Every year on 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day is marked globally to highlight the essential role physiotherapists play in improving health and wellbeing. This year’s theme focusses on the importance of physiotherapy in healthy ageing, particularly in preventing frailty and falls. According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, people who are more active are up to 41% less likely to have frailty, and physiotherapy helps people be as active as possible.
But the scope of physiotherapy extends much further. It can support people of all ages, from children learning to walk, to adults recovering from injuries, and seniors striving to stay active and independent.
While many people associate physiotherapy only with recovery after an accident or surgery, experts remind us it’s about much more, including prevention, mobility, lifestyle support, and long-term health management.
So, let us look at what physiotherapy really is, and how it can benefit every member of the family.
What Is Physiotherapy Really About?
Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is a clinical, evidence-based practice that uses a combination of movement, exercise, manual therapy, education, and in some cases technology to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further issues.
Yet, many misconceptions about physiotherapy persists today. Megha Narayan, Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapist at The Brain and Performance Centre lists some of the most common misconceptions:
- It’s only for injuries or post-surgery: Many people think physiotherapy is just for recovery after an accident or surgery. In reality, it’s also about prevention, improving mobility, enhancing performance, and managing long-term conditions like arthritis or back pain.
- It’s just massage or exercise: Physiotherapy is far more than that. It’s a clinical, evidence-based practice that may include manual therapy, tailored exercise programs, education, and use of technology or equipment to address specific needs.
- Pain means you shouldn’t move: Some believe rest is the best option when in pain. Often, controlled movement guided by a physiotherapist helps recovery and prevents stiffness or weakness.
- It’s a quick fix: Physiotherapy is usually a process. While some people improve quickly, many conditions require consistent sessions and self-management to achieve lasting results.
- It’s only for older people: Physiotherapy benefits all ages, from children needing support with developmental issues, to athletes improving performance and adults managing workplace or lifestyle-related aches.
How Physiotherapy Supports Everyday Health
Sedentary lifestyles are a growing concern for both adults and children today. Hours at desks, extended screen time, and limited daily movement can all take a toll on one's physical and mental health. Physiotherapy offers practical ways to counteract this.
Here's how it helps, according to Megha Narayan from The Brain and Performance Centre:
- Encouraging movement in daily life: Physiotherapy helps families understand how small, regular movements can counteract the effects of long hours sitting at work, school, or home. It’s about building habits like walking, stretching, or using proper posture.
- Education and prevention: Families learn how to prevent common issues like back and neck pain from screen time, or injuries related to poor ergonomics. Guidance can include how to set up workspaces, carry school bags, or lift objects safely.
- Addressing lifestyle-related conditions: Physiotherapists often support those managing weight, early signs of joint problems, or decreased mobility by creating safe exercise plans suitable for all ages.
- Promoting activity for children and adults: For children, this could mean improving coordination and strength and for adults, staying active to maintain fitness and reduce stress.
- Making it practical: Physiotherapy isn’t just clinic-based. It offers advice families can apply at home including short routines, ways to break up sitting time, and tips to stay active together.
Supporting Long-Term Conditions
Physiotherapy also has a key role in managing chronic and long-term health conditions, which are increasingly common in the UAE.
"For conditions like arthritis, back pain, neurological issues, or after-stroke care, physiotherapy helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain independence through targeted exercises and techniques", says Megha Narayan from The Brain and Performance Centre.
Regular physiotherapy can also help strengthen muscles, protect joints, and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls or secondary problems that often come with long-term conditions, according to experts.
Beyond the physical, physiotherapy boosts mental and emotional wellbeing. Regaining the ability to move freely often improves confidence and reduces stress or anxiety linked to chronic illness.
Perhaps most importantly, physiotherapy focusses on improving quality of life, whether that’s helping someone walk longer distances, return to their favourite hobbies, or simply play with grandchildren without discomfort.
"Physiotherapists often teach clients how to manage their condition at home, empowering them to take control of their health and stay active for longer", adds Megha Narayan from The Brain and Performance Centre.
Children And Physiotherapy
Parents are often surprised to learn how much physiotherapy can benefit children. Megha Narayan from The Brain and Performance Centre, highlights several areas where it can make a difference:
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Developmental delays: Supporting motor milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
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Strength and coordination: Using play-based activities to build muscle strength, balance, and motor skills.
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Independence in daily life: Helping children participate more fully at home, in school, and during play.
For children with special needs, physiotherapists guide families on safe handling, positioning, and everyday care. Home exercise programmes ensure progress continues outside therapy sessions, and adaptive equipment may be recommended to prevent complications.
In cases such as scoliosis, physiotherapists provide targeted exercises for posture correction, core strength, and flexibility, along with breathing techniques and often complementing treatments like bracing.
Physiotherapy As A Tool For Better Living
Most of us are quite oblivious to the benefits of physiotherapy and how it can transform our daily lives, especially since we tend to ignore minor symptoms until the impact is felt to a certain degree. When lifestyles are often fast-paced yet sedentary, integrating physiotherapy into family health routines can make a profound difference.
Physiotherapy is, at its core, about movement, and movement is central to all life forms. From helping a child learn to walk, to enabling an adult to manage chronic pain, to preventing falls in seniors, physiotherapy is a practical tool for everyday health and long-term wellbeing.
So, perhaps the best way to honour this World Physiotherapy Day is to recognise that physiotherapy isn’t only for when something goes terribly wrong. It’s about staying strong, staying active, and living life to the fullest, at any age.