Description
The presentation by Uzo Ehiogu, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist and clinical teaching fellow at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, seeks to explore the evolution of orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy over the last 75 years, emphasizing the historical ties that bind the specialties together. Ehiogu expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak, framing the discussion around the theme "Conceived in Adversity, Born out of Necessity." He articulates a belief that the history of the fields can unite practitioners rather than divide them, highlighting their shared goal of restoring patient function throughout their rehabilitation journeys.
Ehiogu shares his personal background, including his previous role as a physiotherapy officer in the British Army and his interest in climbing. He emphasizes the importance of a collective history in shaping modern physiotherapy and intends to illustrate key milestones over the past century, tracing back to the origins of orthopedic physiotherapy around wartime. He introduces the concept that technological advancements and the need for clinical personnel often emerged from warfare, positing that World War I marked the actual birth of physiotherapy as a formal profession.
Throughout his talk, he touches upon significant events such as the formation of physical therapy organizations post-World War I, the increase in demand for rehabilitation services during World War II, and the impact of various wars on the evolution of physiotherapy practice. Ehiogu illustrates how practitioners adapted to meet the challenges posed by high casualty rates, notably the demand for physiotherapy interventions among wounded soldiers.
He addresses the shifts in physiotherapy practice and education over the decades, culminating in the modern era where evidence-based practices and advances in research and technology guide rehabilitation strategies. Ultimately, Ehiogu expresses confidence that while the landscape of physiotherapy continues to evolve, foundational principles of anatomy, physiology, and patient-centered care will always remain central to the profession.