The History and Future of Physical Therapy

Reconstruction aides — the precursor to physical therapists — attend to soldiers at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 1919. Photo credit of APTA.

While the nursing profession emerged from war, the physical therapy field was shaped by another fight: the fight against polio. When polio swept through the country in the early 20th century, reconstruction aides provided most of the only treatments available to polio patients at the time: immobilization, splinting, and bed rest.

The job of reconstruction aides started during World War I, when the U.S. Army needed to rehabilitate wounded soldiers. In World War II, their role was expanded with new treatments like electrical stimulation, which was found to regain patient muscle strength. In the 1950s, the physical therapy field gained more autonomy and professionalism with standardized competency exams and credentialing. As the decades progressed, physical therapists became integral members of the medical community, seeing patients in pre and post-operation settings, for example.

At Comet, we believe all persons should have access to physical therapy. Using new technologies, we will empower our physical therapists to provide affordable care to patients everywhere.

Today, physical therapy looks a lot different than its humble beginnings. There are a quarter-million physical therapists across the country, working in hospitals and outpatient clinics, and specializing in everything from orthopedics, pediatrics, and women’s health. Before helping patients and diagnosing conditions, physical therapists must first obtain their bachelor’s degree, then their doctorate of physical therapy from an accredited program, which is typically three years long. Physical therapy is an evidence-based field and continually adapts to new technological advances and research.

What is the future of physical therapy? At Comet, we believe all persons should have access to physical therapy. Using new technologies, we will empower our physical therapists to provide affordable care to patients everywhere. Like the reconstruction aides treating injured soldiers in Europe, physical therapists will help patients when and where they need it.