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First School of Modern Physical Therapy Opens
The Sargent School, Boston, MA -
Polio Epidemic
First Polio Epidemic -
"Vermont Plan"
RW Lovett and Wilhelmie Wright develop plan to aid those with Polio. Use of "manual muscle testing" to evaluate muscle function. -
1st Physical Therapist in US - Mary McMillan
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First PT Courses in US
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Physical Therapy Association
Organized by Mary McMillan. It later became the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). -
First Standards for accreditation for PT Education
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Written Exam Required to be PT
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WWII Brings Changes in PT
Physical therapy was done in hospitals as patients recovered from injuries, surgeries or other ailments. -
Combination of Exercise and Manipulative Therapy
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Outpatient Physical Therapy
Outpatient physical therapy became covered under basic medical coverage for many insurance policies and government programs in the late 1960s -
Physical Therapy Assistant
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Specialization for PT Begins
Cariovascular & Pulmonary
Clinical Electrophysiology
Geriatric
Integumentary
Neurological
Orthopedic
Pediatric
Sports
Women's Health -
PT Increases in Diversification
Physical Therapy as a profession dealt with increasing diversification, such as orthopedic physical therapy and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. -
Technology Advancement
Computerized modalities such as ultrasound, electric stimulators, and iontophoresis with the latest advances in therapeutic cold laser, finally gained FDA approval in the United States in 2002. -
111 PT Doctorate Programs in US
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225+ PT Doctoral Level Programs in US
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The Future of Physical Therapy
By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of
physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the
practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of,
interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities
related to movement, function, and health.
