Physical therapy is one of the health care profession which provides service to
individuals or patients to develop, maintain and restore maximum
movement and functional ability throughout life. Physical therapy would
be beneficial in conditions where movement and functions are disturbed
by injury, ageing process , some diseases or any environmental factors.
Physiotherapy is concerned with identifying and maximising the quality of life (QOL),improve the movement potential within the limit of promotion,treat, intervene, habilitate and rehabilitate.This process would be a team work which includes a good interaction between patients, other health professionals,families, care givers, using the optimum knowledge and unique skills and techniques.Physical Therapy is
performed by either qualified Physio ( PT ) or Assistant physio(PTA) Prior to arrival at diagnosis, Physio would take the history, asses with physical examination,and chart out the management plan.Incorporating results of laboratory,and imaging
studies,electro diagnostic tests may also be necessary.
The common specialities in physio are- cardiopulmonary, geriatrics,
neurology,orthopaedic( Musculo skeletal ),and paediatrics.PT s practice
in many settings such as-Hospitals, outpatient clinics, hospice,
fitness training centres, sports training centres ect.
Educational qualifications varies from country to country.In India , many universities offer physiotherapy education in undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral level.
History
It is believed that Hippocrates, a physician in the year 460B.B.C, had practiced physiotherapy by advocating
manual therapy and Hydrotherapy techniques to his patients. Documented
origin of actual physiotherapy dates back to 1894, when few health care
professionals in Great Britain, formed Chartered society of Physiotherapy.
Researches started accelerating the Physio Movement later on.First Physical therapy
research was published in US in march 1921.Before the second half of
the 20th century,treatment usually consisted of exercise, massage and traction.Practice
of Manipulative techniques began in early 1950s .Later Physical
Therapists started to move beyond hospital based practice.
Specialization in Physical therapy started first in US ,1974.At present they have a
Doctoral education programme and attributes of a doctoring profession.
