Happy National Physical Therapy Month. We will dive into the history of physical therapy and how it began. Modern physical therapy began to evolve in the late 1800s in Europe as “reconstruction aides” helped treat rampant bone disorders. Later, during the Polio outbreak and World War I, wounded troops and children with disabilities needed the assistance of physical therapists. The first and primary types of treatment were isolation (one joint or a limited number of muscles), immobilization (holding a joint or bone in one place), splinting, bed rest, and later surgery. Due to the number of injuries, the reconstruction aides were responsible for caring for them. After successfully rehabilitating soldiers, Mary McMillan and the majority of her fellow aides founded the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association in 1921. 

In 1924, the organization that became today’s “American Physical Therapy Association” was established. In the 1950s, the role of a physical therapist progressed from a technician to a professional practitioner due to the disabilities and injuries related to the Korean War. In 1967, the SSA made an amendment and added the definition of “outpatient physical therapy services.” Over the years, as there have been medical advancements, there have been improvements and increasing services for physical therapy. Some examples are chest physical therapy programs, joint replacement therapy, hand therapy, women’s health, and oncology. 

Physical Therapy has greatly impacted the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. Physical therapy remains a natural route to helping the body heal. Because of therapy, many patients have avoided the need for surgery, MRIs, injections, hospitalizations, and medications. This has also lowered healthcare costs! 

Premier Physical Therapy has a long history of treating orthopedic, spine, and hand therapy. We have been treating patients for over 17 years, and our therapists are focused on YOU! We want to help keep you moving. Give our team a call today to get started with your physical therapy treatment.

 

_{Moffat, Marilyn PT, PhD, CSCS, FAPTA. The History of Physical Therapy Practice in the United States. Journal of Physical Therapy Education 17(3):p 15-25, Winter 2003.}