The origins of physical therapy are debatable, but the innovation of physical treatment is believed to be documented as early as 2500 BC in China. Writings by Hippocrates near 460 BC also mention physical methodologies in medicine. Education and necessity dictated that medicine address an alternative method to healing.

Modern physical therapy practices were developed in the hospitals of London near the turn of the 20^th century. Significant improvements world wide were due to a large number of amputees from the World Wars and widespread diseases, such as polio. Previous knowledge, improved technology, and continued research have increased the benefits of therapy as we know it today.