The department of Physiotherapy has been in existence, in Kasturba Hospital, since 1972. Initially it was under the department of Orthopedics. From 1981- 1991, the department conducted a 2-year diploma course. From 1992, a Bachelor's programme was offered and Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) was started in 1997. Since 1996, it has been an independent department and with the inception of the College of Allied Health Sciences, now the Manipal College in Health Professions, in 1999, physiotherapy became an integral part of it.

Since then, it has been the leading department in education, clinical services and research. The Department has initiated Bachelor’s program and Master’s program in various specialities of Physiotherapy with full time PhD programs on offer as well.