World PT Day 2023 logo

World PT Day

World PT Day takes place every year on 8 September. In 2023 the day focused on arthritis, with an in-depth look at some forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

World PT Day 2023

The toolkit for World PT Day 2023 includes information sheets, posters, banners, and an activities guide. All the materials are aimed at the general public and promote the role of physiotherapists in the prevention of arthritis, including some forms of inflammatory arthritis eg rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, and in the management of people affected by arthritis. There is also a resource list for facts and additional reading for physiotherapists. This follows on from the theme for 2022, which focused on osteoarthritis.

The materials are available now in a range of languages. Volunteer translators are working on versions of the materials in a number of languages, which will be uploaded to our website as they become available. 

Please note: the World PT Day materials may not be amended without the permission of World Physiotherapy.

Why World PT Day matters

In 1996, 8 September was designated as World PT Day. This is the date World Physiotherapy was founded in 1951.

The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community. Using World PT Day as a focus, World Physiotherapy aims to support member organisations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.

Reports from around the world indicate that World PT Day activities have a positive impact on the profession’s profile and standing with both the public and policy makers.

Many World Physiotherapy member organisations already have their own national physiotherapy days, weeks and months. However, organisations that have no designated day of their own often choose 8 September.

World PT Day 2023

The theme for World PT Day 2023 is arthritis and the role of physiotherapists

View and download toolkit materials for World PT Day 2023
Thumbnail image of World PT Day activities

World PT Day activities

See how World PT Day was celebrated around the world by World Physiotherapy member organisations and others.

View all World PT Day activities

Other pages of interest

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