As today is Remembrance Day, we thought it would be a perfect time to talk about how World War I and II impacted the physiotherapy profession. This blog will mainly focus on the American contributions to the creation of physiotherapy. Thank you to all who fought for our freedom, your bravery will never be forgotten!
World War I
Standardizing Procedures
Before WWI, physiotherapy procedures were questioned and many were skeptical of their techniques as there were no defined guidelines or standards. The US army helped standardize these techniques with research and training implemented in hospitals.
Early Physiotherapists (1914 to 1918)
During the First World War, the Medical Department of the US Army included a group of "reconstruction aides" who helped disabled veterans using physiotherapy, massage and hydrotherapy techniques. These reconstruction aides, most of them women, were pivotal in helping veterans transition back into everyday life after suffering various injuries.
Shortly After the War (1921-1922)
As the military didn't need as many reconstruction aides anymore, many of them used their knowledge and implemented it into the medical field, working in hospitals, clinics and even schools where children had physical limitations. They carried on the practices used in the war and eventually joined together to form the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association which was led by newly elected leader Mary McMillan. A year later it became the American Physiotherapy Association (APA), influencing better standards in the physiotherapy practice and opening the association up to men in hopes to expand more and seek recognition from the American Medical Association.
Between Wars
Bachelor of Science Program Introduced (1927)
New York University was the first to introduce this 4 year program for physiotherapists, helping improve the respect and trust towards them.
Standards for Accreditation (1928)
This not only increased the recognition of physiotherapists but addressed the issue of lack of standards and guidelines. Many hospitals received accreditation from the APA.
Code of Ethics and Discipline Created (1935)
The APA continued its post WWI push and continued to grow and evolve.
American Registry For Physical Therapy Technicians (1935)
In addition to ethics, the APA now ensured the competency of physical therapists. A written examination was required to be passed to be registered.
Physical Therapist Education (1940)
Most of the programs for physical therapy were moved from the hospitals to universities improving recognition and education.
World War II
Reconstruction Aides from WWI were now formally known as Physical Therapists.
Physiotherapy Training (1941)
In anticipation of the war, Emergency Training Courses were run. At one hospital, Emma Vogel, a former reconstruction aide from WWI started the first Emergency Training Course, a 12 month course with 10 students. 6 months were spent learning while the next 6 months involved working at a military hospital. This program led to future ones being taught across the country, many by the students who were mentored by Vogel.
Continuing Education Program for Physical Therapy Offered (1941)
Stanford University held courses to further physical therapy knowledge where students could learn courses such as advanced kinesiology, skeletal muscle and motor activity, therapeutic gymnastics, and the psychology of the disabled.
Use of Physiotherapy Assistants (1945)
The military recognized that the physiotherapists needed assistance and the army approved the first formal Physical Therapy Technicians program.
As you can see, the World Wars greatly impacted the growth of physiotherapy. The pioneers of physiotherapy and all those who helped normalize it are also heroes of the war and deserve to be remembered for their contributions helping injured veterans return to their lives.
Sources
https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/history-of-physical-therapy--4 (Confirmation of dates)
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