To mark this year’s World Physical Therapy Day, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), has called for more indulgence in physical activities, exercise and movement. In a press statement on Monday, the association explained that many people with long-term health conditions or disabilities could live fulfilled lives if only they have the support of physiotherapists. “Unfortunately, many people do not receive the right kind of support they need. 

 

The people who need the services of physical therapists range from babies to older people, from people with profound disabilities to the highest performing athletes. Through our engagement with them and our focus on physical activity, exercise and movement we have the power to ensure that people reach their potential whatever that may be,” says Emma Stokes, the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) President. The WCPT is the profession’s global body representing over 350,000 physical therapists/ physiotherapists from member organisations in 111 countries.

 

A recent study showed that the loss of global economic output as a result of long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and cancer will be US$ 63 trillion over the next 20 years.

 

However, it need not be like that, says WCPT. “Physical therapy provides services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan.

 

 

This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors.  Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy..

 

Let’s use World Physical Therapy Day to communicate the impact that physical therapy can have on individual lives, and to reach out to politicians and other key decision makers to move our profession closer to fulfilling its full potential in changing the lives of the people we serve.”

 

According to the Physiotherapists, Physical therapists help people lead fulfilled lives.

 

‘Physical therapists have a key role in helping people with long-term conditions achieve their goals, fulfill their potential and participate fully in society. This is the message that thousands of physical therapists (known in some countries as physiotherapists) are sending out on World Physical Therapy Day on 8th September’, they said.

 

By: FRANKA OSAKWE

National Mirror