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Order of Physiotherapists monitors public information on Operation “Harry Potter”

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The Order of Physiotherapists has taken note of the press release issued by Judicial Police, The investigation into the so-called “Harry Potter” operation, in which four men were arrested for strong indications that they had committed the offences of trafficking in prohibited substances and methods, possession of a prohibited weapon and money laundering, is currently underway at the Lisbon DIAP.

The Board of the Portuguese Bar Association is monitoring the information provided by official bodies and the media regarding the arrest of a physiotherapist, and has already sent it to the Jurisdictional Council, so that any subsequent action can be taken after the formal communication from the competent bodies, which is awaited.

The Order of Physiotherapists reaffirms its commitment to legality, professional ethics and safeguarding citizens' trust in the profession, respecting the principle of the presumption of innocence in all circumstances.

Inauguration of the Governing Bodies of the Physiotherapists' Association

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On 13 December, the inauguration ceremony for the governing bodies of the Portuguese Physiotherapists' Association took place in the auditorium of the Lisbon School of Health, following the elections held on 5 December.

The session began in the morning with the inauguration of the General Council, preceded by a speech by the President of the Electoral Commission, Rui Jorge Dias Costa, who outlined the electoral process and the respective results. This was followed by the reading and signing of the terms of office by the elected members of the General Council, formalising the beginning of this body's term of office.

During the afternoon, the ceremony continued with a speech by the President of the General Council, Maria António Ferreira de Castro, and the inauguration of the remaining National and Regional Bodies, namely the Jurisdictional Council, the Supervisory Council, the Regional Directorates and the Regional Assembly Boards of the North, Centre, South, Azores and Madeira. The session culminated with the inauguration of the President of the Bar Association.

In his speech, António Lopes, reappointed as President of the Portuguese Physiotherapists' Association, highlighted the progress made during his previous term of office and the fundamental pillars of the profession's regulation, emphasising the importance of defending the interests of users and the role of the Association as a regulatory body. He emphasised the need to consolidate the work carried out and to plan for the future of the profession with ambition and responsibility:

“The future of the Order lies in consolidating the path we have been building, with vision and ambition, placing Physiotherapy at the service of health, citizens and the public interest.”

The ceremony also featured musical performances by Jorge A. Silva on piano and Marina Zambujo on vocals, and was broadcast live on the Order of Physiotherapists' YouTube channel.

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Lisbon to host the World Physiotherapy Congress 2029

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World Physiotherapy announced that the World Physiotherapy Congress 2029 will take place in Lisbon, Portugal.

This will be the 11th time that the congress has been held in Europe and the first time in Portugal.
The Physiotherapists' Association has been a member of World Physiotherapy since 2023.

See the press release on the World Physiotherapy website, here or download the document directly here. 

See the conversation between the President of World Physiotherapy and the President of the Portuguese Physiotherapists' Association

Following the official announcement, World Physiotherapy President Mike Landry shared a conversation with António Lopes, President of the Portuguese Physiotherapists' Association, congratulating Lisbon on being chosen as the host city for the World Physiotherapy Congress 2029.

Watch the full video below.

World Prematurity Day: giving premature babies a safe start to a brighter future

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World Prematurity Day takes place on 17 November and aims to raise awareness of the impact of premature birth, reinforcing the importance of improving care for babies and support for their families.
 
Under the slogan “Giving premature babies a safe start to a brighter future”, the 2025 edition calls for concerted action to ensure that all babies born prematurely have access to the healthcare, monitoring and environment they need to grow and develop healthily.
 
This theme is inspired by the World Health Organisation's World Health Day motto “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” and reflects the global commitment to ensuring that every premature baby has the best possible start in life.
The Order of Physiotherapists joins this date, highlighting the role of Paediatric Physiotherapy in supporting motor development, preventing respiratory and musculoskeletal complications and promoting the bond between parents and babies.
 
The physiotherapist's intervention is essential for:

- supporting the overall development of premature babies;
- promote comfort and stability during hospitalisation;
- empowering parents and carers, helping them to understand and participate in daily care;
- ensure continuity of care after hospital discharge, monitoring the child's growth and functionality.
 
On this day, the colour purple is once again the universal symbol of prematurity, representing the sensitivity and uniqueness of each baby. The website of the Order of Physiotherapists is therefore displayed in this colour, as a sign of support and awareness for this cause.

World Diabetes Day 2025: know more and act more for diabetes at work

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World Diabetes Day takes place on 14 November, a date established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in memory of Frederick Banting, one of those responsible for the discovery of insulin. This day aims to raise awareness of the growing impact of diabetes, reinforce the importance of prevention and promote healthier living and working environments.

Under the slogan “Diabetes and well-being at work”, the 2025 campaign calls on employers and workers around the world to “know more and do more for diabetes at work”, promoting inclusive, informed and supportive workplaces. Millions of people face daily challenges in managing diabetes in the workplace, from stigma and discrimination to the difficulty of balancing healthcare with work demands, which has a direct impact on physical and psychological well-being.

