[100 years physical therapy and rehabilitation]

Physical medicine and rehabilitation received powerful impulses from orthopaedic surgery, which organizes its pragmatic and scientific interests since 100 years in its own association. A point of breakthrough was reached at the beginning of the 20th century, when progress in surgical and conservative orthopaedics enabled a comprehensive rehabilitation of physically disabled. On the other hand, the professionalisation of care for the handicapped (Krüppelfürsorge) has decisively supported the advancement of orthopaedics. Next to the storming development of orthopaedic surgery step by step the scientific foundations and clear indications for physiotherapy were achieved. The strategy of treatment was adapted to the increasingly active approach to orthopaedic ailments and traumata. This relates as well to wide ranges of rehabilitation and developed the training of specialists. Orthopaedic surgeons were significantly involved in this development as well as the framing of legal regulations safeguarding the entitlement of the disabled.