World Physical Therapy Day observed with the theme 'Rehabilitation and COVID-19'

World Physical Therapy Day was observed on 8th September, informed my ex-student Pawan Kumar with inset picture, to celebrate the contribution of physiotherapy as a profession and academic discipline that serves to keep people - cutting across the ability spectrum - well, mobile and independent both in daily life and work life.

The Physipedia website informs, "If you want to keep healthy, keep moving - all through your life. People who stay active are more likely to keep working, engaging with and enjoying life without having to depend on others. They are fit for life. Inactivity contributes to disability and can directly lead to millions of deaths around the world every year. It can can contribute to morbidities such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer."

This year, the observance is being held with focus on 'Rehabilitation and COVID-19' by promoting physiotherapy through 'telehealth' mode due the pandemic crisis.

The main promoters of the observance - the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) - say that the physical therapists as trained, certified and licensed professionals evaluate and treat abnormal physical functions related to injury, disability, disease, or condition of a person.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist is a trained and licensed medical professional who 'diagnoses physical abnormalities, restores physical function and mobility' and 'helps in maintaining proper physical function.'

Special educators and educational therapists also design interventions for fine motor development, posture correction, grasp strengthening and proper pincer movement acquisition of children with special needs (CWSN) by drawing strength from the ergonomics principles and techniques of physiotherapy.

I have used cross-lateral physical exercises as therapeutic technique to improve the mobility of CWSN at Disha in Jaipur. For this we went by the advice of Joerg Teichmann, who says, “Each body is different. Therefore, each rehabilitation must be different."