History of physical therapy

The origins of this discipline are in ancient history and during that time it was known as the manual therapy in China circa 2500 BC. Hippocrates described massage and hydrotherapy in 460 BC and it can be said to be an ancient version of the modern physiotherapy today. Since the early ages physiotherapy had been an intrinsic part of medicine and even in the ancient Indian discipline of Ayurveda we see that there is a need for physical or manual handling of patients body and even today a tradition of Ayurvedic Therapists still exists in India being an integral part of Health care.] There can be many kinds of physical therapy interventions and this include Spinal and extremity manipulation as well as therapeutic exercise; electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents; functional training among others. In most cases, these interventions that include provision of aids and appliances; patient education and counseling; documentation and coordination, and communication, are aimed at prevention of impairments, functional limitations, disability and injury. Besides at the same time they also include the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, and fitness in all ages and populations.

The Modern physical therapy however is a much new concept that was developed in London in 1896. This therapy came in with the belief that the hospital patients needed to be mobilized on a regular basis. Thus doctors felt were a must in order to maintain adequate muscle function and mobility and thus what we call physiotherapy today was found.