Abstract :
The earliest documented origins of Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) as a professional group date back to 1813 and the ‘Father of Swedish Gymnastics’, - Per Henrik Ling. Consisting of massage, manipulation and exercises, it was mainly practiced by nurses. Soon, other countries like U.K. and New Zealand followed.
PHYSIOTHERAPY as a_ profession was established in 1894 by a group of nurses who were trained in massage. It was based on ‘movements’ which the nurses had mastered to help patients in alleviating their pain.
History provides us with the example of Julius Caesar, who was given massage for Neuralgia, by a Swedish gymnast Per Henrinkling (1776 — 1839)
The foundation for Physiotherapy in India was laid following a major epidemic of Poliomyelitis in 1951-52. At this time, the daughter of a philanthropist Mrs. Fatema Ismail, was also affected and she had to take her daughter to England for treatment.
Keyword :
PHYSIOTHERAPY, movements’ which the nurses had mastered to