The End of Physiotherapy

This insightful book examines the challenges facing physiotherapy today and proposes a new direction for the profession's future.

In The End of Physiotherapy, the author emphasizes the necessity for physiotherapy to engage in a critically informed theoretical discussion regarding its history. By exploring the profession through economic, philosophical, political, and sociological lenses, the book aims to shed light on how physiotherapy has reached a pivotal moment. This examination is crucial for understanding the challenges that lie ahead for the field.

Since World War I, physiotherapy has emerged as a leading allied health profession, primarily recognized for its role in orthodox physical rehabilitation. However, the profession is now faced with significant threats, such as an aging population with chronic illnesses, increased skepticism towards biomedicine, and the evolving landscape of healthcare economics. These factors have prompted a critical reflection on physiotherapy's traditional practices, particularly its tendency to view the body as a machine, which has hindered the profession's ability to tackle its current challenges.

The End of Physiotherapy not only highlights the historical and social conditions that have shaped contemporary physiotherapy but also encourages practitioners to rethink their approaches. By analyzing past discourses that have both aided and endangered the profession, the book serves as a vital resource for physiotherapists, scholars, and students alike. It invites readers to reconsider their professional practices and envision a more sustainable future for physiotherapy.