The Physical Therapy Department was launched in 1958, and it was the first physical therapy center in the country. It was run by one American physical therapist, assisted by one Lebanese aide. In 1960, one English physical therapist joined the center. The patients’ load then did not exceed 15 to 20 inpatients and outpatients per day.

In 1975, with the beginning of the war, all foreign physical therapists left the country. At that time, the only available physical therapy school in the country, the institute of Mgr. Antoine Cortbawi, started graduating physical therapists. Three Lebanese physical therapists were hired, and the department was for the first time, managed by a Lebanese physical therapist. Since 1990, the number of physical therapists rose to nine. Three years ago, two new services were added: psychomotor therapy and occupational therapy.

The department is growing; new methods of treatment were introduced, and new equipment was added. Besides its clinical activities, the department’s teaching activities also became the point of attraction for physical therapy students and trainees.

Moreover, being committed to quality care and practicing based on international standards, the Physical Therapy Department at AUBMC became a leading center in its field in the country.