Mrs. Kendall's work has set the standard for musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment. She has advanced the physical therapy profession by working to establish physical therapy as a profession in Maryland. Serving on the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners as the Secretary, member, and consultant, she has protected the citizens of Maryland. Ms. Kendall taught at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Department and was a Biomechanics instructor at the School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins Hospital. She has written numerous books and journal articles, and produced educational films. She continues to be a nationally acclaimed lecturer on physical therapy.
Her book, Muscle Testing and Function, originally published in 1949, is now in its fourth edition, and has been translated into eight foreign languages. A fiftieth anniversary edition was published in 1999. This document is the “gold standard” for musculoskeletal assessment. In addition, she has produced “Florence Kendall's Muscle Testing Video Library,” a five part series evaluating the function and strength of muscles in the human body.
Mrs. Kendall is a founding member of the American Physical Therapy Association of Maryland and served as its President from 1939-41 and 1957-59. She has been active in the APTA at the State and federal levels and has tirelessly provided years of service to the physical therapy profession. She has served as a consultant to the Surgeon General, United States Army.
Florence Kendall continues to be one of this country's foremost physical therapists. Her work as a clinician, research, and lecturer has earned her many awards and honorary degrees.