Today is #WorldPTDay. It takes place every year on 8 September. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community.
In 2023 the day will focus on arthritis, with an in-depth look at some forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. This follows on from the theme for 2022, which focused on osteoarthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis, encompassing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), is intrinsically linked to pain. These autoimmune disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, which directly contributes to the pain experienced by affected individuals. Pain management is a crucial aspect of treating both RA and AxSpA. Physical therapy can help manage pain and improve overall quality of life for individuals with inflammatory arthritis.
Find out more in these recent EJP articles:
- The burden of pain in rheumatoid arthritis: Impact of disease activity and psychological factors: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1651
- A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis or IBD is associated with later onset of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1432
For more information and to access the wonderful resources relating to World PT Day visit https://world.physio/wptday
Please allow us to highlight some of EFIC’s resources relevant to physiotherapists:
Physiotherapists interested in keeping up to date with the most contemporary research on pain, including the management of osteoarthritis should complete joining the EFIC Academy. This would give you free access to the EFIC Academy Education Platform. Our Platform includes tailored material to Physiotherapy curriculum, developed by leading European physiotherapy educators specifically with an online learning environment in mind. Learners will be able to pursue self-directed learning or follow specific tracks relevant to needs. Access will be limited to Academy members only.
Physiotherapists interested in upskilling in contemporary pain assessment and treatment can complete the European Pain Federation Diploma in Pain Physiotherapy (EDPP). The EDPP is open to all qualified physiotherapists who see and treat people with pain. This includes physiotherapists qualified to work in a hospital setting, assisting patients with rehabilitation following illness.
Health literacy is a person’s ability to access, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health and is considered a global health issue by the World Health Organisation. It is particularly important for people living with pain to help them understand and actively manage their health. The ‘Plain Talking’ health literacy campaign is targeted at both clinicians and people living with pain. It focuses on improving communication between people living with pain and clinicians by developing a series of materials and useful resources for all. Find out more here.
