World Physiotherapy Day

World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day) is observed every year on the 8th September.

Background

Since 1996, the 8th of September has been designated as World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day), a day set aside to honor the establishment of the profession in 1951. This day pays tribute to the dedication of physiotherapists and the invaluable services they provide, helping individuals achieve optimal physical function, from basic mobility to complex activities, whether they are patients or in good health.

Who is a Pysiotherapist

Physiotherapists provide services that develop, maintain and restore people’s maximum movement and functional ability. They can help people at any stage of life, when movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors.

Physiotherapists help people maximise their quality of life, looking at physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. They work in the health spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, and rehabilitation.

Physiotherapists are qualified and professionally required to:

• undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the patient/client or needs of a client group
• evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make clinical judgments regarding patients/clients
• formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and plan
• provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients/clients need to be referred to another healthcare professional
• implement a physiotherapistintervention/treatment programme
• determine the outcomes of any interventions/treatments
• make recommendations for self-management

Theme for 2024

World PT Day takes place every year on 8 September. In 2024 the day will focus on low back pain. 

Low back pain

The global epidemic of low back pain is escalating. A staggering 619 million people worldwide suffered from low back pain in 2020 (nearly 10% of the world's population), and by 2050, that number is expected to reach 843 million.

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading health condition contributing to the need for rehabilitation services in 134 of 204 countries analysed.2 Among musculoskeletal disorders, LBP caused the highest burden, with 568 million people (505- 640) and 64 million (45-85) years lived with disability (YLDs) globally.2 In adults, LBP is the main reason for a premature exit out of the workforce. Projections show that the number of people with LBP will increase in the future, and even more rapidly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is defined as an acute or chronic joint inflammation. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness which may contribute to reduced function and dexterity. Arthritis isn’t a single condition; there are many different types.

It can affect people of all ages and physical fitness – including children, teenagers, and athletes. Some forms of arthritis are more common in older people.

Whatever specific type of arthritis you have, remaining physically active and choosing healthy lifestyle behaviours will help you stay mobile and able to participate in activities that are meaningful to you.

Arthritis can make life difficult by reducing mobility and making everyday activities harder to do. It can affect people's ability to work and participate in social and leisure activities. Arthritis is commonly associated with depression or anxiety.

The symptoms of arthritis can vary from week to week, and even from day to day. However, with the right treatment and approach you can manage your symptoms and live well.

Types of arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. Some of the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spondyloarthritis (including axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis)
• Gout
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

India celebrations

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, serves as the central authority responsible for advancing the development agenda for Persons with Disabilities in the country. In line with its vision to raise awareness about the significance of physiotherapy among the general population, the Department will observe World Physiotherapy Day on September 8, 2023. This observance will entail conducting a range of events across the nation through affiliated institutions.

Source : World Physiotherapy