What is the history behind physical therapy and how physical therapy evolved since its emergence?
Physical Therapy originated in the late 1800’s in response to the emergence of the polio virus. With the presence of polio and the emerging injuries during the first World War, the need for and the role of physical therapists grew exponentially.

Since the birth of physical therapy, it has evolved into the preferred form of conservative care for acute and chronic musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. This is evidenced in many different practice settings from hospitals, schools, home health, outpatient and many, many others.

What should patients expect from physical therapy?
Physical therapy is intended to be a short-term form of treatment. Therapists enable patients to take ownership of their rehabilitative process. Patients participate by performing specific home exercise programs, as well as activity modification for pain and symptom management while transitioning back to their normal activities.

Typically, patients can expect to attend clinic visits anywhere between one to three times weekly depending on their condition and their post-rehabilitation goals. In most cases, patients are not seen more than eight visits. At the time of discharge, patients have become independent with their symptom and pain management and are ready to return to normal or modified activities.

What kind of qualifications do physical therapists have?
Qualifications will vary from therapist to therapist depending on their clinical and collegiate, graduate and continuing educational experiences. Prior to the mid 1990’s therapists received a 4-5 year undergraduate PT degree in the form of a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy. As the field of physical therapy evolved so did the educational requirements. All programs transitioned to post graduate professional programs conferring the degree of MPT or MSPT (Master’s of Physical Therapy or Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy). This degree required 3-4 years of undergraduate and 2-3 additional years in a professional physical therapy program. Currently, nearly all accredited physical therapy programs are in transition to confer a Ph.D or DPT (Doctorate of Philosophy in Physical therapy or Doctorate of Physical Therapy). Following graduation each state regulates the amount of required continuing education. Currently the state of Colorado does not stipulate required hours of continuing education. Therefore it is the responsibility of each therapist to continue with their pursuit of excellence.