National Physical Therapy Timeline

460 BC

The father of medicine documented physical therapy

Hippocrates introduced the idea of manual manipulation for pain relief.

1887

Physical therapy was officially recognized

Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare officially registered physical therapists.

1921

Therapists got organized

Mary MacMillan, the first physical therapy aide, established the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association, which would later become today’s American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The 70s

Specialized therapies emerged

After orthopedic manipulative therapy gained recognition, more and more highly specialized fields appeared, including cardiopulmonary physical therapy, skin therapy, and sports therapy.

1992

A week became a month

National Physical Therapy Week, which was first observed in June of 1981, became National Physical Therapy Month.

Recommended Reading: Mary McMillan – The Mother of Physical Therapy (written by Mary Farrell and Marta M. Mobley

Physical Therapy provides you the opportunity to practice self-awareness. Physical Therapy assists in correcting your posture, reducing your aches and pains, and can help you recover more quickly from injury or surgery.

We asked our PTs to share more about themselves and their active lives. Their heartfelt responses show that this really is a profession worth celebrating!

Getting to know your physical therapist!

You would be surprised to know I like remodeling houses, binge watching home improvement and house flipping shows like Good Bones, My Lottery Dream House, and others. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, gardening, walking on the beach, or hiking in the mountains.

— Kathy

You would be surprised to know I have run several 5K, 10K, half marathons, and 3 marathons including the Boston Marathon. I enjoy working out, snowboarding and hiking in Lake Tahoe, and spending time with my family.

— Kathryn

When I’m not at work I am binge watching shows, eating my weight in snacks, playing soccer/ hockey, thinking about my next travel destination. You would be surprised to know that I have a fear of speed bumps. But don’t worry, I’m slowly getting over it.

— Adan

You would be surprised to know I am learning drums for 2 years and I continue to be amazed by how it challenges my motor learning! I practice Power Vinyasa and restorative form of Yoga with emphasis on core strength. I find relaxation in being with my family and friends. Grateful to be living in the Bay Area to soak in both the mountains and ocean.

— Chaula

I am a Bay Area native, attended Bellarmine high school, UC Berkeley, and Samuel Merritt. Now, I spend the majority of my free time with my wife and young kids. I love traveling and my favorite vacations spots are Italy, Switzerland and Hawaii. Any action movie is a good one from The Godfather to Marvel movies. Every weekend you will find me walking my dog Ziggy or taking my kids to “Little Gym.” Every so often I connect with old friends to play DnD or just to chat online. When I am not busy being introverted, I may be catching a nap if my children allow it.

— Jon

When I am not working, I am hiking and exploring new places and restaurants with my toddler and husband. I love to crochet too! Recently, I made and donated beanies and scarves to the homeless.

— Kinjal

You would be surprised to know I am a former professional athlete. I played Badminton at the National level and was ranked #1 in the U-13 girls category and #2 in the U-16 category. I continue to play recreationally. Alongside recreational badminton, I enjoy watching tennis and soccer, playing ultimate frisbee, pickleball, and having a good swim.

— Vinita

Niloo

You would be surprised to know I am a cosmetologist, and have a Graphic Design degree. I am good at volleyball and bowling and love photography. When I am not working, I enjoy time with my mother and friends, painting, teaching myself to learn guitar, exercising, and nature walks. I like to do yoga and meditation for relaxation and happiness. My friends and family always say I am a caring, responsible person and passionate about learning and self development. I appreciate friendship and the people who surround me.

Niloo

Priya

You’d be surprised to know I love pampering my friends and family with a fabulous meal. When I’m not working, I enjoy movie nights and trips to wineries with my friends. Skydiving with my husband is on my bucket list.

As a people person, I enjoy connecting with different cultures and backgrounds and have no trouble finding common ground..

Priya

Meghana

You would be surprised to know I enjoy learning about new languages and cultures. I am fluent in Hindi, Marathi, English, and Spanish. When not working I enjoy hiking, traveling, painting, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. 

Meghana

To read more about our therapists, check out last year’s posting:
“Why I Became a Physical Therapist”

What our Patients are Saying…

This Place is Amazing!

This Place is Amazing! This place is amazing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The environment is very Read more “This Place is Amazing!”

Alex Y.

Two Locations

I like that BEST has two locations and has always been able to accommodate my Read more “Two Locations”

Bill C.

I Have Recommended BEST Physical Therapy

I first started PT at BEST Physical Therapy in 2008. Over the years I have been back after other surgeries Read more “I Have Recommended BEST Physical Therapy”

Cindy 

A God Send!

A God Send! Best Physical Therapy, Cupertino, has been a God send for our son! They have given him the Read more “A God Send!”

Brigid G.

The Folks at BEST Physical Therapy Can Help!

Don’t Live with Physical Ailments! Don’t resort to steroid injections, pain pills, or simply living with physical ailments! The folks Read more “The Folks at BEST Physical Therapy Can Help!”

Bobby M.

Help Your Quality of Life

Help Your Quality of Life. BEST makes sure you are cared for explaining and teaching you what you need to Read more “Help Your Quality of Life”

Tom

My Physical Therapist was Amazing

My Physical Therapist was Amazing. She got right to the root of the problem and addressed each muscle individually. She Read more “My Physical Therapist was Amazing”

Lauren

The Fine Line

Excel at Finding the Fine Line. Both Kathy and Kathryn excel at finding the fine line between discomfort and pain Read more “The Fine Line”

Sally P.

Incredible Overall Experience!

Incredible Overall Experience! I have been to at least seven other physical therapists in my life, but I’ve never had Read more “Incredible Overall Experience!”

Stacie B.

Significant Progress

I’ve noticed significant progress in my rehabilitation. I would without a doubt recommend BEST PT to family, friends and a Read more “Significant Progress”

Eric

AWESOME!

I love my physical therapist.  She makes me feel so good after I’ve just beat myself up at the gym.  Read more “AWESOME!”

Cheryl

Worked With BEST

Worked With BEST to Properly Recover. I then worked with BEST to properly recover, exercise and eliminate this from happening Read more “Worked With BEST”

Brian L.

Super Professional!

Super Professional! I enjoyed how much they got to know me, what I will be doing, and what I am Read more “Super Professional!”

Scott

I Always Look Forward to My Sessions

Although getting released from physical therapy is a great thing, it can be bittersweet. I always looked forward to my Read more “I Always Look Forward to My Sessions”

Martha 

Still Feeling Great

So a year later I’m feeling great and still doing all the exercises I was taught to stay in shape! Read more “Still Feeling Great”

Andrew H.

Staff are Skilled, Knowledgeable and Friendly

Every single staff person is on point. From day one when I called to schedule my first appointment and throughout Read more “Staff are Skilled, Knowledgeable and Friendly”

Anne

I Have Made Tremendous Improvement

Kinjal is an excellent physical therapist. I made tremendous improvement under her care and guidance. Always educating her patient, smiling Read more “I Have Made Tremendous Improvement”

Carolee

Phenomenal!

Phenomenal! About a year ago I had a work related injury and was referred to Best Physical Therapy by my Read more “Phenomenal!”

The Premier Physical Therapy Center

The Premier Physical Therapy Center. BEST Physical Therapy is the premier physical therapy treatment center in the South Bay. I Read more “The Premier Physical Therapy Center”

Gail B.

I Love the BEST Approach

This is my 3rd experience with physical therapy. I never completed my treatment with the first two because I was Read more “I Love the BEST Approach”

Benjamin