World Physical Therapy Day 2009

Movement for Health

World Physical Therapy Day falls on 8th September every year, and is an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution their profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent.  Although it is up to member organisations and other groups to decide how they would like to mark the day, WCPT does support them in their efforts and provide ideas and information.

This year, 2009, WCPT is encouraging member organisations to continue the Movement for Health theme, started in 2008.  We suggest you take up this theme, since it conveys a core idea of what physical therapists do, while leaving scope for you to incorporate your own ideas and concerns in your activities.

Again, the main focus suggested is on the vital role physical therapists play in combating diseases of civilization, particularly the worldwide obesity crisis.  And again, we are providing a "toolkit" of practical advice, and information to use in publicity and articles.

But this year, we are providing extra factual materials that will help you focus on particular types of lifestyle diseases that are relevant to your work or your location, and the contribution that physical therapists make in combating them.  There are new materials on childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  We have also an updated article from WCPT President Marilyn Moffat, and updated quotes from her, which reflect more specifically on these themes.

The full toolkit of materials is available for download.  The documents available all include a Movement for Health logo, specially designed for World Physical Therapy Day activities.

Follow the links below to see how World Physical Therapy Day is celebrated around the world.