ABSTRACT

This chapter begins by outlining some of the major health reforms that have occurred since 1973 before considering how physiotherapists have responded. It traces the history of specialisation and the effect that masters – and doctoral-entry degrees are having on practice – particularly in North America. The chapter then examines physiotherapy in 1973 with practice today and explores how research and publication have changed the way people engage with physiotherapy. The increased attention given to people's individual beliefs and opinions that accompanied many of the social changes that accompanied neoliberalism mirrored the growth of more individual, behavioural approaches to health and social care. The chapter considers some of the background changes taking place in the broader economy of healthcare to put the changes in physiotherapy into context. There have been some remarkable advances in physiotherapy over the last 50 years: advances in specialisation, assessment and treatment, education, regulation and research have all figured strongly in the profession since 1973.