History of physical Therapy

By Jesusjunco
  • 460 BCE

    1.Early Beginnings

    1.Early Beginnings
    Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine," introduces the use of manual therapy and water therapy as a treatment for ailments, laying early foundations for physical therapy.

  • Early Beginnings

    Early Beginnings
    Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnast and the founder of medical gymnastics established the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in Stockholm, Sweden. Here, exercises were used to treat disease, marking the formalization of physical therapy as a profession.

  • Significant events

    Significant events
    Physical therapy has become officially recognized in Sweden. Physical therapists, called "rehabilitation aides," start treating patients with various conditions.

  • significant developments

    significant developments
    During the polio epidemic in the U.S., physicians begin prescribing physical therapy for recovery, leading to increased demand for physical therapists.

  • Significant Developments

    Significant Developments
    World War I propels the profession into prominence. “Reconstruction aides,” a precursor to physical therapists, treat injured soldiers, focusing on rehabilitation from war injuries.

  • Important events

    Important events
    Mary McMillan, considered the "Mother of Physical Therapy" in the U.S., founded the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association, which later became the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

  • organizations/journals

    organizations/journals
    American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is established. The association provides accreditation for PT programs and advocates for the profession.

  • Changes in Education

    The rise of evidence-based practice has become a cornerstone in physical therapy. PT programs evolve to include research methodology, clinical trials, and patient-centered care.

  • Educations/ Certification requirements

    Bachelor's degree to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) becomes the educational standard in the U.S. PTs must now complete a doctorate, along with passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for certification.

  • Current Certifications

    Current Certifications
    Physical therapists must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, typically requiring 3 years of graduate-level education, followed by passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to be licensed in the U.S.