World Physiotherapy Day 2024 will be celebrated on September 8, highlighting the essential role of physiotherapists in enhancing well-being and recovery. This day not only commemorates the founding of the physiotherapy profession but also serves as a global platform for advocating for the importance of physical therapy in managing health challenges. By participating in this event, you can raise awareness about the benefits of physiotherapy, particularly in addressing issues like low back pain.
World Physiotherapy Day provides ample opportunities to learn and share knowledge about the profession. Engaging in various activities lined up for the day can deepen your understanding of how physiotherapy contributes to health improvement and recovery processes.
As you prepare to celebrate this impactful day, consider how you can contribute to the conversation on physiotherapy’s positive effects. Get ready to join a worldwide community dedicated to promoting health and well-being through informed practices and awareness-raising efforts.
Significance of World Physiotherapy Day
World Physiotherapy Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about physiotherapy’s impact on health. The observance highlights its historical roots and marks its lasting effect on global health practices, particularly in pain management and rehabilitation.
Historical Background
World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated annually on September 8. The event commemorates the establishment of the physiotherapy profession in 1951. This date was chosen to honour the inception of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT).
Initial celebrations began in 1996, aiming to promote the role of physiotherapists worldwide. Over the years, the focus has evolved to address specific health issues, including the management of low back pain, which is a significant concern today. The day serves as a reminder of the profession’s continuous development and commitment to improving patient care.
Global Impact
The global impact of World Physiotherapy Day encompasses various dimensions. Each year, physiotherapy organizations and practitioners across the world organize events, workshops, and campaigns to engage the public. These initiatives aim to educate communities about the benefits of physiotherapy.
The 2024 theme emphasizes low back pain, a condition that affects millions globally. Events encourage dialogue on effective management strategies and the importance of early intervention. Physiotherapists play a vital role in healthcare, contributing to pain management, mobility enhancement, and overall well-being. By recognizing this day, you support efforts to improve awareness and access to physiotherapy services globally.
What is Low back pain?
Low back pain (LBP) describes pain between the lower edge of the ribs and the buttock. It can last for a short time (acute), a little longer (sub-acute) or a long time (chronic). It can affect anyone.
LBP makes it hard to move and can affect quality of life and mental well-being. It can limit work activities and engagement with family and friends.
Key Facts to Note
- LBP is the leading cause of disability globally. 619 million people experienced LBP in 2020, that’s 1 in 13 people.
- Low back pain can be experienced at any age, and almost everyone will experience it at some time in their lives. However, it only becomes chronic (lasting more than 3 months) for a minority.
- 90% of LBP is non-specific, which means there is no one specific structure (eg, joint, muscle, ligament, disc) that can be found to cause it, and it is not due to a serious or specific underlying disease.
- Among health conditions that may benefit from rehabilitation, LBP is the condition that the greatest number of people could benefit from.
- In all types and at all stages of LBP, rehabilitation is essential to reassure people and help you make sense of your pain, help support recovery, return to activities you enjoy and maintain independence in daily living.
- Exercise is the most helpful treatment for LBP. One type of exercise doesn’t appear to be better than any other – remaining active and doing it regularly is the most important. Your physiotherapist will help you find an exercise that’s right for you.
- Physiotherapists provide expert advice, guidance and treatment for LBP. They will help to improve your overall health and wellbeing, while reducing your chances of future episodes.
Read Also: Low Back Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Raising Awareness
The theme for World Physiotherapy Day 2024 focuses on raising awareness about the impact and management of low back pain (LBP). This year’s objective is to promote a deeper understanding of effective treatments for LBP, highlight the vital role of physiotherapy, and encourage proactive approaches to both prevention and management.
To commemorate this significant day, Lily Hospitals, in collaboration with Lily Wellness Centre, has organized a series of events to highlight the vital role of physiotherapy in managing and treating low back pain.
- Ughelli Health Walk: We will kick off this year’s event with a Health Walk in Ughelli, scheduled for Friday, 6th of September. The walk will focus on promoting health, fitness, and general well-being, and raising awareness about the importance of physiotherapy in managing and preventing conditions like low back pain. Participants will follow the designated route and conclude the walk with a pep talk on Low Back Pain, followed by LBP-focused exercises led by our Lily Wellness Centre team.
- Low Back Pain Webinars: The above will be followed by a Webinar on Monday, 9th of September, led by our Physiotherapy Team Lead, PT Chimaobi Ezema, titled ‘Understanding Low Back Pain: From Diagnosis to Recovery.
- Media Engagements: Starting Monday, 9th of September, our Physiotherapy team will be live on various media platforms across Delta State, including RizeFM, MEGA, and QuestFM, to discuss Low Back Pain and the crucial role of physiotherapy in managing this condition.
- Social Media Campaigns: We will also launch an extensive media campaign across all our social media channels throughout the week, sharing valuable information on Low Back Pain and other conditions that Physiotherapy can effectively manage.
At Lily Wellness Centre, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the management of low back pain through our innovative health programs. Our expert physiotherapists are committed to guiding you toward improved mobility and pain relief. Join us in raising awareness about low back pain and the critical role physiotherapists play in its treatment.
To learn more about the services we offer, visit Lily Wellness Centre or reach out to us via the following contact details:
- Warri: 09055609070
- Benin: 07047713718
- Email: physiotherapy@lilyhospitals.net
Frequently Asked Questions
World Physiotherapy Day highlights the importance of physiotherapy practices worldwide. It focuses on increasing awareness about the profession and encourages participation in various activities dedicated to physiotherapy.
How is World Physiotherapy Day celebrated?
World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated on September 8 each year. Events often include educational workshops, community health fairs, and the distribution of informative materials. Social media campaigns using hashtags, such as #WorldPTDay, also play a significant role in spreading awareness.
What activities are lined up by Lily Hospitals to observe World Physiotherapy Day?
Lily Hospitals have lined up several activities to celebrate the day and beyond including a public webinar on low back pain management, a health walk, media engagement and health education on low back pain and other activities aimed at our local communities here in Warri, Benin and Ughelli. The aim is to raise awareness about the role of physiotherapists in managing low back pain and related conditions.
In what ways can World Physiotherapy Day contribute to public awareness about physiotherapy?
This day raises awareness about the benefits of physiotherapy in managing various conditions, including low back pain. Through media campaigns and outreach programs, the public gains insights into how physiotherapy can improve quality of life and promote rehabilitation.
How does World Physiotherapy Day impact the global understanding of physical therapy practices?
The day fosters a global dialogue about best practices in physiotherapy. Sharing experiences from different regions enhances understanding and encourages international collaboration, promoting advancements in the field.
