A Brief History of Physical Therapy

What exactly is Physiotherapy?

There are many definitions of physiotherapy and they are constantly changing and evolving, however, according to the dictionary, Physical Therapy, also called physiotherapy is therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilises therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training. [1]

History

Physical therapy has been around for thousands of years and the root of some practices can be traced back to Roman and even Egyptian times. Physicians like Hippocrates, and later Galenus, are believed to have been the first practitioners of physiotherapy, advocating massage, manual therapy techniques and hydrotherapy to treat people in 460 B.C. After the development of orthopaedics in the eighteenth century, machines like the Gymnasticon were developed to treat gout and similar diseases by systematic exercise of the joints, similar to later developments in physiotherapy. [2]

However physical therapy as we know it today is still a relatively new form as an occupation compared to other medical fields. Dr. William Rush Dunton Jr, known as the father of Occupational therapy, published the first account of the profession.

Dunton healed his patients through purposeful activities (known then as daily occupations). In 1917, he was one of several individuals who believed in the healing properties of engaging activity. Seeing potential in the practice, Dunton published a manual for nurses on how OT should be utilised in 1915. [3]

World War 1 had a huge influence in the physiotherapy profession in terms of rehabilitation, this is where we saw a turning point in the profession. Government pushed this side of rehab because they didn't want injured soldiers sitting idle, they wanted them back at work. Also with the increase of accessibility to antibiotics and antiseptics it allowed practitioners to focus on new approaches.

Physiotherapy Today

Physiotherapy as we know it today is constantly evolving and changing as we learn more about the body, injuries and treatment. There are a variety of specialisations in the field such as sport injuries, acupuncture, women's health, disabilities, respiratory care, rheumatology, paediatrics, occupational health, ergonomics and much more.

Physiotherapy is for everyone of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels, whether it's a small irritation, a big problem, post surgery or keeping range of movement as we age, it's an important part of the health system.

Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy, we provide high-quality physiotherapy care for patients through all stages of life. We are committed to providing you with the most updated Physiotherapy interventions in a kind and caring manner. Staff members go the extra mile to help all patients achieve their goals.