New Delhi . World Physiotherapy Day 2026 is celebrated on 8 September. The purpose of this day is to make people aware of the importance of physiotherapy and its various benefits. This year's theme focuses on the role of physiotherapy in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of heart disease and stroke. According to experts, it is not right to consider physiotherapy as limited only to the treatment of bone-related problems or pain. It can also have an important contribution in the recovery and rehabilitation of the patient after stroke.
Often people associate physiotherapy with pain in the waist, knee, shoulder or any other part of the body, but its use is much broader than this. Experts say that physiotherapy done regularly and properly can also help in preventing heart disease. At the same time, rehabilitation is necessary to control the physical problems faced by the patient after stroke and to improve his functionality.
After stroke, problems like weakness of arms and legs, difficulty in walking, loss of body balance and difficulty in doing normal daily tasks can be seen in patients. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation done keeping in mind the patient's condition can help in improving movement and balance. Therefore, rehabilitation after stroke should not be limited to hospital procedures only.
According to experts, the patient and his family should continue the prescribed exercises safely at home also. This can help in taking the rehabilitation process forward. The method of physiotherapy and exercise may be different according to the patient's condition, so it is important to do it according to his needs.
The use of technology in the field of physiotherapy is also increasing rapidly. Now technologies like motion analysis, sensor-based monitoring, wearable devices, digital exercise programs and robotic rehabilitation are being used. Through these techniques, physiotherapy is being made more technology based than before.
According to Dr. Indramani Upadhyay, in today's time, lifestyle with less movement is becoming a big problem. Sitting in the office for a long time, increasing screen time and lack of exercise is gradually weakening the body. In such a situation, it is important for people of every age to exercise. According to him, the advantage of regular physical activity is that it can help in preventing many diseases including heart disease.
On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day, emphasis has been laid on not considering the role of physiotherapy limited only to pain and bone related problems. Physiotherapy along with rehabilitation has also been considered important to improve the movement, balance and everyday activities of the patient after stroke.