Per Henrik Ling established the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813. This event created the first formal structure for what would become physical therapy. Before this moment, the treatment of movement disorders was scattered among physicians, masseurs, and gymnasts with no unified identity.
The modern profession of physical therapy was forged during the First World War and the polio epidemic of 1916. Women were recruited to work with injured soldiers during the war, and the field was institutionalized under the name Reconstruction Aides. The polio outbreak further accelerated the demand for these practitioners as thousands of children and adults were left paralyzed and in need of rehabilitation.
The United States has standardized its entry-level requirement to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This is a three-year program that follows a bachelor's degree. The American Physical Therapy Association drives this shift to ensure all practitioners can appropriately recognize and refer non-musculoskeletal diagnoses.
Research indicates that the most critical factor in patient outcomes is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the patient. Studies have identified four themes that influence these interactions including interpersonal and communication skills, practical skills, individualized patient-centered care, and organizational factors. Patients value the ability of a clinician to provide clear and simple explanations about their problems.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the physical therapy profession to confront the limitations of in-person care, leading to the rapid adoption of telehealth or telerehabilitation. This form of online communication allows clinicians to treat patients live or through pre-recorded sessions, offering improved accessibility for those in remote areas or who are bedridden. Despite challenges regarding privacy and interstate licensing, telehealth has become a proactive step to prevent physical decline in at-risk groups.
The United Kingdom protects the title of Physiotherapist, requiring registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and completion of a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's degree. These variations reflect the diverse cultural and political approaches to healthcare, yet all share the goal of providing safe, quality, and equitable care. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy, now operating under the brand name World Physiotherapy since 2020, works to harmonize these differences and protect the health workforce worldwide.