World Physical Therapy Day 2024, Theme and its Background

Every year since 1996, September 8 has been observed as World Physical Therapy Day worldwide. The day raises awareness amongst the public and other stakeholders about the role physiotherapists play in keeping people well, mobile, and independent.

Background to the World Physical Therapy Day

On 8 September 1951, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) was founded by 11 national physiotherapy associations in London, United Kingdom. The name WCPT was later changed to World Physiotherapy in 2020. 

In 1996, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy decided to observe its foundation day, the 8th of September, as World Physical Therapy Day.

Theme of the World Physical Therapy  Day 2024

The theme of World Physical Therapy  Day 2024  is low back pain (LBP) and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.

Low Back pain is one of the main causes of disability amongst humans worldwide. 

Low back pain is not age-specific and can affect people of any age, and almost all people suffer back pains in their lifetime.

It becomes chronic (back pain of more than three months )in a minority of the population.

Cause of Low Back Pain There are several reasons for back pain in a human being, and some of the important  causes of low back pain are; 

• Sedentary Lifestyle- where people are mainly immobile and don’t do any physical activity,
• Obesity
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Postural Issues
• Disk Problems

Who is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who treat patients suffering from pain or difficulty in movement due to injury, illness, or disability.

The Physiotherapist assesses the patient's condition, develops a rehabilitation plan, and implements it to lessen or remove pain syndrome and restore the patient's movement and functions.  

The physiotherapist uses a wide range of physical therapies and techniques, such as heating, laser techniques, exercise, movement, ultrasound, and others.