The Birth of Physical Therapy As A Profession

Physical therapy holds a significant place in the medical field, offering essential services in rehabilitation and mobility. Yet this profession, like any other, had to start somewhere. A trace back to history is an intriguing journey that allows us to ponder on the question: when indeed did physical therapy become a professional field?

The Dawn of Physical Therapy

Hold onto your seats; we’re going back about a hundred years. Yes, physical therapy didn’t just emerge out of the blue. It has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1900s. The profession got its kickstart during World War I, where the need for specific medical practitioners to care for wounded soldiers was immense. These early physical therapy pioneers worked diligently to help soldiers regain their mobility and reintegrate into society. Their work did not go unnoticed, and in 1921, the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was born.

Evolving Into the Modern Physical Therapy We Know and Love

The organization later rebranded and broadened its scope to include both genders, becoming the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) we know today. This rebranding marked a crucial step in legitimizing physical therapy as a profession. Beyond their work in wartime, physical therapists started to gain recognition for their critical work in enhancing mobility, restoring function and improving quality of life for all types of patients, not just soldiers.

Physical Therapy Education and Professionalism

Another milestone on the physical therapy professional timeline came in the ’60s and ’70s. With increased demand and recognition for their work, physical therapists moved away from certificate-based qualifications to formal, rigorous degree programs. Postgraduate and doctorate programs soon followed, placing physical therapy education on par with other medical disciplines.

Formalizing and Advancing the Profession

The 21st century brought a greater push for standardization and advancement within the profession. Research began to play a more significant role, leading to the constant improvement and modernization of practices used by physical therapists today.

Physical Therapy Takeaway

But with all the changes and advancements in the profession, there has been one constant: the commitment of physical therapists to enhancing patients’ lives. Ours is a profession rooted in caring deeply for others and using our expert knowledge to help them return to and enjoy their lives. If you’re a physical therapist who wants to continue this noble legacy while being at the forefront of advancements in the field, Stern Therapy is the right place for you. As one of the most respected, innovative physical therapy providers in the country, we embrace the profession’s rich history while always looking forward. So why wait? Come and join the Stern Therapy team, and be part of a community that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in physical therapy. Together, we’ll make a tangible difference in the lives of our patients, each and every day.