Kerala Journal of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Official Journal of the Kerala Chapter of Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 25 | Issue 2 | June 2026
History
Sister Kenny and the Origins of Rehabilitation: Lessons for Modern PMR Practice
Anand Raja D S
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
Dr. Anand Raja DS MD PMR,
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
Email: anandraja1498@gmail.com
Anand Raja D S. Sister Kenny and the Origins of Rehabilitation: Lessons for Modern PMR Practice. KJPMR. 2026;25(2):37 – 38
Sister Elizabeth Kenny was a pioneering figure in the management of poliomyelitis who challenged the prevailing practice of immobilization in the early twentieth century. Through her emphasis on pain relief, early mobilization, and functional recovery, she introduced principles that resemble modern rehabilitation approaches. Despite resistance from the medical establishment, her methods gained recognition and contributed to a shift in clinical practice. This article revisits her contributions and examines their relevance to contemporary Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), high-lighting lessons in clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and innovation in rehabilitation practice.