The Science of Healing and the Art of Caring

As far back as 460 B.C., Hippocrates, consideredAccording to the APTA, physical therapists are
the "father of medicine," described what could beexperts in "the science of healing and the art of
considered an early form of physical therapy withcaring." As patients and physicians are demanding
his use of massage and hydrotherapy. It is alsothe talents of physical therapists, the PT is
reported as a form of manual therapy in Chinabecoming more widely consulted for help with
around 2500 B.C. However, even before the needorthopedic conditions such as low back pain or
for the physical handling of patients was wellosteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries;
understood, the ancient medical system ofneurologic conditions; connective tissue injuries;
"Ayurevda" was developed in India whichand circulatory conditions, to name a few.
addresses healthy living along with therapeuticTherapists may choose to seek advanced
measures that relate to physical, mental, socialcertification in a clinical specialty, such as
and spiritual harmony.orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular, pediatric,
Modern physical therapy has its roots in England,geriatric, or sports physical therapy. Today's PT
where it was developed in London in 1896, on thecan be found in a variety of settings including
belief that hospital patients needed to receivehospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home
mobility on a regular basis in order to maintainhealth agencies, schools, sports and fitness
muscle function and mobility. Events such as thefacilities, and work settings.
World Wars and the polio epidemic also spurredIn today's environment of patient service within
the development of physical therapy, especially inhealth care, the individualized "hands on" approach
the United States. Marguerite Sanderson and Marythat characterizes physical therapists is highly
McMillan were leaders in the field of physicalvalued by patients. When a patient sees a physical
therapy, offering training to "reconstruction aides"therapist for the first time, they can expect a
who were responsible for caring for soldiersthorough examination, followed by a plan of care
injured in World War I. In the 1920 and 1930s,that the physical therapist develops to promote
polio raged through the United States and itsthe ability to move, reduce pain, restore function,
primary modes of treatment involved isolation,and prevent disability. As physical therapist and
immobilization, splinting, bed rest, and surgery. Inpatient work side by side, the goals of the
1940, Sister Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian bushtreatment plan are met, and the patient receives
nurse who was well known for her innovativetherapy to restore good health.
treatment of polio, brought her treatmentAt the cornerstone of everything the physical
techniques for the management of patients withtherapist does is exercise and functional training.
polio to the United States.Depending on the needs of the patient, the
Despite its development and successful use,physical therapist may perform certain passive
physical therapy has still come under criticism formovements at the end of the patient's range of
the lack of research to back up its anecdotalmotion, and/or massage a muscle to promote
findings. In response, organizations such as theproper movement and function. Other therapies
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency
have called on the profession to implement andwaves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice
adhere to practices based on the best scientificmay also be used during therapy sessions to bring
sources. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)about pain relief. In order to prevent loss of
postbaccalaureate degree indicates an increase inmobility within a patient, therapists may also
training in the sciences, research, anddevelop fitness and wellness-oriented programs to
interventions.bring about healthier and more active lifestyles.