History of the company

The Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists has been a leading force in the development and advancement of physiotherapy as a profession in this country. Since its founding in 1940, the association has worked to strengthen professional practice, improve the working environment and secure the rights of physiotherapists, while continuously advancing healthcare.

Physiotherapy as a professional discipline

Physiotherapy as a profession has roots that go back to ancient times, where physical exercise and therapy were used to promote health and heal injuries. The earliest records of such therapy date back to 2600 BC. However, the formal development of the discipline took place in the 18th and 19th centuries, when Per Henrik Ling founded the Gymnastik Institut in Stockholm and laid the foundation for modern exercise therapy and rehabilitation. Iceland later adopted this development and introduced physiotherapy as a recognized health profession in the 20th century, with an increased emphasis on scientific basis, education and professional autonomy.

The beginnings and early years of the company (1940–1960)

The Icelandic Association of Massage Therapists was founded in 1940, marking the beginning of organized professional association activities for physiotherapists in Iceland. Ingunn Thorstensen was the first chairwoman of the association and served until 1955. At that time, the profession of physiotherapist was still taking shape and the work was becoming established within the health system. The emphasis was on building a professional community, promoting education, and improving the facilities and rights of physiotherapists.

Development and professional establishment (1960–1980)

In 1962 the name of the association was changed to the Icelandic Physiotherapy Association and two years later the association became a member of the World Physiotherapy Association and thus part of an international professional collaboration. The chairmen at this time included Vivan Svavarsson (1955–1968) and Sigríður Gísladóttir (1968–1979), who led the association through a period in which physiotherapy made great progress, both in terms of education, professional development and recognition as a health profession.

Structure and diverse activities (1980–2000)

In the 1980s and 1990s, professional debate in society about physiotherapy increased, and physiotherapists became increasingly involved in health policy-making. The association participated in the development of education and professional rights, and emphasized strengthening the independence of the profession. During these years, interest in specialization within physiotherapy also increased, and professional departments and working groups began to operate.

The Association of Independent Physiotherapists was founded in 1990 and was intended to protect the interests of members who worked independently under contracts with the Icelandic Social Security Administration (TR).

The Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists was founded in 1995 and then assumed the bargaining power for most physiotherapists who were salaried, whether they worked in public or private institutions. The association became a member of the Icelandic Association of University Teachers (BHM).

Changes and merger (2000–2013)

In the early years of the 21st century, discussions began about strengthening the internal organization and solidarity within the profession. In the fall of 2012, it was agreed to merge three separate physiotherapist associations into one overall association with divisions according to fields of work. The inaugural meeting of the merged Physiotherapist Association was held on December 10, 2012, and the new association began operations on January 1, 2013. The goal of the merger was to strengthen the influence of the profession, ensure stronger professional discussion, and improve service to members.

The present and ongoing development (2013–present)

Since 2013, the association has operated on a renewed basis, emphasizing professional development, protecting the rights of physiotherapists, and advocating for increased cooperation between healthcare professionals within the healthcare system. Unnur Pétursdóttir served as chairman from 2013 to 2022, with Gunnlaugur Már Briem taking over as chairman in 2022. The association is a member of the Icelandic Association of University Professors (BHM) and works systematically to strengthen the position of physiotherapists as educated experts in health promotion, rehabilitation, and prevention. The association holds regular events and educational courses for physiotherapists, and an annual physiotherapy conference is held in Iceland, called Physiotherapy Day. In addition, the association celebrates International Physiotherapy Day on September 8th each year, together with other member associations of World Physiotherapy.

1940 - 2014

Timeline