Physiotherapy's History In Methods, Treatments & Aids

Physiotherapy's History started way back in time when the Hippocrates took to massaging. Since then physiotherapy practice has gone through many stages, the earlier form being simple to today's complex yet effective means of treatment.

Hydrotherapy was the first known form of physiotherapy that Hector used way back in 460 B.C., also termed water therapy. And even today, professionals make use of this therapy, certainly it's become more specialized and for each condition there is a different application of this therapy.

The first ever proof of there being a nurse group involved in imparting physiotherapy was seen in 1894 in the form of a Chartered Society. By 1913 New Zealand and then in 1914 America started running their physiotherapy programs.

In Portland Oregon's Walter Reed College and Hospital is where the 1st evidence of there being an American professionals physiotherapist. Instead of being termed as physiotherapists, reconstruction aides was the favored term.

Nurses form the aide's part and had as background, knowledge of physical education. The aides played an important role in the revival of several veterans from World War I.

All through physiotherapy's new history research has been an integral part. Actually from the start of physiotherapy US was involved in a research study that was out in 1921. Under various branches and specialty areas research is underway.

Mr. Mary McMillan founded the Physical Therapy Association in 1921. The group afterwards became known as APTA, unquestionably American history's most powerful and dominant organization for physiotherapy.

To do something about the catastrophic rise in polio numbers the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation was initiated in 1924 so that the crisis could be dealt with. This foundation helped patients via physiotherapy.

Sister Kinney was a person known all over for the incredible work she did for polio sufferers. In the long history of physiotherapy polio endemic turned out to be a turning point.

Once polio numbers diminished, massage therapies, traction & exercises became popular. During 1950's, physiotherapy's history witnessed chiropractic manipulations. Great Britain was the one who took to it most.

Thereafter physiotherapy was not just limited to hospitals it took a whole new meaning for different people. Previously too & today too physiotherapists are practicing in nursing homes, private practices, clinics & schools. Started around this period was the physiotherapy's Orthopedics specialty.

The influential International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy burst onto scene, and ever since had made new breakthroughs of monumental proportions. One physiotherapist who left a lasting impression was Mariano Rocabado.

On the east side of US, Norway's Freddy Kaltenborn made a deep impact. While Australia's Geoffrey Maitland can be credited with introducing newer and more effective ways the training of physiotherapist.

With regards to physiotherapy's history during the 80's the focus shifted to greater use of technology. There were newer techniques & newer procedures that started surfacing using electrical stimulation, other devices, ultrasound and computers.

During the 90's people wanted a switch to manual therapy, leading the way was Freddy Kaltenborn. All over encompassing physiotherapy's history, there have been vast improvements on practice & training.

A lot of great pioneers have done great things to help people by the way of physiotherapy and therefore as a result of the their endeavor this profession is well-respected.