World Physical Therapy Day 2019

The role of physical therapists in helping people with chronic painto take control of their condition, increase their activity, and improve their quality of life is the theme of this year’s World Physical Therapy Day on 8 September 2019.

Chronic pain can be associated witha wide range of conditions including low back pain, cervical and thoracic pain, shoulder pain, headache disorders, cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Physical therapists have unique skills to recommend specific exercise programmes to help relieve chronic pain.

The benefits of using exercise to manage chronic pain include:

• maintaining flexibility and movement
• improving cardiovascular health
• building and keeping muscle tone
• improving mood and general wellbeing
• helping control pain
• increasing confidence to take part in activities
• taking back control of your life and reducing your fear.

WCPT President Emma Stokes said: ‘People who have chronic pain tell us that it can be difficult to get or stay active. But a physical therapist can work with you to suggest activities or a programme that’s right for you. They can help you understand how pain works, reduce your fears around pain, educate you about your condition, encourage you to take part safely in physical activity, build your confidence, help you remain or return to work or participate in activities that allow you to live lifethe way you want to.'

'Talk to a physical therapist and discover how they can help you learn self-management techniques to manage your pain.’

Every year individual physical therapists and WCPT member organisations celebrate their contribution to global health on World Physical Therapy Day, organising events and using the #worldptday hashtag to share stories and experiences across the world. World Physical Therapy Day is aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) action plan. WHO has two classifications for physical activity: moderate, such as brisk walking or cycling, and vigorous, such as running or fast swimming.

There is a booklet with ideas on how to take part and a toolkit with lots of resources to help you.

If you have any questions regarding the use of any of the materials, please contact Mia Lockner. Please note: the materials may not be amended without the permission of WCPT.