Mary McMillan is widely considered the "Mother of Physiotherapy".
Mary McMillan's pioneering work significantly shaped the field of physiotherapy in the United States and beyond. Here's a breakdown of her contributions:
- Founder of the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association (AWPT): In 1921, McMillan established the AWPT, which later became the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This organization was crucial in standardizing physiotherapy practices and promoting professional development.
- Author and Educator: McMillan wrote the first American textbook on physical therapy, titled "Massage and Therapeutic Exercise," which served as a foundational resource for the profession. She also developed and directed the first physical therapy training program in the United States at Walter Reed General Hospital.
- Early Advocate for Physical Therapy: During World War I, McMillan played a key role in training "reconstruction aides" to provide physical therapy to wounded soldiers. Her work highlighted the importance of physical rehabilitation in recovery and helped to establish the profession's value.
Contribution | Description |
---|---|
Founding the AWPT (APTA) | Established a professional organization to advance and standardize physical therapy. |
Authoring the first PT textbook | Created a foundational resource for training and practice. |
Training Reconstruction Aides | Provided vital rehabilitation services to wounded soldiers during WWI. |
In summary, Mary McMillan's contributions to the field of physiotherapy, including founding the first professional organization, writing the first textbook, and establishing training programs, solidified her legacy as the "Mother of Physiotherapy."