WORLD PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY - September 8

WORLD PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY

World Physical Therapy Day on September 8th recognizes the crucial contributions therapists make to society. The day aims to increase awareness of the benefits of physical therapy and the vast opportunities the profession offers.

When injury or surgery sidetracks a person, they often receive a referral to a physical therapist. Also known as a physiotherapist, this health care professional helps people regain mobility, manage pain, and recover more quickly. Along with helping adults, physical therapists work with children, including babies.

A physical therapist can help babies attain gross motor skills. When a baby is diagnosed with a physical disability, mobility is affected.  A physical therapist's training provides techniques that help improve movement and strength for the infant at every stage of growth. This is important for babies diagnosed with a disability that affects mobility.

When working with adults, physical therapists can help prevent loss of mobility and recover from injury or illness.

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, schools, nursing homes, and fitness centers. In the United States and around the world, physical therapists are in high demand. This occupation is in especially high demand in developing countries.

Since physical therapists understand body mechanics and health, most advocate living a healthy lifestyle. They understand that exercise and movement are essential elements for preventing disease.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPhysicalTherapyDay

Many countries throughout the world hold a variety of events on World Physical Therapy Day. Besides the U.S. and Canada, other countries that host events include Brazil, Ghana, Iceland, Malta, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Events include walk-a-thons, informational discussions, and exercise clinics. Ghana’s physiotherapy association offers free screening and physiotherapy consultation sessions. In Canada, physical therapy students set up a booth and asked passers-by to write down ways they stayed active and healthy.

Have you ever benefited from physical therapy? Maybe a physical therapist helped you recover from an injury. Or perhaps physical therapy has helped manage your pain. Whatever the case may be, if you have ever seen a physical therapist, thank them for their hard work. You can also thank a physical therapist if your child, other family members, or loved one has ever benefited from seeing one.

If you have never had a need for physical therapy, a great way to observe this day is to simply get up, and get moving. Encourage others to do the same!

Be sure to share #WorldPhysicalTherapyDay on social media.

WORLD PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY HISTORY

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) founded World Physical Therapy Day in 1996. It was on this date that WCPT was founded in 1951. Themes from past World Physical Therapy Days have included “Fit for Life,” “Add Life to Years,” “Physical Therapy and Mental Health,” and “Taking Control of Chronic Pain.”