In 2020, there were more than 232,000 physical therapists in the United States, and the number of professionals entering the industry is expected to grow 21% by 2030. As this branch of rehabilitative care continues to be in demand, its mission is nearly identical to its early roles of pain relief and injury prevention going back thousands of years. Today physical therapy remains a trusted treatment solution for muscle strengthening, especially after an injury or for someone experiencing mobility issues. Here is a brief overview of how the rehab practice came to be.

Origins of Physical Therapy

Archeologists have discovered early versions in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek civilizations going back thousands of years. China and other Asian countries are also credited with movement therapy for treating disease. In 1813, Per Henrik Link founded the Central Institute of Gymnastics in Sweden. The center was a treatment hub for exercise, massage, and muscle manipulation for gymnasts. Early versions of physical therapy originated at the institute. There was a team of specialists who used rehabilitation techniques to help prevent injuries and limit physical risks during gymnastics training.  

During the global polio epidemic that started around 1916, body paralysis was very common. Early physical therapists started treating polio patients through manual muscle testing, which assessed muscle strength and helped improve weaker areas. Among those treated was U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who underwent various therapies at what is now the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Georgia.

Over the next several decades, physical therapy became more prevalent in the military with formal training for "reconstruction aides", and professional training and certification programs were established in the 1950s. By the late 1970s, the industry had evolved to include orthopedics, cardiopulmonary disorders, and joint replacement rehabilitation. Today, the profession has continued to expand education in science-based treatment to keep up with the complexities of muscle and joint disorders.

Why It's Important

Physical therapy offers a variety of benefits for pain management and injury rehabilitation. Its evolution has incorporated soft tissue and manipulation techniques, functional assessments based on biomechanics of the human body, prescription exercise to restore strength and function, using a wholistic approach that helps patients who have sustained injuries from sports, strokes, and other conditions.  Working closely with licensed and certified practitioners, individuals have been able to restore mobility and safely resume physical activities.

For more than 18 years, Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy has embraced traditional and innovative care solutions to help their patients manage chronic conditions and recover from injuries. Based in High Point, NC, Hands-on Health offers physical therapy for adults and teenagers. Their treatment plans are personalized to your needs, whether you are recovering from an injury, seeking relief from pain, need assistance to return to activities of daily living, or just want to relax. To discover how their expertise can help you toward your wellness goals, call (336) 906-2040, or gaze at the website for the full suite of care options.