Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Celebrates 65th Anniversary
More than 65 years ago, a nurse from the Australian outback influenced the treatment of polio and the future of rehabilitation in Minnesota and across the United States. With limited formal training, her methods became one of the foundations of today's physical therapy.
Sister Elizabeth Kenny (“sister” was the term used in British countries for head nurse) encountered her first case of polio in 1911. Unaware of the conventional polio treatment of immobilizing the affected muscles, Sister Kenny's method included putting moist, hot packs on the affected area to help loosen the tightened muscles and relieve the patient's pain. Her method enabled the muscles to be moved, stretched and strengthened, and helped many patients regain the use of otherwise paralyzed muscles.
As one of the pioneers in physical therapy, Sister Kenny's principles still remain an integral part of the day-to-day rehabilitation at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and similar facilities all over the world.
“With the same courage and determination that Sister Kenny possessed, along with new innovation, people treated today at the Institute are receiving the best care using the latest rehabilitation techniques and technologies,” said Lori Knutson, executive director, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
About Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is the leading rehabilitation provider in the region. The Institute’s more than 400 employees treat more than 70,000 patients each year at five Allina hospitals — Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis, United in St. Paul, Unity in Fridley, Mercy in Coon Rapids and Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo — and outpatient care at community-based Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Centers. For more information, visit www.sisterkennyinstitute.com.
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550 E-mail us
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