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World Physical Therapy Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Physical Therapy

In 1996, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) proclaimed September 8 as World Physical Therapy Day. The WCPT was established 70 years ago today.

World Physical Therapy Day is observed on September 8 each year. It is observed to bring attention to the crucial role of physical therapists and chronic pain therapies in maintaining the health and fitness of individuals. Physical therapists attempt to treat an injury or deformity, educate patients about healthy behaviours, and restore functionality that has been lost or injured. Low back pain, cervical and thoracic pain, shoulder pain, sinus issues, cancer, fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, and osteoarthritis are among the diseases associated with chronic pain.

The background of World Physical Therapy Day

In 1996, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) proclaimed September 8 as World Physical Therapy Day. The WCPT was established 70 years ago today. The day recognises the unity and solidarity of the global physical therapy community. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions physical therapists make to their patients and communities.

Hippocrates, the ancient maestro of medicine, is credited with writing the first documented account of physical therapy. In 460 B.C., Hippocrates originated the idea of manual manipulation for pain treatment. Since then, physiotherapy has evolved from a simple massage to a portfolio of complex therapies with a vast array of specialised applications.

For centuries, the field of physical therapy saw little advancement. The first organised group of physical therapists did not emerge until the 18th century. In 1813, Per Henrik Ling, also known as the ‘Father of Swedish Gymnastics,’ founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (RCIG) for massage, manipulation, and exercise. In 1887, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare granted official registration to physical therapists.

Prior to World War II, the majority of physical therapy was administered in hospitals to patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. During the conflict, specialised physical therapy clinics were established to treat the tens of thousands of injured soldiers who required rehabilitation after hospitalisation. This shift to outpatient care reflected the increasing prominence of physical therapy.

Today, physiotherapy is used to treat a vast array of diseases and conditions. Back pain, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, bursitis, muscular strains, Guillain-Barre syndrome, balance disorders, asthma, fibromyalgia, wounds, burns, and rheumatoid arthritis are among the ailments that can be treated. The goals of physiotherapy depend on the specific requirements of the patient, but common intended outcomes include pain relief, increased range of motion, endurance and strength, independence, stress reduction, and an improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

As computers became increasingly prevalent in the medical field, physiotherapy evolved even further. With the advent of the electronic age, which made ever-smaller components feasible, new therapeutic technologies were developed. Electrical stimulators and ultrasounds are two examples of devices that have enhanced the efficacy of therapy.

5 physical therapy facts that will astound you

During World War I, thousands of soldiers were treated with physiotherapy in Canada; in fact, physiotherapy was frequently the first line of treatment.

According to research published in the ‘Annals of Internal Medicine’ in April 2015, physical therapy can help people with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS, a condition that causes lower back pain due to a narrowing of the spine) avoid surgery.

Numerous individuals believe that physiotherapy and physical therapy are two distinct concepts; however, while some countries may differentiate between these two practises, in Canada they are used interchangeably.

Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine, is credited with devising physiotherapy thousands of years ago; surprisingly, he treated his patients with water therapy, which is still used today!

A patient may participate in physiotherapy while taking medications, but physiotherapists treat maladies with exercise-based therapies that do not involve drugs.