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 accredita

They may have a solo practice or be a part of a larger consulting group. Others work in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers or teach in colleges and universities. Settings, employment arrangements, career responsibilities, and career opportunities depend on the interests and skills of each practitioner.

Since then, physical therapy has progressed in leaps and bounds in perfecting its methods of healing. Physical therapy now provides services to people of all ages and ailments. For most patients, therapy should come as a referral from another clinic, such as emergency room settings, athletic trainers, and the offices of family practitioners.

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.

During my visit, patients were being treated for a number of reasons. There was an elderly woman who was using light resistance weights on a machine to try to improve the range of motion in her shoulder. Dennis coached a middle-aged man through various leg exercises in the early stages of rehabilitation after having knee surgery. Several athletes from local high schools came for appointments later in the afternoon, with injuries ranging from ankle sprains to MCL tears. It was very interesting and inspiring to watch Dennis enjoying his work and showing enthusiasm with each individual patient.

Extensive academic and clinical education is necessary for physical therapists to attain prerequisite skills. In order to prepare for entry into a physical therapist education program, a student should have a course history including sciences such as psychology, biology, physics, chemistry, statistics, and other courses such as English, professional writing, and humanities. To break it down, a good pre-physical therapy curriculum should include a strong variety of courses in the liberal arts and general studies. Many physical therapy programs require students to have had experience volunteering at a physical therapy clinic of some sort.

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