Elizabeth Kenny
Nurse
Elizabeth Kenny Rank
About Elizabeth Kenny
Elizabeth Kenny was an outstanding self-trained Australian nurse best known for inventing the “Kenny method”, an alternate approach for treating Polio. Her muscle rehabilitation techniques laid the groundwork for physical therapy.
Background & Early Life
She was born in Warialda, New South Wales. Kenny was home-schooled for several years before attending various schools in Queensland and New South Wales during her childhood.
She developed an interest in anatomy when she was 17 and was being treated by a doctor for a fractured wrist. She then began to work as a bush nurse in the Clifton neighborhood from age 18 to her mid-twenties. In 1907, she received rudimentary nursing training from an experienced midwife in Guyra, New South Wales.
The “Kenny Method”
Instead of the conventional method of immobilizing muscles affected by poliomyelitis with splints, her “Kenny method” treated the affected muscles with moist heat compresses and exercises. After considerable research, she concluded that the tight muscles needed to be loosened to lessen the effect of Polio.
Although the method was at variance with the general medical practice for polio treatment, she effectively cured over 3000 individuals, including famous Australian singer Joy McKean.
Death
She died from Parkinson’s disease at age 72 on November 30, 1952.
Elizabeth Kenny Rank
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F.A.Q. about Elizabeth Kenny
When is her birthday?
Elizabeth Kenny's birthday is on September 20, 1880.
In how many days is her birthday?
Elizabeth's birthday is in 148 days
How old was Elizabeth when she died?
She was 72 years old.
When did she die?
She died in November 30, 1952.
How old would she be today?
Elizabeth Kenny would be 143 years old if she was alive today.
Where was Elizabeth from?
She was born in Warialda, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.