What is the true origin of physical therapy? Who were the trailblazers who shaped modern rehab? And how did war, epidemics, and policy create one of the most trusted healthcare professions in the world?
In this deep-dive episode of The PTCH Podcast, we explore the history of physical therapy through the lens of science, politics, social justice, and human resilience.
We begin with the influence of early Swedish movement systems and Per Henrik Ling, before traveling through time to spotlight Mary McMillan, the first American physical therapist, and the critical role of Reconstruction Aides during World War I. From the frontlines of war to the pediatric wards of the polio epidemic, physical therapy evolved not just as a treatment—but as a profession built on advocacy, access, and education.
You’ll learn how physical therapy gained legitimacy through Medicare and Medicaid legislation, how it expanded access via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and how the movement from certificate programs to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) transformed both training and professional identity.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The origins of physical therapy in Europe and the U.S.
Why Mary McMillan is considered the "Mother of Physical Therapy"
The role of WWI and the polio epidemic in advancing rehabilitation science
How Medicare and Medicaid helped legitimize the PT profession
The connection between civil rights, healthcare policy, and PT education
Why the DPT degree matters—and what it means for the future of rehab
The ongoing push for direct access and autonomy in physical therapy
Drop a comment and tell us: Which moment in physical therapy history do you think had the greatest impact on the profession today?
Your insights help others discover the episode!
🔗 Want More?
🎧 Full podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_G-AAPaE1FI0NMy-9frtvJ8hdkDyks2S
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👥 Share this video with a student, patient, or colleague who should know the true story behind physical therapy!
Chapters
00:00 The Origins of Physical Therapy
05:49 Trailblazers in Physical Therapy History
11:56 The Evolution of the Profession
17:58 Modern Developments in Physical Therapy
19:32 Rilee's Journey to College and Howard University
21:37 The Evolution of Physical Therapy
22:56 The Impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
24:35 The Rise of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
27:29 Direct Access and the Role of Physical Therapists
30:42 The Importance of Title and Recognition in Healthcare
34:36 The Future of Physical Therapy Education and Practice
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