III.

History

Most of the physical agents employed in modern physical therapy were used in ancient times. Early Greek and Roman writings refer to the beneficial effects of sun and water, and both exercise and massage were used by the ancient Chinese, Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks.

The field of physical therapy in modern times was established in Britain in the latter part of the 19th century. Shortly thereafter American orthopedic surgeons began to train young women graduates of physical-education schools to care for patients in doctors' offices and in hospitals. These young women treated thousands of patients in 1916 when a severe epidemic of poliomyelitis struck New York and New England. The first school of physical therapy was established at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C., after the outbreak of World War I, and 14 additional schools were established soon afterward. About 800 therapists, called reconstruction aides, were trained and utilized in military service.

After World War II physical therapy became widely used in the care of patients. Among the reasons for the great increase in demand for physical-therapy services were the impressive results obtained in treating those injured in battle and industry during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars; the increase in chronic disability resulting from the larger number of older persons in the population; and the rapid development of hospital- and medical-care programs.