Celebrating our impact, shaping the future

Every year on 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day celebrates the contribution physiotherapists make to improving health and wellbeing around the globe.

It is an opportunity to recognise the expertise, compassion and leadership of our profession while reflecting on how physiotherapy continues to evolve to meet today’s greatest health challenges.

This year is particularly significant. Following consultation with member organisations, World Physiotherapy has launched a four-year focus on non-communicable diseases, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

The 2026 theme highlights the vital role physiotherapists play in cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, management and rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy helps people live longer, healthier and more active lives.

There is much to celebrate. Physiotherapists are recognised as essential contributors to healthier communities.

They help people recover, manage pain, prevent falls, optimise movement and support healthy aging.

They work across hospitals, primary care, residential aged care, disability services, schools, workplaces, sport and people’s homes.

Our profession is one of Australia’s most trusted.

Physiotherapy is grounded in evidence, lifelong learning and person-centred care. Australian physiotherapists continue to produce worldleading research that shapes clinical guidelines, informs policy and improves healthcare in Australia and internationally.

The focus on cardiovascular disease and stroke could not be more timely.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, claiming more than 20 million lives each year.

Most deaths are due to heart attack and stroke, yet many are preventable.

Physiotherapists reduce this burden by identifying risk, prescribing personalised exercise, promoting physical activity and supporting people to manage chronic conditions.

After a cardiac event, physiotherapy improves physical function, confidence and quality of life while reducing further complications. 

Stroke presents a similar area for action.

One in four people will experience a stroke during their lifetime, yet almost all strokes can be prevented.

Just 30 minutes of physical activity on five days each week can reduce stroke risk by around 25 per cent.

Following stroke, physiotherapy is central to rehabilitation, improving mobility, balance and independence.

As Australia’s population ages and chronic disease becomes more common, physiotherapists are increasingly helping people stay well rather than simply treating illness.

Across primary care, hospitals, aged care and community services, physiotherapists are leading innovative models that reduce hospital admissions, improve recovery and help people remain independent.

Advanced practice physiotherapists are improving patient flow in emergency departments, virtual care is expanding access to rehabilitation and multidisciplinary models demonstrate how physiotherapy improves outcomes while making healthcare more sustainable.

These achievements reinforce an important advocacy message.

Australia’s future health system must invest in prevention, early intervention and evidence-based rehabilitation.

Physiotherapists should be enabled to work to the full extent of their education, competence and evidence.

Expanding timely access to physiotherapy can reduce delays and relieve pressure on hospitals and general practice, ensuring that people receive the right care at the right time.

I am incredibly proud of what our profession has achieved and optimistic about what lies ahead.

Every day I see physiotherapists change lives through their expertise, compassion and commitment to evidence-based care. 

Wherever you work, your contribution matters.

Thank you for everything you do for your patients, communities and our profession.

I look forward to celebrating our profession with many of you at FOCUS26 in Cairns.

If you haven’t secured your place yet, there’s still time to book a last-minute ticket.

I hope to see you there. 

Rik Dawson APAM MACP
APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist
APA National President