Past, Present & Future of Physiotherapy

Abstract

Physiotherapy (PT) is concerned with identifying and minimizing movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The history of PT dates back to 460 BC, where physicians like Hippocrates and later Galenus are believed to have been the first practioners of physiotherapy advocating massage, manual therapy techniques and hydrotherapy to treat patients. Presently PT has stretched its hands in various specialities such as acute care, Aquatic PT, Cardiopulmonary PT, Wound management, Geriatrics, Hand rehab, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Sports PT, women health, administration & research etc. According to APTA’s vision, the excellence in development of PT profession lies in the key element of autonomous practice, direct access, doctor of PT evidence-based practice, practioners choice & professionalism.