World PT Day is on Sunday the 8th of September, are you ready?
People can experience pain as an acute or chronic condition. Acute pain is often the easier of the two to manage and often settles on its own and is helped along by simple analgesia such as paracetamol or a short course of weak opiates and adjuncts. Chronic pain however is more complex and often includes physical, social and psychological factors which intertwine to form a web which can be difficult to untangle and unfortunately is often too difficult to cure entirely. This Sunday gives our profession the chance to showcase what we can do to help our patients overcome the burden of chronic pain.
The key themes to share on Sunday are commonly used messages Physiotherapists use on a daily basis no matter where you are around the world. To take back control from chronic pain it is essential we help our patients improve cardiovascular health, build muscle tone and increase self-efficacy to take part in exercise and reduce fear of movement.
On the 8th we will showcase the resources Physiopedia has to help you learn and understand chronic pain and get your patients on the road to recovery.
Why Does World Physical Therapy Day Matter?
In 1996, WCPT designated 8th September as World Physical Therapy Day. This is the date WCPT was founded in 1951.
The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physical therapy community. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physical therapists do for their patients and community. Using World Physical Therapy Day as a focus, WCPT aims to support member organisations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.
Reports from around the world indicate that World Physical Therapy Day activities have a positive impact on the profession’s profile and standing with both the public and policy makers.
Many WCPT member organisations already have their own national physical therapy days, weeks and months. However, organisations that have no designated day of their own often choose 8th September.
It is up to individual physical therapists and WCPT member organisations to decide what activities and materials they wish to develop. That way, they can reflect key national priorities and messages. But each year WCPT provides ideas, publicity and support materials.