By: Marie Serrado
World Physical Therapy Day is observed on September 8th. This day serves as an opportunity to highlight the crucial role that physical therapists and physiotherapists play in promoting movement, rehabilitation, and recovery for individuals with various health conditions and injuries. World Physical Therapy Day was established on September 8th, 1996, by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT). Since then, each year gives us the opportunity to recognize the contributions that physical therapists provide to patients and the community.
Physical Therapists, also known as Physiotherapists, play an important role in the lives of everyone. They help with prevention, wellness, fitness, and health promotion. Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, addressing conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and more. Moreover, physical therapists assist in managing diseases and disabilities, serving as a bridge between health services and the general population. This means that physical therapists, being experts in rehabilitation and habilitation – which refers to a process aimed at helping individuals with disabilities attain, maintain, or improve skills and functioning for daily living – can also provide the knowledge and expertise to help individuals and the overall population improve health and prevent avoidable health conditions.
By celebrating World Physical Therapy Day, organizations and practitioners aim to promote the understanding of physical therapy as a vital component of healthcare, encourage collaboration among healthcare professionals, and advocate for better access to physical therapy services worldwide.
References:
- (2023b, August 11). World physical therapy day. National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/world-physical-therapy-day/#:~:text=World%20Physical%20Therapy%20Day%20is,keeping%20people%20healthy%20and%20fit.
- Role advocacy – american physical therapy association. (n.d.). https://www.apta.org/siteassets/pdfs/policies/pt-role-advocacy.pdf
