History of Physical Therapy in the 20th Century

APTA's founders met and created an association named "American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association"

1921

This was the orginial physical therapy association. Women were the majority of the association so thats why it was called that. This was the beginning of many years of what we now know as physical therapy.

Mary McMillan is elected first president of the association

1921

It was known as the womens association in the beginning, so she was the first president of the association. This was a huge time as it was the spark of physical therapy.

The association becomes "The American Physiotherapy Association"

1922

They changed the association from being women to the association for anyone and is now known as the physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a more diverse name that relates to the job more effectively.

NYU creates bachelor of science program for physical therapists

1927

NYU was a very significant college in the day and still is to this day. It was a big deal that NYU adopted physical therapy and it got a lot more people involved in the profession.

APA adopts a "Code of Ethics and Discipline"

1935

This was the first official paper that stated the guidelines for physical therapy. These codes established the rules and regulations going forward in physical therapy.

PT's assist during World War 2

1941

This was a very hard time for the world and escpeially the soldiers. There was much needed help in the medical field to assist the soldiers. This helped the soldiers improve and be able to go back to fighting.

First official headquarters founded

1944

This was the official headquarters that was located in New York city. This is where the organization was founded and where it thrived.

Headquarters relocated to Washington, D.C

1970

Washington D.C was a central location in the heart of the country. This is known as the capital and where most programs are located. This caused a huge improvement in physical therapy and allowed them to strive for advancements.

PT fund evolves into the foundation for physical therapy

1979

This fund helped allow for more technological advancements. This also was a name change to what is now known as physical therapy. This fund gave more awareness to to people who didn't know about this kind of therapy.

First national physical therapy month in October

1992

This was the first celebration of physical therapy. Like other medical programs, most of them have a significant month to raise awareness. This was established for people to gain more interest in the occupation.