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First known use
Per Henrik Ling founded the royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813 for massage, manipulation and exercise -
Evoulution of the name
In 1851, the term "Physiotherapy" first appeared in its German form "Physiotherapie" in an article written by Dr. Lorenz Gleich. In an English article published in Montreal Medical Journal in the year 1894, Dr. Edward Playter used the word "Physiotherapy." With time, the word "Physiotherapie" changed to "Physiotherapy" and then to "Physical therapy." -
Manuel Muscle Testing
In 1916 their was a polio epidemic. It was in this period that young women began treating polio patients with residual paralysis by using passive movements. PTs developed Manual Muscle Testing for assessing the strength of the muscle and thereby implementing muscle re-education techniques for weaker muscles. -
Period: to
WW1
In the 1920s, a partnership grew between PTs and the medical and surgical community, which boosted public recognition and validation. In 1930s, the polio epidemic was still continuing, and in the year 1937 the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was established, which gave major support to the growth of Physical Therapy as a profession. -
Military ranking
By the year 1942, the therapists started getting their relative military rankings. Hospital-based practice for PTs was increased by 1946. -
Private Practice
In 1950s gaining independence, autonomy and professionalism was the need of the hour for the profession when PTs progressed from technicians to professional practitioners. -
Vietnam war
In South Vietnam, 43 army PTs, 33 of whom were women, served between 1966 and February 1973. Physical Therapy restored the use of damaged arms and legs, rehabilitated surgical wounds, increased range of motion, and restored flexibility and strength following serious burns, and it speeded patient recovery and repaired the wounded soldier. -
Period: to
67-76
The decade 1967-1976 saw the expansion of the profession into the management of orthopedics and cardiopulmonary disorders. With the advent of open heart surgery, Physical Therapy began to be practiced in preoperative and postoperative units. -
After war
Due to the increased need for PTs and the discontinuation of the army-based schools after the war, APTA recognized the need to educate more PTs. The Schools Section of APTA made recommendations about admissions, curricula, education and administration of Physical Therapy programs. APTA embarked on an effort to encourage more universities and medical schools to create programs and expand existing programs, including creating opportunities for graduate-level education. -
21st century and onward
In the 21st century, the profession has continued to grow substantially. Patients are able to refer themselves to a PT without being told to refer themselves by a health professional. Movement is purposeful and is affected by internal and external factors. So today's Physical Therapy is directed toward the movement needs and potential of individuals and populations.