Message from WCPT President

"A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings." Hippocrates (460 BC-377BC)

Physical therapy, known in some countries as physiotherapy, had its beginnings in the time of the ancient Greeks.  They understood that the capacity to move is a vital element of health and well being and today, physical therapy is an essential part of health services delivery systems around the world.

Physical therapists aim to identify and maximise human movement potential.  They promote health, prevent problems and treat injuries and functional limitations, always working in partnership with their patients and clients. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy, founded in 1951 to represent physical therapists internationally, champions the principle that every individual is entitled to the highest possible standard of culturally-appropriate health care.  It believes this should be provided in an atmosphere of trust and respect for human dignity and underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and scientific evidence.

WCPT is a non-profit organisation comprising 101 member organisations that, together, represent more than 300,000 physical therapists worldwide. It works to improve global health by encouraging high standards of physical therapy research, education and practice and by supporting exchange of information among WCPT member organisations and their members.

To this end, WCPT undertakes and supports a range of programmes, projects and campaigns promoting the physical therapy contribution to global health. It maintains official relationships and strategic alliances with government and non-government agencies worldwide, including the World Health Organization.

WCPT wants this website to be a valuable resource to physical therapists around the world. Your questions, suggestions and ideas about the content and the work of WCPT are welcome.  Please explore the site and give us your feedback by email at rmoore@wcpt.org

Marilyn Moffat
WCPT President