Timeline Of The Physical Therapist

Supposed Creation of Physical Therapy

460 BCE

It is written down that the Romans used physical therapy techniques we use today to help people recover from injuries.

Credited Creation of Physical Therapy

1813

Per Henrik Ling was credited with the creation of physical therapy in 1813 where he used his background in gymnastics and knowledge of massage to help people recover from injury.

First Physical Therapists

1900

In the early 1900's the first physical therapists by trait started to pop up

Founding of the American Physical Therapy Association

1921

This was an association that was founded and is still an integral part of physical therapy today

Physical Therapy Used On Shoulders

1923

During WWI there were many soldiers that obtained non-fatal injuries and physical therapy was used to treat them after the war.

Beginning of Schooling for Physical Therapists

1936

In 1936 if you were studying to become a physical therapist you only needed to attend two years of school to be licensed.

Polio Outbreak

1950

A major event in the timeline of physical therapy was when it was used to help people restore range of motion after they had contracted polio

Changes in Schooling

1960

By 1960 it took 4 years to get certified to be a physical therapist

Robotics in Physical therapy

2022

In recent history they have included more and more developments such as the use of robotics and other electronic sources.

Physical Therapy Today

2023

Physical therapy today is the best it's ever been as it is an ever evolving profession and is always subject to get better in regards to practice, research, and innovation.