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Physical therapy was first started in the early 1900's. It was used to help people recover from poliomyelitis. It was also used to provide aid and rehabilitate soldiers in World War 1. Physical therapy started to progress when aids used equipment to treat injured soldiers.
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In 1921, Mary McMillan formed the first physical therapy association called the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association (AWPT). She also became the first president of the association. Mary McMillan wrote the first textbook by a physical therapist, called "Massage and Therapeutic Exercise".
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In 1936, students only needed two years of education to practice physical therapy.
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In 1940, physical therapy educational programs changed from being taught in the hospital, to being taught at universities. This is an important new beginning in the education of physical therapists.
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In 1944, the American Physiotherapy Association, which used to be called the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association, began the branch called the House of Delegates. The House of Delegates has the ability to amend or appeal bylaws.
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The Hospital Survey and Construction Act of 1946 led to an increase in hospital practice for PT's.
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In 1947, the House of Delegates voted to change the association’s name for the final time from the American Physiotherapy Association to the American Physical Therapy Association.
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In the 1950's, the role of a physical therapist changed from that of a technician to a practitioner.
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In the 1960's, education requirements increased to a four year bachelor's degree.
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In the 1990's, the education requirements to become a physical therapist increased to a Master's degree.
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In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. That opened job opportunities to many people. The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research also led to new opportunities for practice.
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Nguyen, H. (2021, December 9). The evolution of physical therapy: Tria blog. HealthPartners Blog. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/physical-therapy-evolution/#:~:text=The%20profession%20of%20physical%20therapy,education%20to%20practice%20physical%20therapy
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Marilyn Moffat is professor of physical therapy. (n.d.). The history of physical therapy practice in the United... : Journal of Physical Therapy Education. LWW. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://journals.lww.com/jopte/abstract/2003/10000/the_history_of_physical_therapy_practice_in_the.3.aspx
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100 milestones of physical therapy. APTA Centennial. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://centennial.apta.org/home/timeline/#story-848