Every year 8th September is marked as World Physical Therapy / Physio therapy Day (PT Day) which is an opportunity for physiotherapists from around the world to raise awareness about the professional’s crucial commitment to keeping people safe, mobile, and healthy. In 1996, the World PT Day was declared to be 8 September. This is the date of the establishment of World Physiotherapy in 1951.
The day marks the worldwide physiotherapy community’s unity and solidarity. It is an opportunity to appreciate the work physiotherapists do for their patients and their society. World Physiotherapy Day is a centrepiece that strives to encourage and strengthen its knowledge in member organisations.
Theme of World Physiotherapy Day 2023
This year the theme for World PT Day 2023 will focus on Arthritis and forms of inflammatory arthritis
On September 8, World Physiotherapy Day will focus on arthritis, with a close examination of some kinds of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. This continues the 2022 topic, which focused on osteoarthritis.
The most common joint disease is osteoarthritis (OA), which affects 520 million individuals worldwide and affects 60% of cases of knee OA. Hip and knee OA were classified as the 11th largest contributor to disability in a global evaluation of 291 disorders. It’s unknown what causes OA exactly. Being overweight or obese, having a history of joint injury or surgery, a history of joint overuse, and a family history of OA all raise your chance of developing the condition.
The first line of treatment for OA is exercise. A physiotherapist can give guidance and instruction on managing OA and methods of pain treatment. People with OA can learn from them how to increase range of motion in their joints and build muscle.
People with OA should maintain as much activity as they can. This can lessen other OA symptoms, relieve discomfort, and help people maintain their independence. Only one-third of OA sufferers will have progressive impairment and pain increases over time, while others experience improvements. You can get advice from a physiotherapist on how to stay active.
History
In 1996, 8 September was declared as World Physical Therapy Day by the WCPT (International Confederation of Physiotherapy). WCPT established this date in 1951. The events of the World Physical Therapy Day have a positive impact on the profession ‘s image and on public and politicians, as the numerous studies from around the world have shown. A number of WCPT member groups have their own individual days, weeks and months of physical therapy.
Swikriti Dandotia
