Many of the methods and techniques used in physical therapy today are rooted in antiquity. However, physical therapy did not become a truly recognized profession until World War I. In order to send medical aid to wounded soldiers, the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction was created by the Surgeon General’s office. This division created thousands of job opportunities in the medical field. The United States Government sent over 2,000 of these “Reconstruction Aides” (which would eventually come to be known as physical therapists) across the Atlantic to France, where they cared for and began to work toward the rehabilitation of wounded veterans. Physical Therapy continued to grow in popularity and accredit

Physical therapists also strive to keep people safe and in a general state of well-being. They show people how to avoid injury and teaching them the importance of fitness. They often help patients with cardiac problems improve their endurance. Programs promoting health, fitness, exercise and safety are provided by physical therapists in most communities.

The average work week for full-time physical therapists is around 40 hours, quite possibly including some nights and weekends. The physical therapists themselves may experience some physical discomforts while on the job due to stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, and standing for long periods. The job also calls lifting, supporting, and stabilizing patients, as well as moving heavy equipment.

ation until the late 1940’s and 1950’s, when severe polio epidemics struck the nation. During this time period, the role that physical therapists played in the medical community became instrumental in minimizing the devastating effects of the disease(1).

Physical therapy clinics use a wide variety of methods to treat their patients and aid in the recovery process. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.

Now headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, APTA has grown to include more than 66,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students throughout the country. As a national professional organization, the goals of the APTA include increasing the understanding of the physical therapist's role in our nation's health care system and to promote improvements in physical therapy education, practice, and research. Currently 131 institutions offer physical therapy education programs and 135 institutions offer physical therapist assistant education programs in the United States.

There are currently an estimated 115,000 practicing physical therapists in the United States. Physical therapists in all 50 states are required to pass a licensure exam after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program. According to the APTA, 199 accredited physical therapist programs existed in 2001. Of these recognized programs, 165 offered master’s degrees and 33 offered doctoral degrees. Since the year 200

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