UK, Physiotherapy and Masseuse Registers, 1895 -1980

The collection consists of a variety of registers related to masseuses, physiotherapists, bio-physical assistants, and medical gymnasts, covering the years 1895 to1980. The records detail the members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

History

The Society was established in 1894 as the Society of Trained Masseuses by four nurses who set out to protect their profession after stories in the press warned young nurses and the public of unscrupulous people offering massage as a replacement for other more orthadox services. In 1920, under its new name of the Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics, the Society was granted a Royal Charter by King George V. In the same year the Society amalgamated with the Institute of Massage and Remedial Gymnastics and grew to establish branches and local boards all over the country. Also in 1920, men were permitted to join the Society.