When is World Physical Therapy Day Observed?

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When is World Physical Therapy Day Observed?

Due to a rampant rise in neurological and orthopaedic patients, physiotherapy is a boon to many. Physiotherapists are toiling world-wide to help and educate people about pain management on World Physical Therapy Day.

We celebrate their crucial contribution on the 8th of September as the designated World Physiotherapy Day.

The origin

The World Confederation for physical therapy (WCPT) is a registered charity NGO based in the UK. It is now known as World Physiotherapy. This body is the sole international representation of physiotherapists who represent 121 associate nations across the world.

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This confederation was founded on the 8th of September 1951. Hence, since 1996, World physiotherapy day has observed on the 8th of September every year.

Significance of the World Physical Therapy Day

Physiotherapists considered mere surgery aids. But they evolved and educated themselves to know the body’s physical functioning fully. This imparts them the chops to treat a variety of conditions.

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However, because of inadequate media coverage and awareness, this science often got peddled off as massage tricks in the past.

World Physical Therapy Day observed to recognize the efforts of these unsung heroes. The day also commemorates the unity and solidarity of the physical therapists’ community.

The field of physiotherapy is not just exercise and massage anymore. It now involves modern technologies which use electricity, sound, and light energy to cause healing in the body. Owing to these technological advancements, physiotherapists can now effectively cure various conditions.

If a Physical therapist ever helped you to cope with a condition, this is the occasion to shower them with gratitude and appreciation.

World PT Day focus area campaign

World Physiotherapy launches a focus area campaign yearly as one of its strategic pillars. The focus for World Physiotherapy Day on the 8th of September, 2023, is on Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is when the protective cartilage between bones thins down by wear and tear.

The exact cause of OA is unclear. However, several factors increase the risk of OA. Being overweight or obese, having a previous joint injury or joint surgery, ageing, etc., are some of those.

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Once diagnosed, exercise and physical therapy is the first line of defiance in the treatment. It helps pain management and allows for more range and freedom of motion of the joints.

Physiotherapists advise people living with OA to keep as active as possible. This can help reduce pain and other symptoms of OA and help people stay independent.

The campaign will focus on the following key aspects:

• Hip and knee osteoarthritis is the 11th major cause of physical disability.
• Importance of exercise and physical therapy for the treatment of Osteoarthritis.
• Prevention of Osteoarthritis.
• Osteoarthritis and running.

World Physiotherapy also release a World PT Day toolkit that includes various materials to amplify the campaign in every country. Physiotherapy quotes, Banners, posters, infographics, information sheets, etc., are also available to raise awareness about Osteoarthritis.

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