National Physical Therapy Day

A smiling physical therapist helping a patient stretch their muscles, wearing scrubs, in a bright and welcoming therapy room.. — National physical therapy day illustration

Hey there, folks! We're here to celebrate National Physical Therapy Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the miracles of physical therapy. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to stretch those muscles, because we've got a fun and informative article coming right up!

When is Physical Therapy Day?

It's national physical therapy day on the 8th September.

The Origins of National Physical Therapy Day

Have you ever wondered how National Physical Therapy Day came to be? Well, it all started with a group of passionate physical therapists who wanted to raise awareness about the importance of their profession. On this special day, they wanted to honor the hardworking men and women who help patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence.

The first recorded celebration of National Physical Therapy Day dates back to September 8, 2019. It quickly gained popularity on the internet, with 27 mentions online. People from all walks of life took to their keyboards to express their gratitude for the physical therapists who have played a vital role in their recovery.

History behind the term 'Physical Therapy'

1813

Birth of the Founder

In 1813, a notable figure named Per Henrik Ling was born in Sweden. Ling, also known as the 'Father of Swedish Gymnastics,' would play a critical role in the development of physical therapy.

1887

Introduction of Swedish Movement Cure

In 1887, Baron Nils Posse, a Swedish gymnastics enthusiast, introduced the Swedish Movement Cure to the United States. This therapeutic approach focused on exercise and active movement to restore health and function.

1914

Formation of the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association

In 1914, the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association (AWPTA) was founded. It was the first national professional association for physical therapists in the United States. The organization aimed to standardize and promote physical therapy as a recognized healthcare profession.

1921

Renaming to Physical Therapy Association

In 1921, the AWPTA changed its name to the American Physiotherapy Association (APA) to reflect the evolving nature of the profession. This change emphasized a shift from therapeutic exercises of Swedish origin to a broader range of treatments.

1947

Birth of the Term 'Physical Therapy'

In 1947, the American Physiotherapy Association officially changed its name to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to better represent the profession. The term 'physical therapy' became the widely recognized and accepted terminology.

Did you know?

Did you know that physical therapy can actually be a fun way to recover? Many physical therapists use innovative exercises and games to engage their patients, turning their sessions into enjoyable experiences. Who said therapy had to be boring?