Today, 8th September is World Physical Therapy Day. The day is an opportunity for Physiotherapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution the profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent.

The overarching theme for World Physical Therapy Day each year is ‘Movement for Health’. This year, the message is “Physical activity for life”, highlighting the important role that physiotherapists play in healthy ageing.

There are well evidenced guidelines for the amount of recommended physical activity for adults aged 18–64. Physical activity includes leisure time physical activity (for example: walking, dancing, gardening, hiking, swimming), transportation (e.g. walking or cycling), occupational (i.e. work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in the context of daily, family, and community activities.

In order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, reduce the risk of NCDs and depression:

• Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
• Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes duration.
• For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or engage in 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
• Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.

Why do Physiotherapists play such an important role in supporting physical activity?

We play a crucial role in both keeping and improving people’s activity levels. “If you’re injured or in pain, the first thing people tend to do is rest” says goPhysio’s Clinical Director, Paul Baker. “GP’s often use this as their first line of advice. But rest isn’t always the best way to recover from an injury. We aim to help people stay as active as they can whilst they recover – be it alternative activities or modifications.”

“People often get scared to move if they’re in pain, so we reassure people and give them the confidence that movement is OK. When this is done early on, it prevents so many potential secondary issues evolving.”

“We also help and encourage people to try things that they may not think possible, particularly the older section of patients we see.”

Our exercise rehabilitation for example can be specifically designed for over 60’s, so they can gain confidence exercising in a friendly, supportive environment. We also offer a range of clinical pilates classes, great for improving strength and balance. Everything we offer at goPhysio is led by clinical experts, so they are in the unique position of being able to focus not only on fitness and wellbeing but also combining this with knowledge and expertise in injury and health conditions.

If you’d like to improve your physical activities, but are limited by pain, injury or confidence, then please do get in touch to find out how we could help you.

#Worldptday