Physical therapists can help people of every age become fit and active contributors to society, whatever their physical limitations or stage of life.

This is the message that thousands of physical therapists, known in some countries – including Rwanda – as physiotherapists, are sending out on World Physical Therapy Day on September 8.

In Rwanda, the Rwanda Physical Therapy Association (RAPTA) will use the whole month of September to organize various activities "to sensitise our people on how to remain "Fit for the Future,” Dr. Capt Jean Damascene Gasherebuka, the Chairman, World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT), Africa Region told The Sunday Times on Saturday.

"We will sensitise people on the importance of remaining physically fit – the advantages of preventing diseases. We shall host talk shows on radios and television and, at the end of the month; we shall organise a sports activity,”

A related WCPT statement e-mailed to The Sunday Times states that every year, physical therapists help millions of people prevent and overcome musculo-skeletal problems and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer. They do this by recommending safe and appropriate exercise programmes.

They help people throughout the lifespan, the statement says, adding that studies have shown that older adults engaged in regular physical activity demonstrate improved balance, strength, coordination, motor control, flexibility, blood pressure and endurance.

"At the other end of the age range, physical activity prescribed by physical therapists counters the inactivity and poor posture in children that can lead to obesity, musculoskeletal disorders and a range of other problems in adult life,” reads part of the statement.

The message for this World Physical Therapy Day is "Fit for the Future”.

Marilyn Moffat, WCPT’s President, is quoted saying that because of their specialist knowledge physical therapists can help all children, adults and older people participate in physical activity. "Physical therapists can help them overcome physical problems that may restrict their ability to move.”

"Physical activity doesn’t just mean more healthy people, but happier more productive people, whether young or aging. It’s time for all of us to be fit for the future.”

World Physical Therapy Day falls on September 8 every year, and is an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about their crucial role in keeping people well, mobile and independent. The day was established by WCPT in 1996, and marks the date on which WCPT was founded in 1951.

The WCPT is the profession’s global body representing over 350,000 physical therapists/ physiotherapists from member organisations in 106 countries.