If we accept the etymology of physiotherapy as phìsis (natural) therapy, one of the oldest practice might seen in be the use of vapour grottoes in the territory of Sciacca (South of Italy) since the 5th century A.D. In Roman times, massage was a remedial practice carried out by fricatores (who used oils) and unctores (who issued massage) – strygile was a special instrument to remove final remains of grease from body. Assistance for bathing was a duty of balneatores.

One of the first modern physiotherapic institutions in Italy was the Istituto Fisioterapico Gabbrielli-Bacci founded in Firenze in 1895. Three years later, the Istituto Fisicoterapico was born in Torino.

Rehabilitation of disabled soldiers from the I World War was the aim of Law  481/1917.

The first schools for Technicians of Remedial Gymnastics (Tecnici di Fisiochinesiterapia) were created in 1934 – they lasted two years and a condition for admittance was primary education. In 1953,  the first professional school started in the University of Milano, followed by Rome in 1956 Their regulation was improved in 1974 with a three year course and a higher education for admission since 1990.

Physical therapy as a university medical specialisation started in 1949.  In 1959, the first professional  Association of physiotherapists was born in Roma – AITR (Associazione Italiana Terapisti della Riabilitazione) which is called AIFi today, because in 2000 the Associazione Italiana Fisioterapia wanted to adequate itself to an international standard in the use of names.

Editor’s Note:

The image used in this article was generated using Artificial Intelligence.  It is intended to support the article rather than provide any information.