According to the IDF, 7 out of 10 people with diabetes are of working age; 3 out of 4 live with anxiety, depression or another mental health disorder associated with the disease; 4 out of 5 report exhaustion or burnout related to the daily management of diabetes.

By 2025, it is estimated that 589 million people worldwide will be living with diabetes and this figure could reach 853 million by 2050. In Portugal, it affects around 1.4 million people, which represents 14.2% of the population between the ages of 20 and 79, according to the Annual Report of the National Diabetes Observatory.

The Order of Physiotherapists emphasises that the fight against diabetes must be based on a multidimensional approach that combines prevention, education, training and functional rehabilitation, guaranteeing an integrated and sustainable response.

Physiotherapy plays a decisive role in all stages of the disease:

  • contributes to primary prevention by promoting physical activity, health education and reducing sedentary lifestyles;
  • supports the empowerment of people at risk and those living with diabetes, reinforcing knowledge about the disease and strategies for its daily management;
  • intervenes in a targeted way to prevent complications such as circulatory changes, foot ulcers, chronic kidney disease or musculoskeletal limitations;
  • and works to promote mobility, functionality and autonomy, preventing more serious situations such as amputations.

For the general population and for people at risk of developing diabetes, the focus of physiotherapy intervention is awareness and education about risk factors and the essential tools for their prevention. For people with diagnosed diabetes, training and ongoing monitoring are essential to improve self-management of the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Working in conjunction with other health professionals, physiotherapists make a decisive contribution to improving quality of life, preventing disability and supporting full integration into working life.

On this World Diabetes Day, The Order of Physiotherapists joins the global call to “know more and act more for diabetes at work”, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the health, well-being and inclusion of people with diabetes in all contexts of their personal and professional lives.

World Stroke Day: Physiotherapy saves lives and improves quality of life

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Stroke continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in Portugal, with around 25,000 cases a year and three occurrences every hour. Of these, at least one person dies and another is left with sequelae, often of working age. On World Stroke Day, marked on 29 October, the Order of Physiotherapists reinforces the importance of prevention, rehabilitation and the creation of structured care pathways that guarantee equitable access to physiotherapy at all stages of the disease.

Stroke mainly affects people of working age, requiring an integrated approach that begins with primary prevention. Physiotherapy plays a central role in this area, contributing to the promotion of physical activity, assessment of functional fitness, management of risk factors and health education throughout the life cycle. Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, control of hypertension and diabetes, smoking cessation and a reduction in alcohol consumption can prevent up to 80% of strokes.

In the post-acute phase, the intervention of physiotherapists is crucial to recovering mobility, functionality and autonomy, reducing complications and improving the quality of life of those affected. Rehabilitation must be early, intensive and adapted to individual needs, also involving family members and carers to ensure a safe and sustainable recovery.

The current reality, however, shows that only 30% of stroke survivors in Portugal have access to intensive rehabilitation care, and around 65% do not receive adequate multi-professional follow-up. The Order of Physiotherapists therefore advocates the implementation of a clear and structured care pathway that allows direct and rapid access to physiotherapy and ensures continuity of care from hospitalisation to rehabilitation in the community.

Strengthening human resources in physiotherapy, improving coordination between levels of care and creating innovative models such as the “Via Verde à Fisioterapia” or the “Cheque Fisioterapeuta” are fundamental measures to save lives, reduce disability and promote functional recovery.

World Stroke Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to public policies that put prevention and functional recovery at the centre of health priorities in Portugal. Physiotherapy is essential on this path - from prevention to rehabilitation - helping to transform survival into quality of life.

National Cerebral Palsy Day: strengthening inclusion and autonomy

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Marked on 20 October, the National Cerebral Palsy Day was officially established in 2014 by Assembly of the Republic Resolution 27/2014. This day aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced daily by people with cerebral palsy and their families, promoting inclusion, respect and equal opportunities.

Cerebral palsy results from a lesion in the central nervous system that occurs in the first few years of life and affects motor coordination, posture and balance. Although it is not a progressive condition, it has a permanent impact, affecting around 2 out of every 1,000 children. Early and continuous interventions, such as physiotherapy, can improve the functionality, autonomy and social participation of people with this condition.

A Physiotherapy plays a central role in realising the rights of people with cerebral palsy. Through individualised programmes, physiotherapists contribute to motor development, functional independence and quality of life at all stages of life.

A Order of Physiotherapists associates itself with this date, emphasising the importance of eliminating physical, social and cultural barriers and ensuring that all people with Cerebral Palsy can live with dignity, autonomy and equal opportunities.

See United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which reinforces the right to rehabilitation, inclusion and full participation in society.

World Spine Day 2025: Invest in your Spine, Invest in your Health

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World Spine Day, marked on 16 October, reinforces the central role of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in promoting health and preventing spinal problems.

Under the theme "Invest in Your Spine, the organisation's global campaign World Spine Day calls for greater investment in prevention and spinal health education, highlighting the impact of back pain - the leading cause of disability worldwide - and the importance of behaviours and environments that encourage movement and healthy posture.

