10 Interesting Facts About Physical Therapy That Will Amaze You

Think you already know everything there is to know about physical therapy?  Here are 10 interesting facts about physical therapy that will leave you saying “WOW”!

10 Amazing Facts About Physical Therapy

1. The physical therapy profession originated during World War I in response to the great need created when soldiers were injured in war. The first physical therapists during this time were known as “reconstruction aides”.  
2. Initially, physical therapy was a female dominant profession.  The first president of the American Women’s Physical Therapy Association was Mary McMillan.
3. During World War II, there were more advances in science and technology and injured soldiers continued to be treated by physical therapists.  The profession changed its name in the 1930s to the American Physiotherapy Association.
4. In the late 1940’s, the organization representing physical therapists changed its name once again to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  This still remains the name today.  
5. The demand for physical therapy increased during the late 1960s and early 1970s.  Help was needed and the physical therapy assistant was born.  
6. Physical therapists are able to work in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, private clinics, hospitals, schools and even the Emergency Room.
7. Physical therapists are trained in massage, but it is not the same as a massage you receive at the spa. A massage performed by your therapist is used to reduce tightness and work on tissue mobility of the muscle that is inflamed or in pain.
8. Several health conditions you may not realize can improve or be treated with physical therapy including dizziness, headaches, concussion, and jaw pain.
9. Every year, 50% of Americans over the age of 18 develop a musculoskeletal injury that can last longer than 3 months.  That’s 108 million people who can benefit from physical therapy.
10. Today, physical therapy has become integrated with both women and men who provide physical therapy services that will meet your needs with the goal of minimizing dysfunction and impairment.  

Physical therapy has come a long way and is great for your health.  Read this blog post for 10 reasons physical therapy should be as much a part of your routine as brushing your teeth and drinking enough water.

Above & Beyond Physical Therapy’s mission is to treat, educate and enable their patients while providing the highest level of respect and courtesy. Their team of professionals’ goal is to enhance the lives of their patients and their families. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!