The principles of physical therapy have been part of the healing arts since the beginning of recorded time. Treating health problems by applying heat and exercises had its beginning in ancient times. Modern physical therapy in the U.S. was established by the Surgeon General's office in 1917 with the inauguration of the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction. The real worth of physical therapy, however, was not widely recognized until World War II when medical teams in the armed forces rehabilitated seriously injured patients. Their success enlightened more medical professionals to the good that physical therapy could do.

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