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460 BCE
Early Beginnings
Physical Therapy study began and was first acknowledged through water treatment and body massaging but was not completely developed yet. Hippocrates and Hector began this study on their hospitalized patients in 460 BC. Although this is very early documentation, their studies are not considered as the earliest documentation of physical therapy. -
Early Beginnings
Physical Therapy was not professionally documented until 1813 by Per Henrik Ling. Ling was a strong contributor to the early studies of physical therapy, he founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics that focused on exercise and massage therapy. His contribution allowed the study of physical therapy to grow throughout the world and form future doctors. -
Events
The Polio Epidemic was an outbreak that happened in the United States that left many sick and hospitalized. Physical therapy was the primary source of treatment and promoted therapists to aid in treating the sick. -
Early Beginnings
Physical Therapy began being studied within the university systems, originating at the University of Otago. During this year, the first physical therapists graduated from Reed College. They were recognized as physical aids at the time and would look out for construction workers facing injuries on the site. -
Events
During World War I, injured and disabled veterans would receive several sorts of treatment from the therapists that were on board. The U.S. Army Medical Department provided hydrotherapy. massage therapy, and other treatment. They would both give treatment to the injured and also train others who were going to be employed. They were known as OT's and PT's -
Significant Developments/Associations
The American Women's Physical Therapeutics Association (AWPTA) was founded by a group of reconstruction aides that served assistance in the U.S. Army. During the first year of the organization's founding, they obtained 274 therapists from over 32 states. On June 1, 1922, the organization would later be known as American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to implement more male workers to grow the organization even more. -
Significant Developments/Associations
The Physical Therapy Practice Guide was published by the American Women's Physical Therapeutics Association (AWPTA). This guide is a scholarly journal that consisted of data and research to help better PT practices. -
Significant Developments/Associations
In the 1940s, physical therapy procedural practices began focusing more on the spinal and crucial joints to help better patients and prevent future injuries. Practices began more focused on exercise, body traction, and massage therapy. -
Educational/Certification Requirements
Physical Therapy requires a strong educational background and a list of qualifications. In the 1960s, it became mandatory that in order to enroll in a DPT, you must have a bachelor's degree in the field of health science. To become a full-time physical therapist, you must have a professional/doctoral degree and strong background experience. -
Changes in Technology
During the 1980s, technology enhancements allowed physical therapists to better treat patients and perform high-quality procedures and better rehabilitation. Things such as stimulators, ultrasounds, and more allowed practices to grow and PTs to become even more useful in the world. -
References
The history of physical therapy: From Ancient Times to present day. PTProgress. (2021, June 17). Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.ptprogress.com/history-of-physical-therapy/.