolution, they quit all together, failing to see the opportunity of getting back into the game," Clodfelter said. "Each unique resolution can only be achieved through a series of calculated steps and a system of reward throughout the journey."

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide.

For more information, persons may visit www.ppsapta.org.