26/08/2026
World Physiotherapy Day 2026
This 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day highlights the vital role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, responsible for more than 20 million deaths each year, with heart attacks and strokes accounting for a major proportion of this burden. Stroke alone affects approximately 1 in 4 people during their lifetime. These numbers remind us that physiotherapy extends far beyond rehabilitation after illness. Promoting physical activity and healthy movement is also essential in reducing cardiovascular risk, supporting recovery, preventing complications, and helping people return to meaningful and independent lives.
When someone suffers cardiovascular disease or a stroke, even the simplest daily activities could suddenly feel like impossible mountains to climb. Holding a cup of tea, standing up from a chair, or taking those first steps across a room can become significant challenges. Yet recovery is not simply about how quickly a person progresses. It is about persistence, participation, resilience, and the right rehabilitation support at every stage.
Through evidence-based physiotherapy and regular physical activity, rehabilitation can help individuals improve movement, balance, mobility, functional independence, cardiovascular health, and participation in everyday life. Behind every milestone is not only the courage and determination of the patient, but also the guidance of physiotherapists who support recovery step by step and movement by movement.
World Physiotherapy Day may be celebrated on 8 September, but every day we witness and celebrate the courage of our patients, the science of movement, and the life-changing impact of physiotherapy because every movement forward is a step towards a healthier, more independent life.
References: World Physiotherapy World PT Day 2026 Campaign Materials; World Health Organization (WHO) Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
Kithmini Gamage
Editor
Sri Lanka Association of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapists
🫀 2-DAY PHYSICAL WORKSHOP in commemoration of World Physiotherapy Day 2026
DEVELOPING PULMONARY AND CARDIAC REHABILITATION SERVICES
A Practical Roadmap for Physiotherapists
📅 9th & 10th September 2026
⏰ 8.00 AM onwards
📍 Asiri Surgical Hospital Auditorium, Colombo
🎟️ EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION - LKR 12,000
⏳ Available until 25th August 2026
⚠️ Limited to 50 participants
🎓 18.5 CPD Points - Approved by ETNR
📜 ETNR & MOH-accredited certificate
🍽️ FREE Fellowship Dinner & Gathering on 9th September
💻 KNOWLEDGE-SHARING WEBINAR SERIES
Launching Soon
Registration Opening Soon
🎓 Ministry of Health-approved CPD points
National and international experts will bring together clinical knowledge, research evidence and practical perspectives to support the continued professional development of Sri Lankan physiotherapists.
📞 For more information regarding the Physical Workshop & Online Knowledge-Sharing Series:
Mithun: +94 71 307 9993
Thamali: +94 71 277 3977
Let’s move from Evidence → to Practice → to Better Rehabilitation Services.
Because strengthening cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation in Sri Lanka is not the responsibility of one profession or one institution alone.
It is a shared journey—and physiotherapists have an important role to play in shaping it.
Organized by
Sri Lanka Association of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapists (SLAACP)
Register Now, Limited Seats
https://form.svhrt.com/6a6d99a08460ea850428e468
