History of Physiotherapy

Certain records discovered by historians show certain treatments such as therapeutic exercises and massages, as well as hydrotherapy were used thousands of years ago in China, Greece, and India.

Chinese cultures in 1000 BC used Cong Fu exercises to correct body positioning and improve breathing. Indian cultures also performed certain massages and exercises to treat arthritis.

Herodicus used Ars Gymnastica exercises in 500 BC ancient Greece which included walking, wrestling, and weight lifting to improve certain febrile conditions.

In 460 BC in ancient Greece Hippocrates emphasized exercises to improve physical strength. Hector employed hydrotherapy the same year, and Aristotle recommended massaging with olive oil to relieve tiredness.

In 180 BC early Romans adopted a form of gymnastics to improve physical strength. Galen taught exercises to improve overall strength.

From 1500-1700 Physiotherapy was introduced by promoting exercises and a variety of books were written.

In 1723 Nicholas Andry established that exercising can help build muscles, specifically in the limbs.

In 1813 Per Henrik Ling introduced PT worldwide, revolutionizing the area by introducing new exercises known as Swedish exercises, it was extended into Europe and America using techniques that were adopted from Tunia. These new massage techniques were introduced to America in 1860 by George H. Taylor.

Ling’s methods were very effective, but demanded the need of a gymnast. In 1864 Gustav Zander overcame this issue by inventing exercise machines to help perform the exercises. In 1894 the Charted Society of Physiotherapy was formed by 4 British nurses.

The School of Physiotherapy was established in 1913. In 1914 Reed College was established to educate people about the reconstitution aides.

During WWI in 1917 Americans used Zander’s machines and Ling’s movements to treat injured soldiers.

Polio outbreak in 1920 led to greater need for improvising existing techniques.

Significant improvement was established by 1921. Mary Mcmillan significantly contributed to reconstruction aide services and established the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association.

During WWII between 1935-1945 special PT clinics were established to treat injured soldiers.

PT was performed in and out of hospitals in 1950. By 1974 APTA established a division known as Orthopedic Section for therapist specializing in orthopedic PT.

In 1974 the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy was established.

In 1980 advent of computers and devices in healthcare were introduced to perform PT. Exponential advancements in PT along with specialized techniques have revolutionized PT.

Over the course of evolving history physiotherapy has grown in popularity and acceptance, evolving into specialized fields including cardiopulmonary, skin, sports, and neurology which helps countless patients to improve a wide variety of physical conditions.