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How it started
In the early 1900's a polio pandemic spread affecting millions of people globally. Since polio had to do with the movement of your body, physical therapy was the solution. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Americans with Disabilities Act lead for more opportunities
In the 1990's, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research led to new opportunities for practice. This meant that anyone no matter how bad the condition was could go to physical therapy. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
It was recognized as a medical profession
Physical reconstruction became part of the rehabilitation process of wounded soldiers and was finally considered a real profession. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Finding a treatment
In 1940, Sister Elizabeth Kenny brought her treatment techniques for patients with poliomyelitis to the United States. This advanced physical therapy greatly. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Hospital Survey and Construction Act of 1946
This act increased the amount of hospital-based practice of physical therapy. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Increasing the practice
Amendments to the Social Security Act in 1967 added a definition of “outpatient physical therapy services.” Increasing numbers of states enacted such practice acts during the 1950's and 1960's. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Progress of physical therapy
In the 1960's and 1970's, cardiopulmonary physical therapist practice expanded with increasing chest physical therapy programs for pre- and postoperative patients. With the expansion of joint replacements, new avenues for orthopedic physical therapist practice emerged. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
OSHA
With the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations the practice of physical therapy increased. https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx -
Licensing requirements
All 50 states have established unique licensing requirements. You needed different requirements depending on which state you were in. https://www.ptprogress.com/history-of-physical-therapy/ -
The new requirements today
Started in 2016, it is a requirement that all entry-level physical therapists earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Now, it is your choice to go farther than that if you want. https://www.ptprogress.com/history-of-physical-therapy/