Physical therapy is a profession that has evolved significantly over the last 100+ years.
Many people don’t realize how long physical therapists have been helping the community. It is in our nature to be helping people – whether someone just had surgery, a recent fall, chronic pain, vertigo, pelvic floor issues or just about any other physical problem one may have. Much of our evolution as a profession follows along with our country’s history and can be tied to each of the major wars we have been involved.
Ryan Hansen, DPT University of South Dakota (2008)
For more specifics on this please view this timeline (https://timeline.apta.org/).
Throughout time, not only have the ailments we treat evolved from war time and other horrendous accidents to now helping all individuals return to their preferred way of living to meet their personal goals. Physical therapy is a unique profession that got its start by women who cared for and helped individuals recover as they returned from the First World War.
Ashley Hubregtse, DPT Mayo Clinic Mayo School of Health Sciences (2010)
Many people credit Mary McMillan as the mother of modern physical therapy and the profession started in 1921. In order for us to be able to broaden the range of people we can help, our education also evolved throughout the years. Less than 100 years ago (1927), New York University created a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and was the first of its sort.
Paige Fees, DPT University of Jamestown (2020)
This has now evolved to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree as the entry level degree. Just over 30 years ago (1993), Creighton University became the first Doctorate in Physical Therapy program. By 2016 all entry-level physical therapists had to have a doctorate degree. Each physical therapist must pass the national certification board exam in order to see patients.
Our doctorate degree has allowed us to become more independent practitioners to serve patients from 0-100 years old and beyond for a plethora of concerns to help restore normal movement. The extra education in the class room combined with the clinical hours we have to observe and work with patients under the direction supervision of a licensed physical therapist helps to set us apart from other professions.
Brandon Sime, DPT Briar Cliff University (2024)
We have a unique skill set to evaluate how the muscles, joints, and nerves are working (or not working) together in the body. We can help individuals by creating individualized plans to help with strengthening, stretching, balance, dizziness, pain, and bowel/bladder dysfunctions. We also have the unique ability to spend time with our patients and create amazing relationships to truly understand what they need to help them achieve the best quality of life possible.
Physical Therapists have often been assisted by Physical Therapist Assistants to hold a role in providing amazing care to all patients. Physical Therapist Assistant has been a profession since 1969 when the first two classes of PTA’s graduated (Florida, Minnesota) and requires a two year associates degree. PTA’s work under the supervision of a physical therapist and provide direct patient care. Over the years, their education has continued to evolve as well. In order to practice and see patients, PTA’s also must pass a national certification board exam.
Megan Mullanix, PTA Montana State University – Great Falls (2012)
Our office is made up of a wonderful group of unique individuals that are passionate about helping patients in Rapid City, South Dakota, the Black Hills, and the surrounding area. Our goal is treat each patient with respect and customize a plan to help return to their best quality of life possible.