20 Things You Didn't Know About Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a profession with a rich history and a bright future. 

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the incredible impact physical therapists and physical therapy assistants have on the lives of their patients. It’s also a special month for us at HomeCEU, as we mark 20 years of providing quality continuing education to therapy professionals just like you. 

To honor this milestone and the profession we love, we’ve put together a list of surprising, funny, and fascinating facts about physical therapy. You’ve dedicated your career to helping others move and feel better, but how much do you know about the history and unique aspects of your own field? 

Read on to discover 20 things you probably didn’t know about physical therapy. You might find some fun trivia to share with your colleagues or patients! 

Need CEUs? We’ve got you covered. Explore Unlimited CE Membership for Physical Therapy 

The Roots of Physical Therapy 

1. It all started with the father of medicine. 

The origins of physical therapy trace back to ancient Greece. Hippocrates, often called the “father of medicine,” was among the first physicians to use hydrotherapy (water therapy) and massage to treat patients around 460 BC. 

2. Modern PT was born from a polio epidemic. 

The field of modern physical therapy in the United States began in response to the polio epidemic of the early 20th century. The first physical therapists were called “reconstruction aides” and were instrumental in treating thousands of patients affected by the virus. 

3. The first physical therapists were women. 

During World War I, the U.S. Army recognized the need for a program to rehabilitate injured soldiers. In 1917, the Army created the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction, which recruited women to work as “reconstruction aides.” These pioneering women laid the foundation for the profession. 

4. The APTA was founded in a New York City restaurant. 

In 1921, a group of 30 reconstruction aides and five physicians gathered at Keen’s Chop House in New York City. Led by Mary McMillan, they formed the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association. This organization would later become the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) we know today. 

5. Dr. Seuss created cartoons for physical therapists. 

Before he was a beloved children's author, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) contributed his artistic talents to the war effort during World War II. He created a series of humorous and encouraging cartoons for physical therapy clinics to boost the morale of recovering soldiers. 

Physical Therapy Around the World 

6. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy was formed in 1951. 

To support the growing profession globally, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (now World Physiotherapy) was founded in 1951. It began with 11 member organizations and has since grown to include 129, representing more than 600,000 physical therapists worldwide. 

7. In many countries, PTs are first-contact practitioners. 

In countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, patients can see a physical therapist directly without a physician’s referral. This direct access model empowers patients and can lead to faster, more efficient care. 

8. The term "physiotherapy" is more common outside the U.S. 

While Americans typically use the term "physical therapy," most of the world refers to the profession as "physiotherapy." Both terms describe the same practice of using physical methods to promote healing and well-being. 

Quirky and Surprising PT Facts 

9. PTs can specialize in treating animals. 

Canine rehabilitation is a growing field in veterinary medicine. Physical therapists can receive specialized training to help animals recover from injury, manage arthritis, and improve their mobility. 

10. There's a specialty for pelvic health. 

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized area of PT that addresses issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. These therapists help patients strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the pelvic floor. 

11. Even astronauts need physical therapy. 

In the zero-gravity environment of space, astronauts experience muscle atrophy and bone density loss. Physical therapists help design exercise regimens to counteract these effects, both during space missions and upon their return to Earth. 

12. Laughing can be a form of therapy. 

Some therapists incorporate “laughter yoga” into their treatment plans. This practice combines laughter exercises with deep breathing to reduce stress, improve mood, and even provide a light cardiovascular workout. 

13. PTs work in the White House. 

The White House Medical Unit includes physical therapists who provide care to the President, Vice President, and their families. They are part of a dedicated team ensuring the health of our nation's leaders. 

14. Video games are used in rehabilitation. 

"Game-therapy" uses video games, especially those requiring physical movement (like the Nintendo Wii), to make rehabilitation more engaging and fun for patients. It's particularly effective in pediatric and neurological settings. 

The Impact of Physical Therapy 

15. Physical therapy can reduce the need for surgery. 

For conditions like knee osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff tears, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery. It offers a less invasive and often more cost-effective treatment option. 

16. It's a powerful tool against the opioid crisis. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends physical therapy as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for managing most non-cancer-related chronic pain. 

17. The average PT student graduates with significant debt. 

The path to becoming a physical therapist is demanding. The average Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student graduates with over $142,000 in student loan debt, highlighting their deep commitment to the profession. 

18. The job outlook for PTs is excellent. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for physical therapists will grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and an increased focus on mobility and quality of life. 

19. Movement is the best medicine. 

A core principle of physical therapy is that movement is essential for health. Regular physical activity can prevent a wide range of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and extend your lifespan. 

20. Understanding brain science helps PTs educate their clients about pain. 

Modern pain science, a key part of PT education, shows that pain is a complex experience produced by the brain. Physical therapists use this knowledge to help patients understand their pain and retrain their brains to reduce its intensity. 

Building a strong foundation for your physical therapy career 

Physical therapy is a profession with a rich history and a bright future. From its early days of treating polio patients to its modern role in space missions and virtual reality, PT continues to evolve and innovate. 

As you celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, we hope these facts have given you a new appreciation for the diverse and fascinating world you are a part of. For 20 years, HomeCEU has been proud to support your professional growth with convenient, high-quality continuing education. 

Ready to expand your knowledge even further? Explore our course catalog to find your next learning adventure.