The document outlines the historical development and principles of physiotherapy, beginning from Hippocrates' era and progressing through key milestones and figures such as Galen and Per Henrik Ling. It discusses the evolution of the term 'physiotherapy', the establishment of educational institutions, and significant events impacting the field, particularly in India. The document emphasizes the autonomy, ethical practices, and responsibilities of physiotherapists as healthcare professionals.

1. Principles of
Physiotherapy Practice
Prof. (Dr.) Asir John Samuel, PhD
(Physiotherapy), MPT (Neurosciences and Paediatric
Neurology), BPT, BSc (Psychology), DYScEd, MAc,
PGDBEME,
Additional Professor Cum Vice Principal,
Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Mangalore

2. History of the
development of the
physiotherapy
profession

3. In Hippocrates Era
• Hippocrates (460–385 BCE) - the father of medicine
• Describe spinal manipulative techniques using
gravity, for the treatment of scoliosis
• Use of a table with various straps, wheels, and axles
enabling traction
• Introduced the idea of manual manipulation for
pain relief

4. Hector
• Hector - In Ancient Greece around 460 BC
• Practiced a water-based physiotherapy technique
called “hydrotherapy” – which is Greek for water
treatment

5. Claudius Galen
• Claudius Galen (131–202 CE) - a Roman surgeon
• Provided evidence of manipulation
• Acts of standing or walking on the dysfunctional
spinal region

6. Exercise therapy Unit

7. Professional group
• Per Henrik Ling - "father of Swedish gymnastics."
• He founded the Royal Central Institute of
Gymnastics in the year 1813
• Massage, manipulation and exercise

8. Exercise therapy Unit

9. Term physiotherapy
• 1851
• The term "Physiotherapy" first appeared in its
German form "Physiotherapie"
• In an article written by Dr. Lorenz Gleich
• A military physician from Bavaria

10. Electrotherapy Unit

11. Term physiotherapy
• 1894
• Dr. Edward Playter used the word "Physiotherapy”
• In an English article published in Montreal Medical
Journal
• "Physiotherapie" changed to "Physiotherapy" and
then to "Physical therapy"

12. Terminologies
• "Physiotherapie"
• "Physiotherapy”
• "Physical therapy”
• "Physiotherapy”

13. Education
• 1913 - The School of Physiotherapy’ was
established at the University of Otago in New
Zealand
• 1914 - Reed College was established in Portland in
the United States of America to educate about the
‘reconstitution aides’.

14. Historical event witnessed
• 1916 – polio epidemic
• 1926 – US President - Franklin D. Roosevelt suffered
by polio went through various therapies, including
hydrotherapy
• 1942 – Military rankings

15. History of Physiotherapy in India
• Polio outbreak in Mumbai in 1952
• 1952 - Physiotherapy became a full-fledged medical
profession in India
• 1953 - India's first physiotherapy school and center
opened in Mumbai
• 1962 - The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP)

16. World physiotherapy
• 1951
• World Confederation for Physical
Therapy (WCPT)
• WCPT rebrands as World Physiotherapy
in 2020
• >6,00,000 physiotherapist worldwide
• 128 member nations

17. The Indian Association Of
Physiotherapist (IAP)
• A non-profit, non-governmental organization that
represents the physiotherapy profession at National
and international Level
• Registered under Indian society act, in the year
1955
• Member of WCPT from 1967

18. Principles of practice in
physiotherapy

19. Autonomy

20. Autonomy- NCAHCPA, 2021
• The physiotherapist can practice independently or
as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and has a
minimum qualification of a baccalaureate degree
• Who has obtained any qualification of degree
under NCAHCP Act, the duration of which shall not
be less than three thousand six hundred (3600)
hours spread over a period of three years to six
years divided into specific semester

21. Autonomy – World Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapists as autonomous professional, have
the freedom to exercise their professional judgment
and decision-making, wherever they practice, within
the physiotherapist's knowledge, competence and
scope of practice
• Physiotherapists operate as independent practitioners,
as well as members of health service provider teams

22. Autonomy – World Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapists are subject to the ethical
principles of WCPT and the codes of ethics and best
practices in the country in which they practice
• They can act as first-contact practitioners, and
patients/clients may seek direct services without
referral from another health professional

23. Autonomy – World Physiotherapy
• Services provided by physiotherapists encompass
• Health Promotion
• Prevention
• Examination/assessment
• Evaluation
• Diagnosis
• Interventions/treatments
• Outcomes assessment

24. Autonomy – World Physiotherapy
• The actions of individual physiotherapists are their
own responsibility, and their professional decisions
cannot be controlled or compromised by
employers, members of other professions or other
individuals

25. Shared-decision making
• Physiotherapists should have policies and
procedures in place to ensure communication with
their patients’/clients’ or their medical practitioners
and other relevant professionals.
• These policies and procedures will facilitate
consultation and accurate documentation and
reports by physical therapists to other service
delivery providers

26. Privacy
• Area of treatment
• Screen
• Bystander, if available
• Private area

27. Confidentiality
• Not revealing names
• Masking faces
• Identity concealed

28. Equality Vs Equity

29. Equality Vs Equity
•Equality means
each individual or
group of people is
given the same
resources or
opportunities
•Equity means
each individual or
group of people
allocates the exact
resources and
opportunities
needed to reach
an equal outcome