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Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Asian civilizations used massage, hydrotherapy, and thermotherapy techniques to treat pain and disease. -
Swedish scholar Per Hendrik Ling (also known as "the father of Swedish Gymnastics) is given credit for being the first to recognize physical therapy as a profession when he establishes the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics for manipulation and exercise.
Modern physical therapy begins to take shape. -
A school for “Reconstructive Aides” (RA), or those practicing physical therapy on returning soldiers, is established in the United States at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC. -
Physical therapy is used to evaluate and treat patients affected by Polio -
American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was established by Mary McMillan. Her association is still operational today (2022) under the name American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) -
The Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association's name changes to American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The first national headquarters office is in New York City. -
Physical therapy education programs are expanded to require 12 months of training -
State Physical Therapy Practice Acts has been passed in over 45
states and eventually all states will pass Practice Acts requiring licensure for
PTs to practice. -
Physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs grow and are recognized as part of the APTA -
President Clinton signs the Balanced Budget Act reducing federal spending $127 billion over a five-year period and resulting in a hiring freeze in the PT field, reduced working hours, and lower pay -
All PT programs today are doctorate-level degrees. The PT field continues to grow with an emphasis on evidence-based research, clinical practices, and direct access to care