Timeline History of Physical Therapy

By yangj2
  • 3000 BCE

    The Ancient Beginnings of PT

    The humble beginnings of Physical Therapy originated as far back as the ancient times. Different methods of Physical Therapy are used by several ancient civilizations and are still practiced even up to this day. For instance, the "massage" movement therapy was first recorded in China to relieve stress from the body.
  • 435 BCE

    Slight Improvements in Ancient Times

    In Ancient Greece, physicians like Hippocrates started advocating for manual therapy techniques to treat their patients. Examples such as hydrotherapy and massage.

  • Modern Developments and Use

    Significant developments of Physical Therapy took place during an outbreak of Polio and the beginning of World War I. Soldiers, disabled adults and kids received treatments leading to the creation of the formal healthcare practice of Physical Therapy.

  • First Organizations

    The American Physical Therapy Association, also known as APTA, became the first ever established PT organization.

  • Slight Improvements in Modern Times

    Throughout the 1940s, PT treatments did not advance as much. The treatments normally utilized manual therapy such as massage, exercises and tractions. In the 1950s, the use of manipulative therapies for the joints and spine were developing. During this time, Physical therapy practices were transferred from only hospital environments to outpatient clinics, educational institutions, rehabilitative centers, and care facilities.

  • Changes in Education

    Back in 1936, only 2 years were required to obtain the practice of PT and by 1960, it was changed to a 4 year learning program. Down the line to 1990, a Master's degree is optimal for practicing PT on patients.

  • Today

    Physical therapy is becoming more significant in the world of healthcare for treating a wide variety of patients. This means that the educational and certification demands are also becoming more abundant and rigorous.
    Instead of only a 4 year bachelors degree to practice PT, it is now required for all students to obtain a clinical doctorate degree. After bachelors degree follows a 3 year program in PT school to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.