...but this changed when she moved to Minnesota.
Here, she demonstrated her treatments to the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota.
After seeing it's effectiveness, she was later given a space at Minneapolis General Hospital.
America
Minnesota
Kenny initially faced resistance when she moved to America. Medical professionals in New York and Chicago, Illinois dismissed her and her ideas...
University of Minnesota Postcard, 1942, Courtesy of QualityPaper
"The University Hospital rearranged one section of its building for the work...
Since June 1941 work on the Kenny treatment of infantile paralysis during the early stage has been going on at both the University Hospital and the Minneapolis General Hospital under the personal supervision of Miss Kenny and her assistants trained in Australia"
~ Physical Therapy, Volume 22, Issue 1, January 1942, Pg 28
Physical Therapy, Volume 22, Courtesy of Oxford University Press
More people, ranging from concerned parents, to members of influential committees, realized that her treatment was more effective and less painful, and it quickly boosted in popularity.
With the increasing the demand, she began training technicians to help her.
Most of the physical therapists of the Twin Cities and many from elsewhere have been working with Miss Kenny and acquiring a knowledge of her methods.
The course for physical therapy technicians which has been started at the University of Minnesota includes training in the Kenny Method"
~ Physical Therapy, Volume 22, Issue 1, January 1942, Pg 28
Sister Kenny conducting a class for doctors and nurses at the Elizabeth Kenny Institute, Courtesy of Library of Congress
Elizabeth Kenny Institute, 1942, Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
It wasn't long before the team realized they needed a larger facility. The Minneapolis Board of Public Welfare suggested to remodel a building, the Lymanhurst building, specifically for Kenny and her patients.
On December 17, 1942, with the support of her American colleagues, she opened the Elizabeth Kenny Clinic (later named the Sister Kenny Institute).
Eventually, she left the US when she was sure that the staff was properly trained in the Kenny method.
Evening Star, March 21, 1945, Page B-16, Courtesy of Chronicling America
Map of United States, Courtesy of GISGeography
It didn't take long for the Kenny method to spread beyond Minnesota.
“The famed Kenny treatment for polio is made available at hospitals across the country.”
~ Arizona Sun, March 22, 1956, Page 4
In short, the Kenny method earned greater acclaim and the Kenny method became the basis for a new an entirely new field in medicine:
rehabilitation medicine.
The clinic stayed in operation even after her retirement in 1955.
Kenny and the staff celebrate the Institute's 1st Birthday, 1943, Courtesy of Minnesota Historial Society