8th September marks the annual World Physiotherapy Day. The theme for World Physiotherapy Day this year is “Chronic Pain”. This theme focuses on the role that physiotherapy and physical activity can have in helping people manage chronic pain. According to the World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT), physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing one’s quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation.
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is on the rise in our Tibetan communities in India due to individuals entering unhealthy lifestyles and partaking in less physical activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been successful in controlling numerous infectious diseases, however, the biggest challenge today is the mortality and morbidity from non-communicable diseases such as obesity, increased blood pressure, diabetes, depression, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases which kill more than 36 million people each year and have become the leading cause of death in the world. The Department of Health CTA is addressing these challenges through various initiatives. Over the last few years, the Health Department has recruited qualified physiotherapists at its health facilities, opened a public fitness center, and organized basketball tournaments to encourage health and activity in our communities.
This year’s theme of chronic pain refers to pain that extends beyond the expected healing time and includes conditions such as spinal pain, post-operative pain, neuropathic pain, and shoulder and knee pain. Today, countless individuals are affected by chronic pain to the point that pain significantly impacts their daily lives. The leading causes of chronic pain are from past injuries or surgeries, back problems, and migraines. Other causes include headaches, arthritis, nerve damage, infections, fibromyalgia, etc. Gentle exercises, such as stretching, swimming, walking, and yoga, are now recommended as part of a plan for chronic pain management. Some attend a special physiotherapy exercise class or learn how to exercise safely on a Pain Management Programme. Through professional advice and exercise programmes, physical therapists support people of all ages to achieve their activity goals.
Therefore today, on World Physiotherapy day, it is crucial to understand the importance of exercise to manage chronic pain in order to: maintain flexibility and movement, improve cardiovascular health, build and keep muscle tone, improve mood and general wellbeing, help control pain, increase confidence to take part in activities, and to take back control of your life.
Physiotherapy is important for all ages. With the worldwide growth of chronic pain especially with young people texting more and exercising less, the need to ‘get physical’ is more important than ever.
Department of Health
CTA
8 September 2019