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The History of Canada’s First Physiotherapists

Born of War

Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre is a great source in North York for progressive PT techniques and procedures. We invite you to speak with our staff for additional information. Call us at 416-221-0772; we’ll be happy to answer your questions. At Oriole, our goal is  timely restoration of your health and activity level.

Three spirited nurses responded to these needs. Alice Britton, born in Ontario, worked under the title of “massage therapist” during World War I. Enid Finley from Montreal received her training in Philadelphia and Heidelberg. She treated wounded soldiers from both world wars. Elizabeth Harpham of Toronto received a physiotherapy diploma from the University of Toronto. During World War II, she administered care as an army lieutenant.

These nurses developed a university training curriculum to educate others about this multi-disciplinary form of treatment. They also founded a regulating organization for members of the profession. Under the supervision of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapy education was standardized.

Founding Treatments

Initially, a physiotherapist in Canada, Britain, and Australia was called a “masseuse.” During World War II, Canadians adopted the more accurate term of “physiotherapist” or “PT.”

The first treatments administered to patients were electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and massage. Remedial exercise was subsequently added. These restorative methods were designed to stimulate circulation, nerves, and muscles. As World War II progressed, these techniques helped soldiers recover from shell-shock, the reaction to the trauma of war.

Movement, Mind, Discipline

“Medical exercise” was based on three principles:

  • Movement – The goal of therapy was to increase range of motion rather than trying to recover pre-war physical ability. This rationale made treatment plans achievable.
  • Mind – PTs emphasized to patients that, with determination, they could make progress, regardless of the severity of their injuries. You can imagine the encouragement these words gave to the war-wounded.
  • Discipline – Patients were expected to give therapy their best effort.
    Standardizing Care

Enid Finley was instrumental in founding the Canadian Association of Massage and Remedial Gymnastics (CAMRG). In 1935, CAMRG was incorporated by the Dominion Charter and renamed the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). Members were required to obtain university training and work under professional supervision.

Ms. Finley also spearheaded the creation of a two-year PT program at the University of Toronto that began in 1929. During the Depression, she used her personal funds to sustain the program. By the 1950s, the need for rehabilitation led to the development of nine additional university programs. Here’s a photo of happy PT graduates from the University of Toronto.

Rapid Advancement

In 1939, the Minister of National Defense standardized compensation for PTs, specifying salary, uniform allowance, rank, and age limit. Four years later, the Military Affairs Committee invited Elizabeth Harpham to enlist in the armed forces. Upon accepting, Ms. Harpham was offered $4.25 per day as a second lieutenant. After six months, she was promoted to first lieutenant at a pay rate of $5 per day. This wage amounted to an annual salary of $1,105. By comparison, a public school teacher earned $1,227, and a registered nurse received $936 per year.

Ms. Harpham opened the door to regulated military employment of PTs. By the end of World War II, 30 percent of CPA members were employed by the government.

Current Training Mandates

In 1991, the Physiotherapy Act launched the creation of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. The College oversees the profession, ensuring ethical practice. All PTs providing services in Ontario must register with the College. They must also have completed a master’s degree from a Canadian university.

Maintaining the Tradition

Our practice continues the tradition of compassion and dedication established by the first trained physical therapists. To maximize your results, we offer comprehensive services, including exercise, massage therapy, manual therapy, modalities, and acupuncture.

Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre is a great source in North York for progressive PT techniques and procedures. We invite you to speak with our staff for additional information. Call us at 416-221-0772; we’ll be happy to answer your questions. At Oriole, our goal is  timely restoration of your health and activity level.

Sources:

http://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1618&context=cmh
http://www.consulteducatetreat.com/