National Physical Therapy Month: Awareness and Promotional Ideas for Clinics

Hot/Cold Gel Packs

Reusable hot/cold gel therapy packs are a very practical giveaway that patients absolutely love. These pliable gel packs can be cooled in the freezer or warmed in hot water/microwave and then applied to sore muscles or injuries. They are commonly used in injury treatment – for example, icing a sprained ankle or warming a stiff neck. By providing a branded gel pack, you equip patients with a tool for self-care at home. They're relatively low-cost and flat (easy to store or mail in a giveaway). You might give a gel pack to every patient who comes in during October or include them in your NPTM event swag bags. It's a great conversation starter, too ("Where did you get that ice pack with the logo?"). And since effective injury management is a theme in PT, this item directly ties into the message of taking care of one's body.

Screen Printed T-Shirts

There's nothing like a comfy T-shirt to commemorate an event – consider printing shirts with a catchy phrase like "I ❤ My Physical Therapist" or "Movement is Medicine – [Clinic Name]" alongside your logo. You can give shirts to your staff to wear during the month (creating a uniform look that sparks conversations with patients). You could also use T-shirts as prizes for contests (e.g., winners of a patient trivia quiz about physical therapy or participants who complete a certain number of visits in October). Shirts are essentially free advertising whenever worn in public. Make sure to choose a quality, soft fabric so people will actually enjoy wearing them. Even if your budget is tight, a smaller apparel item like a branded baseball cap or wristband could be an alternative. The key is that when people wear your clinic's name, it boosts brand visibility and reinforces their personal connection to your clinic ("This is my PT place!").

Yoga Mats

Encouraging stretching and exercise is a big part of physical therapy, so a custom yoga mat is a very fitting promo item. Perfect Imprints offers various yoga mats and accessories that can be branded. A full-size yoga mat might be a premium giveaway for special cases (like a grand prize in a raffle or a thank-you to a local partner), but even a thinner roll-up exercise mat or stretching mat is great. If hosting a group exercise class for NPTM, you could provide attendees with logo mats to use (and take home after). Every time they unroll the mat for yoga, Pilates, or home exercises, your clinic logo will be front and center. It's an item that directly promotes the activity we want people to do – exercising regularly. By giving out mats, you send a strong message: we're here to help you stay active and healthy. (If mats are too large-scale, another idea in this category is a yoga strap or stretch band – those are smaller but still useful for flexibility exercises.)

Fitness Trackers

A simple pedometer is a classic wellness giveaway that can motivate patients to move more. These step-counters clip onto a waistband or slip into a pocket and tally how many steps you take in a day. For many individuals, seeing their step count can encourage them to walk a bit more and set achievable goals (like aiming for 8,000–10,000 steps daily). Branded pedometers are relatively inexpensive, and handing them out during PT Month aligns with encouraging an active lifestyle. 

In fact, studies have found that using a pedometer can increase a person's physical activity by about 2,000 steps per day (roughly an extra mile of walking), which is a significant boost to health.¹⁵ By giving patients a pedometer with your logo, you're not only advertising your clinic but actively helping them improve their fitness. It's a win-win. (Tech tip: If budget allows, some clinics opt for higher-end giveaways like basic fitness trackers or branded smartwatch bands, but a classic pedometer is a cost-effective choice that still delivers results.)

Massage Balls and Massagers

Small massage balls (like lacrosse ball-sized rollers or spiky trigger point balls) make excellent handouts for a PT clinic. These tools are fantastic for self-massage: patients can use them to work out knots in the back, foot arch, or shoulders by themselves. For example, a firm rubber ball can alleviate plantar fasciitis discomfort when rolled under the foot or release a tight piriformis muscle when placed under the glutes. By giving someone a massage ball imprinted with your logo, you're equipping them with a mini therapy tool for home use. 

It demonstrates that your clinic cares about their continued well-being beyond appointments. You could include a small instruction card with a few massage ball exercises (e.g., foot roll, upper back release against a wall) to add value. Similarly, handheld massagers or foam roller sticks can be options here, but the balls are more affordable for bulk gifting. These items tie directly into the idea of pain relief and recovery that PT is all about.

Cooling Towels

A cooling towel is a specialized sports towel that, when dampened, keeps cool for a period – great for draping around the neck after a workout or therapy session to cool down. Alternatively, a simple fitness towel embroidered or printed with your clinic's name is very useful for anyone exercising. During NPTM, you might run a "stay active" challenge (encouraging daily walks or exercises) and give these towels to participants to help them stay refreshed. The cooling towel, in particular, is a novel item people may not already have; it's something they'll associate with your clinic's thoughtful gift. These towels are also handy for therapists to use in the clinic (wipe off sweat or use in heat therapy), so your staff could utilize them too, showcasing the branded items in action. The utility of a towel means it often gets used for years, giving your brand prolonged exposure. Its connection to exercise and relief (cooling off) fits nicely with the PT message of taking care of one's body during activity.

Branded Notebooks

Giving out a small notebook to be used as a wellness or fitness journal is a great way to encourage patients to track their rehab progress or fitness goals. You can customize a pocket-sized notebook with your clinic logo on the cover. During NPTM, perhaps encourage patients to jot down their daily stretching routine or pain levels in the journal – a practice that can help them and their therapist see progress over time. This kind of item shows that your clinic is invested in patients' success. It's also a more educational type of promotional item, aligning with the professional tone of healthcare. 

A patient who diligently logs their exercises in your branded notebook will see your clinic's name often, reinforcing their positive experience. Additionally, you could use notebooks for a workshop (e.g., a back pain prevention class where attendees can take notes in the provided journal). Pair the notebook with a branded pen (perhaps a fun bone-shaped pen) for a cheeky nod to orthopedics to complete the package. Pens are ubiquitous but always handy – and even a whimsical novelty pen can leave a lasting impression about your clinic's friendly approach.