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First known civilization to use forms of Physical Therapy (Like Gong Fu, a therapeutic movement). Many techniques were first used in Asia before discovery, use, and documentation in the western world.
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An ancient Greek physician who began using massage and hydrotherapy as a form of treatment to his patients. The first known record of the western world.
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An Ancient Greek physician who began using massage and hydrotherapy to treat his patients.
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Swendens National Board of Health and Welfare recognizes Physiotherapy as an official health practice. Soon most European countries followed, officially kickstarting the beginning of Physical Therapy.
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Physical Therapy was introduced in 1918 to the United States when 18 woman aides trained by Reed College treated injured war soldiers with massage and exercise therapy.
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Mary McMillan was one of the aide who helped treat injured soldiers. Along with the rest of the aides, she founded the organization ‘American Woman’s Physical Therapeutic Association’ (AWPTA) in 1921, though the name was later changed from AWPTA to just APTA in 1947 (taking out Woman’s) to better reflect the growing diversity in practitioners of Physical Therapy.
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Northwestern University became the first university in the United States to run a fully accredited physical therapy program. Many other universities soon followed to run their own programs after seeing the demand and success, not only in an academic setting but also in military and hospital settings.
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APTA was the original administrator for Physical Therapy Licensing Exams. However in mid 1980s they handed testing administration rights to impartial third party organizations and eventually fully taken over by the ‘Federation of State Boards for Physical Therapy’ (FSBPT). By 2003, all 50 states have established their own unique licensing requirements under the approval of FSBPT.
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In 2016, a major change occurred to the PT credentials, being that all entry level positions as a PT required the entrant to have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. No longer allowing those with only a Bachelors degree or a Masters degree to practition Physical Therapy.
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With the knowledge, experience, and backing of history, the field of Physical Therapy has expanded and grown steadily with more and more roles in this industry becoming in demand. Due to advancements in technology and healthcare, PT practitioners are able to help reach more people in need of treatment, and through further study, can diversify their fields for professional specialization; opening a door to a variety of different occupations in health, sports, or recreational settings.