There are designated days of awareness and appreciation almost every day of the year: Chocolate Cake Day, National Napping Day, World Password Day, the list goes on. At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we recognize the hard work and passion physical therapists bring to the clinic every day. It’s one of the reasons we maintain an active support network to help our partner clinics and individual PTs thrive. There’s one special day coming up that gives us a chance to remind our PTs how much we appreciate them. Join Alliance PTP and other organizations across the globe to celebrate World PT Day on September 8.
This article provides some background information about World PT Day and why it’s important. We’ll also talk about this year’s theme and how we support our PT community every day.
What is World PT Day and when is it?
The eighth of September was named World PT Day in 1996 by an organization in the UK called World Physiotherapy. According to its website, “World PT Day is an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution their profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent.”
World Physiotherapy uses this annual day of awareness to help clinics everywhere promote the profession and advance their expertise. PT organizations host special events, run awareness campaigns, and take steps to advocate for policy supporting wellness causes and the PT industry at large. Some organizations have different designated celebrations, but many have followed suit to participate in the global movement each September.
Why was it created and what’s the significance?
World PT Day is an opportunity to recognize the work that physical therapists do for their patients and community. It marks the unity and solidarity of the global physical therapy community, and advocacy projects on this day have positively impacted perceptions of this community among the public and policymakers.
One of the most important aspects of World PT Day is that it reminds people to tell the PTs in their lives how much they’re appreciated and thank them for everything they do. Physical therapists often don’t get the same recognition as other medical professionals like doctors and nurses. Maybe you’re in physical therapy right now, maybe you work with PTs in a professional capacity, or maybe you have a friend or a family member in the field. September 8 is your day to do something a little extra special to show your PT they’re appreciated. You could do something as simple as writing them a thank-you note or bringing them their favorite treat. Clinical leaders can consider making this an annual employee appreciation day or hosting an event for members of the community who can benefit from their services.
Many people don’t know much about physical therapy until they receive a referral from their doctor. In most states, you don’t need a referral to see a physical therapist. In many cases, physical therapy is covered by insurance, too. People of all ages can benefit from physical therapy, and it can help prevent common health issues like osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Physical therapists treat patients with congenital conditions, injuries from acute trauma and overuse, athletes, and people who want to take a more proactive approach to health and wellness.
What’s the theme for World PT Day 2024?
Every year, World Physiotherapy chooses a unique theme to draw attention to a specific issue in the field of physical therapy. This year’s theme is truly global in scope: In 2024, PTs everywhere will be talking about low back pain and the role of physical therapy in its prevention and management. In a 2019 global study of musculoskeletal disorders, low back pain caused the highest global burden, affecting 568 million people for a total of 64 million years lived with disability. It’s the most common cause of premature exit from the workforce for adults; however, people of any age can experience it. Projections show that the number of people with low back pain will increase in the coming years.
Low back pain can come as a result of an imbalance, a structural problem, a medical condition or an injury. Many times, people start to feel low back pain when their muscles are weakened from sitting too much or having poor posture. If the soft tissue in your back isn't strong and healthy, it can be strained quite easily. Most types of low back pain can be prevented with a bit of awareness, some lifestyle adjustments, and strengthening and conditioning exercises.
There’s a huge unmet need for rehabilitation in many places, and people with this common condition have a lot of potential to improve their symptoms. Physical therapists use different techniques to reduce built-up pressure in the spinal column; for example, they can perform ergonomic assessments to help people put less strain on their back during the workday. One of the most important services PTs provide is patient education to help people learn about spinal health and wellness.
Our Alliance PTP partner clinics’ physical therapists use the following techniques and other treatments to help patients with low back pain:
- Manual therapy
- Strength and flexibility exercises
- Work conditioning (SMART program)
- Dry needling
How we celebrate PTs all year round at Alliance PTP
At Alliance PTP, we take a people-first approach to everything we do. The backbone of our community support programming is our partner network of elite physical therapy practices. Administrative support, staffing and top-tier benefits are just the beginning. We bring clinical leaders together for in-person CORE programs, which blend formal and informal learning activities. Each partner in our network brings unique strengths and insights, which we leverage to improve the entire community.
We strive to make sure all of our PTs have access to professional development and support at every point in their careers. For our employees and those at our partner clinics, we offer career development and a clinical leadership pathway. We even offer students opportunities for clinical rotations, shadowing and volunteering. We truly believe that supporting both individuals and organizations in the field of physical therapy lifts us all up to reach new heights.
Here are some of the benefits our employees and partner organizations enjoy:
- Comprehensive support services for nearly every aspect of clinic management
- Clinical Leadership Pathway
- Lessons for Leaders book club
- CORE in-person learning experiences
- Mentorship program
- Third-party and internally developed continuing education courses
- Flexible scheduling and lower-than-industry-average daily patient visit expectations for better work-life balance
- Competitive benefits
- Perks like $20 physical therapy sessions, discounted orthotics, telemedicine services and even pet insurance
Celebrate World PT Day with the Alliance PTP community
Burnout is unfortunately a common struggle among physical therapists. It’s a caring profession and a physically demanding job. Many PTs see back-to-back patients all day, every day. At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we want our PTs to feel rewarded for doing their best and have the time and energy to live a full life. We want that for PTs everywhere, which is why we’re so invested in our professional community. When PT clinics have the resources and support they need to take care of their employees, their patients get the high-quality PT they need.
Are you searching for a physical therapist right now? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner in your area that can help you with your treatment goals.
Are you looking for support with your PT clinic or your career? Explore life at Alliance and the benefits of becoming a partner clinic today.
Happy World PT Day from all of us at Alliance Physical Therapy Partners.
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