The International Physiotherapy History Association is pleased to announce that it has published an editorial in the journal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
This editorial, titled “Physiotherapy: The history behind the word”, explores how the current profession, having evolved from a series of disconnected practices (such as manipulation, gymnastics, massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and exercise), progressively but not yet completely, came to claim the name “physiotherapy” which was invented by and for the medical profession some ninety years earlier.
The editorial begins with the first publication of the word in 1831, its’ initial use as part of a protest movement against the dangerous practices of allopathic medicine, its’ subsequent adoption by the hegemonic allopathic medical profession and finally, its’ progressive appropriation by a novel group of female non-physicians whose only asset was their belief in the importance of their work.
The word’s journey begins in Europe, spreads to North America and then to the rest of the world. Many new and previously under appreciated facts emerge during the detailed review, potentially changing how the profession will come to view itself.
The editorial is a small part of a larger article titled ‘History of the Word Physiotherapy’ which is published on our website. The larger article explores far more broadly and deeply the many twists and turns of the word physiotherapy from its creation until today.
We hope you enjoy.
