World Physical Therapy Day

World Physical Therapy Day

In 1996, the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) now known as World Physiotherapy designated September 8 as World Physical Therapy Day. This is the date World Physiotherapy was founded in 1951.

The awareness color associated with World Physical Therapy Day is teal. Wear a teal enamel awareness pin, teal fabric ribbon, or teal wristband to honor this awareness day.

World Physical Therapy Day and the World Community

World Physical Therapy Day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. It is an opportunity to recognize the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community. Using World PT Day as a focus, World Physiotherapy aims to support member organizations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.

Reports from around the world indicate that World PT Day activities have a positive impact on the profession’s profile and standing with both the public and policy makers.

Many World Physiotherapy member organizations already have their own national physical therapy days, weeks and months. However, organizations that have no designated day of their own often choose September 8 as their observation day.

It is up to individual physiotherapists and World Physiotherapy member organizations to decide what activities and materials they wish to develop. That way, they can reflect key national priorities and messages. But each year World Physiotherapy provides ideas, publicity and support materials.

The Focus in 2023

The focus for 2023’s World PT Day was arthritis. On this day, they took an in-depth look at some forms of inflammatory arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. This follows on from the theme for 2022, which focused on osteoarthritis.

The campaign was focused on the following key messages:

• 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.
• Arthritis can affect people of all ages and physical fitness. This includes children, teenagers, and athletes. Some forms of arthritis are more common in older people.
• The symptoms of arthritis can vary from week to week, and even from day to day. It can also affect people in different ways. Each condition has specific symptoms. However, with the right treatment and approach, you can manage your symptoms and live well.

Inflammatory Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Axial Spondyloarthritis and World Physical Therapy Day

• Regular physical activity and exercise are important in the management of all forms of inflammatory arthritis (IA). This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), and offer numerous health benefits.
• Physiotherapy is an important part of your overall treatment. A physiotherapist will guide you on how to exercise safely. They will help you increase your activity levels, set goals, and find the right balance between rest and activity.
• It’s important to stay active and keep moving when you have arthritis. Physiotherapists are part of a multidisciplinary team that can help you manage your arthritis. PT’s will be able to assess your condition and abilities and guide you on how to keep active and help manage your symptoms.
• People with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory joint disorders have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Healthy lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, are important in the management of RA to reduce the risk of CVD.
• People with axial SpA should be referred to a physiotherapist to start an individualized, structured exercise program. The program should be tailored to help maintain spinal flexibility, whole body flexibility, and reduce pain. Even when you have pain, continuing to exercise at levels that suit you has significant benefits.
• Only about a third of people living with Osteoarthritis will get worse over time. Some see an improvement in pain and disability. A physiotherapist will be able to guide you on how to keep active.
• Arthritis is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children. Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Physiotherapy forms an important role in the management of the symptoms of JIA.

The Focus in 2022

The focus for 2022’s World PT Day was osteoarthritis and the role of physiotherapists in its prevention. The day also focused on the management of people affected by osteoarthritis. In 2022, the focus was on other rheumatological conditions.

The campaign focuses on the following messages.

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint condition. 520 million people around the world have OA. In addition, 60% of OA cases are for knee OA.
• In a global study of 291 conditions, hip and knee OA ranked as the 11th highest contributor to disability.
• The exact cause of OA is unclear. Risk factors that increase the risk of OA include obesity, having a previous joint injury or joint surgery or history of joint overuse, and genetics.
• Exercise is a first-line treatment for OA. A physiotherapist can provide advice and education about pain relief and ways to manage OA. They can teach people living with OA how to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles.
• It is important for people living with OA to keep as active as possible. This can help improve pain, reduce other symptoms of OA, and help people stay independent.
• Only about a third of people living with OA will get worse over time. Some see an improvement in pain and disability.