Instituted in 1996 by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy, World Physical Therapy Day aims to build public awareness on the crucial role of physical therapists in making and keeping people well, mobile, and independent.

Physical therapists are professionals who provide services to people with medical problems or health-related conditions such as impairment on bones, nerves and related muscles, heart and related blood vessels, lungs and breathing, and skin systems. These professionals evaluate and educate the patients on the application of the right interventions on pain management and stages of the healing process. They strive to increase the ability to move, restore normal functions, and prevent future occurrences and disability.

There are various specializations among physical therapists. Orthopedic physical therapists are responsible for the treatment of post-operative joints, arthritis, acute sports injuries, and amputations. Geriatric physical therapists help the older adults in facing the issues of going through aging. Neurological physical therapists help patients with disorders of poor balance, inability to ambulate, loss of functional independence, paralysis, and vision impairment. Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapists specialize in treating patients who suffered from heart attacks, coronary bypass surgery, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pediatric physical therapists assist in early detection of congenital, development, neuromuscular, and skeletal disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.

This year’s theme "Movement for Health" focuses on the core idea of what physical therapists do and ways to prevent medical health problems caused by civilization. There will be conventions, seminars, forums, and assemblies discussing issues of physical therapy, free physical therapy services, aerobics classes and demonstrations, and logo and poster making contests.

Let us all join in supporting World Physical Therapy Day!