Sister Elizabeth Kenny
Elizabeth Kenny was a self-trained Australian nurse who developed controversial therapy for polio patients. Her pioneering approach revolutionized rehabilitation for polio patients and laid the groundwork for modern physical therapy. Early in her life she was home-schooled and only received a few years of formal education. At 17, she broke her wrist after falling from a horse. When her father took her to Dr. McDonnell for treatment, she began studying his anatomy books and model skeleton. From this experience she started a lifelong friendship with Dr McDonnell who later became her mentor and advisor. In July 1912, after several years of studying and hands-on experience, she opened St. Canice's clinic where she provided restorative and midwifery services describing her first encounter with a patient with infantile paralysis. “Sensing that the patient’s muscles were tight, I applied hot compresses made from woolen blankets to their legs.” In May 1915 she announced that she would be...