Welcome to all of Physio's Helping Hand (Physiogk) family members and a very, very Happy World Physiotherapy Day to all of you.
In this blog, we will explore the history of physiotherapy globally and in India. We will also discover how September 8 came to be recognized as World PT Day. Additionally, we will discuss the theme for World Physiotherapy Day 2025.
Introduction
Once again, happy World PT Day. This day is an opportunity to recognize the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and the community. It’s time to unite all world physios and raise awareness about physiotherapy to everyone. Let all physios together make physiotherapy popular in the medical field.
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History of physiotherapy
According to information available from different sources, treatment by physiotherapy started in 460 B.C..
It is believed that physicians such as Hippocrates, followed by Galenus, were the first practitioners of physiotherapy, and at that time, they treated people. with massage, manual therapy techniques, and hydrotherapy.
Physiotherapy was the first to be recognized as a professional group, documented in Sweden, and the credit goes to Per Henrik Ling.
Per Henrik Ling is also known as the father of Swedish gymnastics. He founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813 for manipulation, exercise, and massage.
In 1887, PTs were given official registration by Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare.
In 1894, four nurses from Great Britain formed the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
In 1913 the University of Otago of New Zealand started the School of Physiotherapy where physiotherapy was taught.
The soldiers who were injured in the world War of 1917-1918, they are treated for the first time by the physio in the US and it was also named Rehabilitation Therapy.
Physio's first research paper was published in PT Review in the US on this day in March 1921.
Mary McMillan, known as the Mother of Physiotherapy founded the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association which is now known as the American Physical Therapy Association(APTA).
Until 1950, physiotherapy was performed only in the hospital. After 1950, PT was practiced outside the hospital. By 1974, APTA created a separate specialized division called as Orthopedic Section for Therapists who specialize in orthopedic PT.
In 1974 the 'International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy' was established. After it, manual therapy was popularised worldwide.
History of Indian Physiotherapy
In Asian Indian, surgeon Sushruta in his practice applies physical, breathing exercises, as well as massage and hardening.
In India, Physiotherapy was first started in 1952 in Mumbai with a polio outbreak. Physiotherapy school and center were opened in Mumbai by the helped of GOI, State Government and Mumbai Municipal Corporation where movement related problem is treated.
The Indian Association of Physiotherapy(IAP) was established in 1962 and is now a registered medical body with more than 30000 physiotherapists.
Why do we celebrate 8 September as World PT Day?
World Physiotherapy Day, celebrated on 8 September, was established in 1996 to highlight the essential role of physiotherapy in global healthcare. This date commemorates the founding of World Physiotherapy in 1951, emphasizing the unity of the global physiotherapy community.
The day raises awareness of the diverse services provided by physiotherapists, including:
Rehabilitation
Pain management
Preventive care
Events like workshops and outreach programs are organized worldwide to promote the benefits of physiotherapy and improve public understanding of its impact on mobility and quality of life.
Additionally, World PT Day fosters camaraderie among physiotherapy professionals, encouraging:
Skill development
Collaboration
It acknowledges the dedication of physiotherapists in aiding recovery and maintaining health.
In summary, 8 September reminds us of the significance of physiotherapy in enhancing health and well-being, celebrating the profession's achievements while looking forward to its future advancements.
Previous Themes for World Physiotherapy Day
World PT Day 2018 Theme: Physical therapy and mental health
World PT Day 2019 Theme: Chronic pain and the role of the physiotherapist
World PT Day 2020 Theme: Rehabilitation and Long COVID.
World PT Day 2021 Theme: Rehabilitation and Long COVID.
World PT Day 2022 Theme: Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis.
World PT Day 2023 Theme: Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis.
World PT Day 2024 Theme: Low back pain (LBP) and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention
World Physiotherapy Day 2025
The World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 is scheduled for 29-31 May 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. We will provide updates following the event, so stay informed by joining our Telegram channel or following our other social media accounts.
Thank you
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