Whether it’s the aging process or due to surgery, illness or injury, our bodies often may not function to their fullest ability. In such cases, you may be referred to a physical, occupational or speech therapist. These medical professionals devote their careers to improving the lives of their patients, helping them become as independent as possible in everyday activities.
Physical therapy was first used in World War I to help injured soldiers recover. At that time, physical therapists were called “reconstruction aides” and their goal, as it is today, was to relieve pain and restore strength and function of weakened muscles.
Occupational therapy was used as far back as 100 BC, when a Greek physician used special techniques to treat a patient. By 1921, occupational therapy was recognized as a medical profession. Its goal is to help people of all ages gain skills to participate in everyday activities such as self-care, going to school, working, participating in recreational activities and maintaining their roles within a family unit.
Speech therapy became important after World War II, when soldiers with head trauma needed to learn how to speak again. Speech therapy concentrates on strengthening the muscles used in speech and swallowing. Speech therapy can help anyone from young children to senior adults, especially those who have had a stroke.
If you know a rehabilitation therapist, be sure to thank them for
all they do!
Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN
770-552-6400 x6019
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
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