October is National Physical Therapy Month—a time to celebrate, acknowledge, and commend the outstanding work of our dedicated Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), educators shaping the next generation of experts, and researchers working on future advances.
The roots of physical therapy can be traced back to Hippocrates, who pioneered the use of massage, hydrotherapy, and manual techniques to heal. Over centuries, the field evolved, with pivotal moments like the polio epidemic and World War I, sparking the formation of what would become today’s Physical Therapy profession.
Our own history is equally inspiring. Since its inception in 1943, the Duke PT program has stood as one of the nation’s premier physical therapy education programs. We are proud to train expert practitioners and leaders, provide first-class clinical care, and push the boundaries of knowledge through cutting-edge research.
This month, we honor the incredible efforts of our PT community, whose expertise, care, and passion continue to shape the future of the field. Their work improves the lives of those we care for. We are excited about the advancements yet to come in practice, training, and research.
Please join me in celebrating National Physical Therapy Month and recognizing the extraordinary contributions of our physical therapists and DPT faculty members. Their dedication makes a difference every day.
All the best
Ben