Emma Stokes, World Physiotherapy president 2015-2023, at general meeting in 2023

About us

Founded in 1951, we are the sole international voice for physiotherapy. We represent more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide, through our 128 member organisations.  World Physiotherapy operates as a non-profit organisation and is registered as a charity (World Confederation for Physical Therapy) in the UK. 

Our vision

Everyone has universal access to quality physiotherapy services where and when needed.

Our purpose

To represent physiotherapy across the globe, advancing our profession and advocating access for all, to improve health and wellbeing.

Our strategic pillars

Evolving and sustainable

  • World Physiotherapy is a mature, financially sustainable organisation, with a tailored member offering that supports and builds the capacity of our member organisations and regions.

Influence and reach

  • World Physiotherapy works collaboratively with our member organisations, regions, subgroups, and other stakeholders to advance the profession, increase access to physiotherapy services, and improve outcomes for consumers.

Knowledge connector

  • World Physiotherapy supports effective advocacy and evidence informed best practice by connecting member organisations, regions, subgroups, and other stakeholders to high quality sources of knowledge, data, and insights.

Our values

Connecting

  • We bring our community together through our member organisations, regions, subgroups, and the wider physiotherapy profession. 

Belonging

  • We recognise and embrace the diversity in our community and our actions create a sense of belonging.   

Empowering

  • We support our member organisations, regions, and subgroups in the service of others to create lasting change and impact. 

Collaborating

  • We partner with our member organisations, regions, subgroups, and others who share our values and objectives. 

Find out more about World Physiotherapy

Our history

Find out more about the history of World Physiotherapy and when our member organisations were admitted

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