Karin Simpson

Timeline Assignment
Date:

History:

Approx. 460 BC Physicians, such as Hippocrates and Galenus, carry out some of the 1st
treatments. These include massages, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy
techniques.
18th Century

Development of orthopedics and treatments like systematic joint exercise.

These treated conditions such as gout.

1813

Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics is founded. This institute offered

massages, manipulation and exercise.

1881

First School of Modern Physical Therapy opens

1894

Great Britain forms the Charted Society of Physiotherapy

1894

First Polio Epidemic

1913

New Zealand opens the School of Physiotherapy

1914

Vermont Plan use of manual muscle testing to evaluate muscle function

1915

1st Physical Therapist in U.S.- Mary McMillan

1917

Medical Department of the U.S. Army creates the division of Physical

Reconstruction. Staff provided massage, hydrotherapy, and other

physiotherapy
to disabled veterans.
1918

1st PT courses taught in U.S.

1921

Formation of the American Womens Physical Therapeutics Association

(AWPTA)

1922

AWPTA becomes the American Physiotherapy Association (APA)

1928

1st standards for accreditation for PT Education

1934

Written exam is required in order to become a PT

1940

PT is now done in hospitals as patients recover from injuries, surgeries

or other ailments

1941

War Emergency Training Courses begin. PTs were trained to assist

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wounded soldiers to recover and return to combat or their pre-war
occupations
1944

House of Delegates is created. The HOD creates standards and legislative

Bylaws of the Association in regards to PT practice and the profession

1946

APA changes to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

1950

Combination of exercise and manipulation therapy begins

1960

Outpatient Physical Therapy becomes covered under basic medical coverage

for many insurance policies and govt programs

1966

Medicare and Medicaid programs are established in order for more citizens to
access Physical Therapy services. This increased the demand for PTs

1969

HOD developed the education of the Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA)

1974

The specialization for Pt begins: (cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical

electrophysiology, geriatric, integumentary, neurological, orthopedic,
pediatric, sports, and womens health)

1982

HOD adopts a policy that allows citizens to seek PT services without a

Physicians referral

1999

Implementation of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA). This created a cap for
Medicare spending to balance the budget. Resulting in less utilization of
physical therapy services (job losses, closed educational programs, and
detrimental lack of treatment for the elderly)

2002

All PT educational programs transition from bachelors degree to master

degree level

2002

Ultrasounds, electric stimulators, and iontophoresis w/ latest advances in

therapeutic cold laser are finally approved by FDA in U.S

2005

National assembly of PTAs is dissolved and the PTA Caucus is formed

2006

APTA designates PTAs as the only assistants to physical therapists

2006

APTA creates 2020 Vision Statement for Physical Therapy.

(1) Doctorate of PT for all PT education programs
(2) Direct access in all states

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(3) Licensed and educated PTAs will assist PTs w/ components of
intervention
(4) PTs and PTAs will provide culturally sensitive care
(5) Autonomous care
(6) Professional growth
(7) Provision of evidence-based services
2007

111 PT Doctorate programs now available in U.S.

2011

225+ PT Doctorate Level programs now available in the U.S