History of Physical Therapy Part 2
In 1921 the first edition of the PT Review was published, that year also marked the time when The American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was formed. The association was led by President Mary McMillan, and included 274 members. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, a nationwide attack of Polio swept through the United States and created an even higher demand for physical therapists. Fro the next 20-30 years, war worn-and-torn soldiers and polio victims would be the main clientele that would make up the roster of physical therapy patient in the United States.
Before what is known as today as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), was in full force, most of the doctors that were using physical therapy treatments were eighty percent general practitioners. Only twenty percent of those performing physical therapy were properly trained in the field. Physical therapy has had the same goals throughout its century long existence, to “foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.” This was used as a catalyst to focus on generating a higher population of individuals with proper knowledge of physical therapy methods.
It wasn’t until the 1950’s that physical therapy began taking its full shape. Manipulative spine treatments and joint practices were introduced in addition to the passive exercises, massage and hydrotherapy previously developed. It was also during this era that physical therapy began to branch out of the “medical” connotation it held and began to practice outside of hospital environments such as colleges, outpatient centers, clinics, nursing homes and public schools.
In the 1970’s a specialized program for Orthopedics emerged. Later that year, the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy (IFOTMT) was official. This federation is greatly responsible for the continually progress and necessary change needed to maintain manual therapy’s worldwide status.
With the introduction of the new “digital world” in the 1980’s new modalities were added to the already expansive list of practices. Ultrasound treatments, cold lasers, Isokinetics (electronic resistance exercises), iontophoresis and electric stimulators rounded out a well-organized attempt at a furthering profession.
With the obvious advances of technology and its effect on the medical profession, a manual therapist from Norway names Freddy Kaltenborne, saw a need for a formal collaboration of training and residency. He was one of the founders of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). This organization was critical to the physical therapy profession, since it introduced standardized practices and common specializations that would create a bond within all modes of facilities, patients, and therapists.
Out of the development of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy many institutes, universities, residencies and fellowship programs have evolved and thrived. It is easy to forget the advancements that have been made from the days before the polio vaccine became commonplace, and our health was one of life’s biggest luxuries.
Physical therapy continues to reissue new life to those suffering from injuries or ailments that might impede the highest quality of life possible. Without the hard work and research of generations past, physical therapy may not be the lifeline that so many people have found to rescue them from a life with injury.
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