World Physical Therapy Day- Background, Theme, Treatment of Arthritis

Every year 8th September is observed as World Physical Therapy(PT) Day. This day is observed to pay tribute to the dedication of physiotherapists and the invaluable services they provide. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital contribution physical therapists make to people's health and wellbeing.

Background to the World Physical Therapy Day

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) was founded on 8th September 1951 in London, United Kingdom. Later the World Confederation for Physical Therapy name was changed to World Physiotherapy . 

In 1996 the WCPT designated 8th September as World PT Day.

Theme of the World  Physical Therapy Day 2023

The theme of the World Physical Therapy  Day 2023  is Arthritis

This year the focus will be on two types of inflammatory arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

Arthritis

In simple words, arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Inflammation  causes pain, swelling, redness and warmth at the joints . Apart from osteoarthritis, in which inflammation is not the cause of joint pain, most of the diseases causing arthritis are caused by autoimmunity.

Autoimmune disease is a chronic disease process caused by cells and chemicals from our normal immune system attacking and damaging our own joints. These autoimmune damages leading to arthritis are broadly referred to as rheumatological diseases and are characterized by rheumatoid arthritis. 

Rheumatological arthritis does not spare any age group. It can start as early as 2 years of age and can even occur for the first time in a patient who is 80 years old.

Axial spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the axial skeleton (chest, spine and pelvis). People with Axial Spondyloarthritis often have back pain before the age of 45 and may even have stiffness and pain as teens or young adults. 

Treatment of Arthritis 

One of the most effective  parts of treatment is physical therapy and dynamic exercises. The fluid present in the spaces between the joints normally circulates throughout the day and ultrafiltration of the blood creates fresh joint fluid. 

The more active a person is, the more movement there is and the more harmful chemicals are removed from the joints. This reduces the loss of joints.

 Use of Steroids 

The most effective drug that suppresses any form of inflammation resulting from autoimmunity is steroids. Steroids act quickly at the site of damage and can provide relief from pain very quickly.  However the chronic use of steroids can lead to high blood pressure, development or worsening of diabetes, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis of bones, etc.