| Physical therapy is noted in history since ancient times. | | | | Another landmark in the history of physiotherapy was |
| But, irrespective of the period, the main goals of | | | | during the breakout of the polio epidemic. These |
| physiotherapy have always remained the same- to | | | | physiotherapists did groundbreaking work in the |
| restore the rehabilitation and mobility of the patient. | | | | rehabilitation and treatment of the polio patients. |
| Physical therapy's first documented account is from | | | | Although the primary procedures include massage and |
| the old master of medicines- Hippocrates. In the year | | | | exercise during the time, physical therapy benefited the |
| 460 BC, Hippocrates introduced the idea of manual | | | | polio patients to a large extent. The focus on joints and |
| manipulation like hydrotherapy and massage for pain | | | | use of manipulation started gaining popularity in the |
| relief. From early time the advantages of such | | | | 1950's. |
| activities was understood and this understanding | | | | The first example of specialized practice by a group |
| continues till date. But it wasn't until the nineteenth | | | | of physiotherapists happened in the 70's with the |
| century that a cohesive group of physical therapy | | | | orthopedic practice being formed by the Association |
| practitioners was formed. In England, the Chartered | | | | of American Physical Therapy. The history of |
| Society of Physiotherapy established itself followed by | | | | physiotherapy has grown and changed a lot over time. |
| other similar organizations dedicated to providing the | | | | By now therapists had begun practicing in different |
| best care to people who required it. Physical therapy in | | | | places including nursing homes, outpatient clinics and |
| the United States is the same as physiotherapy in | | | | hospitals, where most modern day specialists practice |
| other countries. Irrespective of what term is used, the | | | | today. |
| idea, procedure and practice are all the same. | | | | After the 80's, with the invention of the computer and |
| While World War-I was going on, people trained in | | | | different technologies, many advances were made in |
| providing physical therapy (also called reconstruction | | | | the field of physical therapy. Electric stimulators and |
| aid), helped wounded and injured soldiers relieve their | | | | ultra sounds became common technologies used in the |
| pain. but it wasn't till the year 1921 that first physical | | | | medical field. New technologies dramatically changed |
| therapist organized group came into being. It was | | | | the face of physical therapy and now therapists were |
| formed by the famous Mary Mcmillan, and was called | | | | able to use far more advanced machines and tools to |
| the American Women's Physical Therapeutic | | | | help their patients. |
| Association. Soon, the group turned into he American | | | | The history behind physical therapy has grown and |
| Physical Therapy Association which included even | | | | evolved a lot over the years and its evolution is an |
| men. The name change brought about a curriculum | | | | ongoing process. With each new innovation, technique |
| change and physical therapists had to meet a different | | | | and procedure, the capability of the craft that |
| set of requirements. This occupation gained more | | | | therapists use to treat t heir patients keeps getting |
| professionalism and formality and the medical | | | | better. Physical therapy has come a long way since its |
| community began to recognize it as a viable treatment | | | | beginning and with a lot of success. |
| for pain and injury. | | | | |