Physical therapy: past, present and future- a paradigm shift

Senthil P Kumar

Abstract
Physical therapy as a profession has its roots to earliest of time, when the techniques were used for treatment much earlier than that of origin of the very term “physiotherapy” itself. This professional discussion paper is a review of the past, present and future of physical therapy as a profession in its three roles- educator, clinician and researcher. The ensuing paradigm shift in favor of advanced teaching methodologies and pedagogies evolved the present situation of physical therapy education. The shift from evidence-based practice to an evidence-informed one witnessed clinical therapists to pursue continuing educational programmes and professional development. The growing evidence in terms of increasing randomized controlled trials in physical therapy indicated development of quality clinical practice guidelines to translate evidence into practice. Professionalization in physical therapy needs a shift towards professionalism to move physical therapy forward in all three core areas of the profession.

Key words: Professionalism, physical therapy, history, paradigm shift