From Hippocrates to Polio Patients The Origins of Physical Therapy
Today, physical therapy is a well-known treatment option for those recovering from injuries or surgery, but there’s much more to the background of physical therapy. In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, we would like to highlight the storied history of our industry, which includes polio treatments, powerful care of World War I veterans, and women at the helm.
populated the industry, which was designed to treat polio victims in the U.S. beginning as early as 1916. That same year, what was then known as the Walter Reed General Hospital began the first physical therapy school to rehabilitate World War I veterans. Five years later, Mary McMillan began the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association (AWPTA) — later renamed the American Physical Therapy Association — a foundational organization for industry research and progress. Historians believe that physical therapy’s popularity today is due largely to the treatment performed by reconstruction aides, who were mostly female, and the research provided by organizations like the AWPTA. Time and time again, studies have concluded that the practice can improve a patient’s quality of life, eliminate or delay the need for surgery, and treat various conditions.
Hippocrates and Galen were some of the earliest known advocates of physical therapy through practices like massage, manual therapy, and hydrotherapy. However, the origins of modern-day physical therapy are credited to Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish practitioner and educator who is also credited with creating Swedish massage. Ling founded the Royal Central Gymnastics Institute in 1813, which used calisthenics exercises to treat gymnasts.
As the industry’s history has been documented and its significance has become well-known, practitioner expertise has also grown. Practitioners once needed a bachelor’s degree, then a doctoral degree, and now there are specialty treatment certifications or degrees as well. Completion of these degrees includes rigorous testing, courses, and residencies in human biology and anatomy, exercise physiology, ethics, neuroscience, and more.
Reed College PT team in 1920
Physical therapy found its way to the U.S. in the early 20th century when Reed College began training “reconstruction aides.” In the coming decades, female practitioners largely
Physical therapy can change lives — and that’s been true since the very beginning. Thank you for being part of our physical therapy story!
BRAIN THERAPY!
Classic Pumpkin Soup
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) • 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned light coconut milk • 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Directions
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!
Solution on Pg. 4
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