Comprehensive Guide to PTA and Physical Therapy Foundations

Aristotle

Suggested massage with oil and water to reduce fatigue.

Galen

Early physician whose ideas laid groundwork for therapeutic exercise in Europe.

Smith-Fess Act

Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act; first major law providing vocational rehab to physically disabled civilians.

PNF

Developed by Kabat, Knott, and Voss for neurological dysfunction.

Williams Flexion Exercises (1953)

Postural exercises for back pain.

McKenzie Method (1960)

Robin McKenzie's extension-based exercises for disc problems.

Mastery Years (1970-1996)

PT became integrated into federal policy, education programs expanded, licensure laws adopted nationwide.

1970

9 PTA programs nationwide.

1977

CAPTE became accrediting body for PT/PTA programs.

Hippocrates

Known as the 'Father of Medicine'; recommended therapeutic exercise and noted that inactivity leads to atrophy.

Romans

Introduced gymnastics for health and recovery.

Codman Pendulum

Shoulder rehab technique developed by Dr. Ernest Codman.

Progressive Resistive Exercise (1940s)

Dr. Thomas DeLorme proved resistance training builds strength.

Isokinetic Training (1965)

Developed Cybex dynamometer for force, power, endurance testing by Helen Hislop & James Perrine.

Formative Years (1914-1920)

WWI and polio outbreaks created need for rehabilitation.

Development Years (1920-1940)

PT began forming professional organizations.

Accomplishment Years (1940-1970)

Leaders like Catherine Worthingham and Emma Vogel advanced training, research, and advocacy.

1967

APTA establishes PTA role to support PTs due to workforce needs.

1969

First PTA programs at Miami-Dade and St. Mary's (St. Catherine College, MN). First 15 PTAs graduated.

1969-1973

PTA gained APTA affiliate membership with rights to participate in organizational activities.

1972

Congress added PT/PTA services to Social Security Act for reimbursement.

1975

IDEA Act expanded PT into schools for children with disabilities.

1976

All states enacted PT licensure laws.

Mary McMillan

Considered the first U.S. PT; led war training programs and standardized PT curriculum.

Marguerite Sanderson

Directed early training for PTs during WWI.

Catherine Worthingham

First PT with a doctoral degree, APA president, APTA's highest award named in her honor.

Emma Vogel

Directed PT training programs during WWII.

Lynda Woodruff

Founded the first DPT program at Alabama State; advocate for diversity and inclusion in PT.

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