When a person undergoes intensive surgery or is involved in an accident that leaves them with impaired motor function, physical therapists are there to help with recovery. These important medical professionals work to help patients rehabilitate injured parts of their body, improving their range of motion through exercises and prescribing medications to help manage the pain. But where did this critical medical profession come from? In this blog, we’re diving deep into the history of physical therapy, from antiquity to the modern day.
When did physical therapy start?
Physical therapy techniques have been documented throughout history as a means to treat pain. In 460 B.C., Hippocrates and the Romans wrote about massage, manual therapy techniques, and hydrotherapy. The Chinese are also documented to have used rubbing as therapeutic measures as early as 300 B.C.
Who invented physical therapy?
Although physical therapy techniques have existed for thousands of years, it was Per Henrik Ling who is credited for creating the physical therapy profession as we know it today. Known as the “Father of Swedish Gymnastics,” Ling (who could also be credited as the “Father of Physical Therapy”) also founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813.
When was physical therapy invented?
While physical therapy has existed in many different forms since ancient times, modern physical therapy began to take shape in the 19th century with Per Henrik Ling. From there, physical therapy practices spread across the world as a successful way to help people recover from injuries and prevent them from happening in the future.
Who was the first physical therapist in the United States of America (USA)?
There isn’t one person who can take the mantle of the “first physical therapist” in the U.S. In fact, Boston based orthopedic surgeons Elliot G. Brachett, MD; Joel E. Goldthwait, MD; Frank Granger, MD; and Marguerite Sanderson developed both physical reconstruction and education programs for the United States after the creation of the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction in 1917.
This division came to life during World War I, as wounded soldiers needed to return to the front lines, creating a demand for rehabilitation. Due to this increased need, the Surgeon General decided to adopt a plan following the European model for rehabilitation. He defined physiotherapy as “physical measures such as are employed under physiotherapy, including hydro, electro, mechano therapy, active exercise, indoor and outdoor games, and passive exercise in the form of massage.” (Granger, 1923).
About the First American Physical Therapists
Brachett had experience with the Medical Department of the Army and was the chief surgeon of the Orthopedic Military Corps in the Home Services. Goldthwait was the chief surgeon in the Orthopedic Military Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, and Granger was appointed chief of the physical therapy section. Granger also practiced neurology and used physical procedures in his treatment.
Marguerite Sanderson, a graduate from Wellesley College and the Boston Normal School of Gymnastics, was associated with Goldthwait in his Boston practice. Sanderson and the others organized the administrative details for the Reconstruction Aids program. Shortly after the beginning of the war she was transferred to Washington, DC to organize reconstruction units for overseas hospitals; she later went to Germany with the Army of Occupation to supervise the Reconstruction Aids.
Before her departure in 1918, Sanderson met Mary McMillian at the Walter Reed General Hospital. McMillian was trained in Europe and returned to the United States becoming the first Physical Therapist in the United States. She was assigned by the Surgeon General to the Reconstruction Aid program and appointed head Reconstruction Aid in March of 1918.
Physical Therapy Overseas
When Sanderson and the other reconstruction units reached the overseas hospitals they took the medical corps by surprise. Many physicians did not know that “such a group of women existed.” (Hanzeheyer, 1946). These young women came wearing blue uniforms, “they were not nurses, social services workers, nor were the daughters of the rich who came to help the Soldiers forget their troubles” (Hazenhyer, 1946).
These women were trained in physical education, “military” massage, muscle re-education and were ready to perform their duty. The United States had about 2000 Aids in service during the war and about three hundred of them were overseas.
Resources
Granger, F.B., MD “The Beginning of ‘Modern Physiotherapy’:. PT Review June 1923, 13-14
Hazenhyer, Ida May “A History of the American Physiotherapy Association” PT. Review Jan/Feb 1946, 60-99
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally written by Allison Stringer, MS, PT, FAAOMPT, CHA, in October 2020, and was updated by Mike Connors in March 2024.
