Evolution of Physiotherapy

History

The practise of physiotherapy started in 460 BC by Hippocrates and Hector by using and studying water and massage therapy on their patients. The earliest documented origins of actual physiotherapy as a professional group date back to Per Henrik Ling “Father of Swedish Gymnastics” who founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (RCIG) in 1813 for massage, manipulation, and exercise. 

In 1887, PTs were given official registration by Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare. Other countries soon followed. In 1894 four nurses in Great Britain formed the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago in New Zealand in 1913, and the United States' 1914 Reed College in Portland, Oregon, which graduated "reconstruction aides."

The first physiotherapy research was published in the United States in March 1921 in The PT Review. In the same year, Mary McMillan organized the Physical Therapy Association (now called the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). 

Introduction

Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a form of therapy that helps a patient to rehabilitate from illness or disabilities of different kinds. It essentially provides primary care by making use of certain movement and mechanical forces on the affected areas of the body. Physiotherapy strives to increase mobility and motor movements, reduce impairments and to improve the overall quality of life in patients. From neonatal to geriatrics, patients of all ages can make use of the healing techniques of physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy in India started back in 1952 with the outbreak of polio in Mumbai. The very next year, India’s first school and center for physiotherapy was started in Mumbai itself, with government support and support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) was set up in 1962.

Clinical Specialties of Physiotherapy:

• Musculoskeletal/ Ortho
• Neurology
• Cardiac-Pulmonary
• Sports
• Pediatrics
• Pain
• Women Health
• Public Health
• Geriatrics
• Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Medical Conditions

Myths & Facts about Physiotherapy

Myth: Modernized term for massage therapy

Fact: Physiotherapy and massage are two completely separate things. Physiotherapy is a practice to cure pain and disabilities while on the other hand, massage is a practice for relaxation. Besides, physiotherapy is based on comprehensive historical study, physical examination and diagnosis.

Myth: It is expensive

Fact: It is quite reasonably priced nowadays. Many hospitals and home healthcare services these days provide physiotherapy treatment at affordable prices making it attainable for all.

Myth: Physiotherapists are diploma holders

Fact: On the contrary, it is a proper course of 4 years followed by 6 months of internship. Physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose and treat acute to chronic pain

Myth: I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist.

Fact:  Imaging won’t pick up a stiff joint, tight muscles, or weak muscles. Physiotherapists are extremely thorough when screening their patients. At your first visit they take a very detailed medical history and perform specific assessments.  Patients can seek treatment from a physiotherapist without a doctor’s prior referral.

Myth: Physiotherapy is painful.

Fact: Physiotherapists seek to minimize pain and discomfort—even if it is chronic or long-term. They work within the range of your pain threshold to help you heal, and restore movement.

Myth: Physiotherapy is only for injuries and accidents.        

Fact: Physiotherapy can be used to help a diverse group of people wanting to keep active.

Myth: Surgery is the final/only option.

Fact: From treating degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff tears, forms of knee osteoarthritis to meniscal tears, physiotherapy has proven to be as effective as surgery. Therefore having surgery is not your only option. Consult a physiotherapist and you could be glad to have made that choice in the long run. In many cases, physiotherapy has been shown to be on par with surgery in treating a wide range of conditions – from rotator cuff tears and degenerative disk disease to meniscal tears and some forms of knee osteoarthritis.

Myth: Physiotherapy is an art not science

Fact: One of the most common myths around physiotherapy is that it is an art and physiotherapists are artists. In actuality, physiotherapists are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat disabilities.

Myth: Treats only muscle pain

Fact: Physiotherapists are qualified to treat wide range of diseases, and their expertise is not limited to muscle pain and ligament related issues. Conditions such as vestibular rehabilitation, paralysis, sports injuries, chronic pain, pelvic floor rehabilitation and many more can be treated by physiotherapy.

Myth: Healing takes a long time

Fact: Another common myth around it is that it takes forever to heal. Though Physiotherapy aims at complete cure and not just temporary fix, results are usually visible in few sessions. Depending on the severity of the problem, the treatment plan can vary and might be longer than others, but results are visible from the initial sessions itself

World Physiotherapy Day

In 1996, 8 September was designated as World PT Day. This is the date World Physiotherapy was founded in 1951.

The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. It is an opportunity to recognize the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community. Using World PT Day as a focus, World Physiotherapy aims to support member organizations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.

Complied & written by: Dr. Palak Shah