According to data from the World Spine Day organisation, low back pain affected 619 million people in 2020 and it is estimated that this figure will rise to 843 million by 2050, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. Low back pain can appear at any age, with a higher prevalence between the ages of 50 and 55, and especially affects women.

Physiotherapy, especially the now-recognised musculoskeletal speciality, plays an essential role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of spinal pain and dysfunction, promoting mobility, well-being and quality of life.

Physiotherapists work to promote healthy habits, postural and ergonomic education and the implementation of personalised rehabilitation and exercise programmes tailored to the needs of each person and context.

The campaign "Invest in your spine" encourages citizens, communities and political decision-makers to adopt preventive measures and create safer and healthier environments, emphasising that investing in spinal health means investing in people's mobility, productivity and quality of life.

Find out more about Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and the different physiotherapy specialities in this article. article.

National Pain Day: Physiotherapy emphasises the role of prevention

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National Pain Day: Physiotherapy reinforces the role of prevention

National Pain Day, celebrated on 14 October, has the theme "Preventive Care in Chronic Pain" and is officially organised by the European Pain Federation (EFIC). The day aims to increase understanding and awareness of chronic pain, a condition that affects 1 in 5 adults in Europe and is the leading cause of healthcare demand and disability.

Chronic pain is a multidimensional condition, influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, which limits quality of life, affects mental health and reduces social participation. Despite its significant impact, prevention remains insufficient and early intervention is crucial to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic and disabling.

See here the official video of EFIC's 2025 campaign, centred on the importance of chronic pain prevention.

The central role of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a fundamental component in the prevention and management of chronic pain. Physiotherapists assess the functional causes of pain and intervene before it becomes disabling, promoting:

  • Movement and motor re-education, reducing inflammation and stiffness;
  • Education for self-care, ergonomics and safe exercise;
  • Follow-up of rehabilitation, ensuring a return to functionality and improved quality of life.

In this way, physiotherapy not only relieves pain, but also contributes to primary and secondary prevention, reinforcing health equity and reducing the economic impact of chronic pain, estimated at up to 12 billion euros a year in Europe.

EFIC emphasises that prevention is possible, effective and affordable, and that joint action is needed to reduce the burden of chronic pain on society.

As an example of promoting awareness of the importance of movement in pain management, review here the episode dedicated to this theme of the "+Health At Every Move" campaign by the Order of Physiotherapists.

Pedro Maciel Barbosa

Specialist physiotherapist at the Matosinhos Local Health Unit Sub-coordinator for Primary Health Care, Matosinhos Local Health Unit Visiting Assistant Professor at the Porto School of Health Member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Health - SNS Member of the General Council of the Order of Physiotherapists

Carlos Sand

Carlos Areia has been a physiotherapist since 2013, and has worked in various hospitals, clinics and clubs in both Portugal and the UK. He began his academic career at Oxford University in 2016, where he led a clinical trial comparing physiotherapy vs surgery in anterior cruciate injuries in 32 hospitals in England. In 2018 she moved to the neurosciences department, where she developed her own studies on remote monitoring of vital signs, which were implemented during the pandemic. Here he discovered his passion for data, and in 2022, he joined Digital Science as a Data Scientist. He completed his PhD earlier this year, and has more than 60 publications in journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, Cochrane, among others. He is also an honorary lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and a consultant in clinical research.

Eduardo José Brazete Carvalho Cruz

PhD in Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton, UK. Post-Doctorate in Epidemiology from the National School of Public Health at the New University of Lisbon.
Coordinator of the Studies and Planning Office of the Order of Physiotherapists. Coordinating Professor of the Physiotherapy Department of the School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (ESS-IPS). President of the ESS-IPS Technical-Scientific Council. Coordinator of the Physiotherapy Department at ESS-IPS. Integrated Researcher at the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) (a partnership between FCM-UNL, the National School of Public Health, the University of Évora, the Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health and Santo Espírito Hospital, Terceira Island, Azores).

Sara Souto Miranda

Sara Souto Miranda has a bachelor's and master's degree in physiotherapy from the University of Aveiro, and a postgraduate qualification in adult respiratory physiotherapy from the same institution. In 2023 she completed her double doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences/Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the Universities of Aveiro and Maastricht (Netherlands) and is currently working as a technical-scientific advisor to the Studies and Planning Office (GEP) of the Order of Physiotherapists, and as a guest lecturer at the Piaget Institute in Vila Nova de Gaia. As a member of the Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory at the University of Aveiro (Lab3R), she has carried out applied research in which she has assessed and treated patients with respiratory pathology, having taken part in 6 research projects. Throughout her career she has published 19 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals with an impact factor, 1 book chapter and more than 50 abstracts in conference proceedings. She was a research volunteer at the Ciro rehabilitation centre (Centre for expertise in chronic organ failure) in the Netherlands, and is currently a member of the Guideline Methodology Network of European Respiratory Society. She was honoured by European Lung Foundation e European Respiratory Society for carrying out patient-centred research, by the Directorate General for Higher Education with a merit grant for his master's degree, and by the Ciro Centre with a grant to support research abroad.

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