World Physiotherapy Day celebrates physiotherapists for ongoing care during COVID-19

08 Sep 2021

To celebrate World Physiotherapy Day (World PT Day) today September 8, the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (the Board) is celebrating the work of the more than 38,000 registered physiotherapists in Australia.

World Physiotherapy Day celebrates the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community and the work physiotherapists do for their patients and the community.

Board Chair Kim Gibson congratulates all registered physiotherapists for their ongoing work and commitment over the past year.

‘The Board recognises and commends the ongoing care provided by physiotherapists in the second year of this global pandemic. Physiotherapists have had to adapt their practice to support health services and consumers.

The key focus for this year’s World Physiotherapy Day is long COVID and rehabilitation. Global guidance has been developed to support physiotherapists to manage safe and effective rehabilitation approaches for people recovering from respiratory illness and COVID-19.

‘There is still uncertainty in the extent of how COVID-19 will impact the Australian community in the longer term. As physiotherapists we need to know how to manage patients who have had COVID-19, particularly those who have complications from this virus and how as physiotherapists we help them in their recovery.’

The Board has developed a podcast to help inform Australian physiotherapists and consumers on long COVID which is an emerging condition that is not yet well understood but can be severely disabling. Among a sample of 3,762 people living with long COVID across 56 countries, 72% reported post exertional symptom exacerbation.

Given the ongoing duration of this pandemic and additional pressure on practitioners, World Physiotherapy Day 2021 is also an important reminder for physiotherapists to take time for self care, Ms Gibson said.

‘Today, take time to reflect on how you are going and look out for your colleagues,’ she said.

For more information

• Follow the conversation on social media, using the #WorldPTDay hashtag.
• Materials for #WorldPTDay are available on the World Confederation for Physical Therapy’s (WCPT) website.
• Long COVID and the role of physiotherapy podcast
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers).
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• Board information: www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au