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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.

Order of Physiotherapists marks International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

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On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, marked on 13 October, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasises the importance of "Financing resilience, not disasters", stressing the urgent need to invest in risk prevention and mitigation to avoid human, social and economic losses in the future. In this context, the Order of Physiotherapists emphasises the role of physiotherapy in the humanitarian response and in the recovery of affected populations.

In a world increasingly vulnerable to extreme phenomena, investing in prevention, planning and professional training means investing in lives. The United Nations' "Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025" estimates that the direct annual costs of disasters exceed 202 billion dollars, but that the real impact could amount to 2.3 billion dollars a year - a figure eleven times higher than that officially recorded.

Despite the magnitude of these figures, investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR) remains insufficient, both in national budgets and in international assistance. The United Nations is therefore calling for a paradigm shift: finance resilience today to avoid paying for disasters tomorrow.

Physiotherapy, as a health science centred on movement and functional recovery, has a decisive role to play in building societies that are more resilient, inclusive and prepared to face the unexpected.

In addition to clinical intervention, physiotherapy contributes to community resilience by supporting multidisciplinary teams in disaster preparedness and response plans, ensuring that healthcare and rehabilitation remain accessible and sustainable, even in crisis contexts.

As the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, emphasised, "resilience must be rooted in the foundations of development", a message that takes on particular relevance in a global context of climate emergency and inequality of resources.

Promoting resilience starts with small gestures of preparation. That's why the Order of Physiotherapists shares the information leaflet "Physiotherapy in Emergency Settings"with simple guidelines to reinforce the safety and autonomy of families in critical situations.

World Palliative Care Day 2025: "Keeping the promise - universal access to palliative care"

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Today marks the World Palliative Care Dayis celebrated every year on the second Saturday in October. The event is organised by World Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) and, in 2025, it will take place under the theme "Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care"reaffirming the global commitment to equitable access to quality palliative care at all stages of life.

More than 60 million people - including adults and children - need palliative care every year, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. This year's theme takes up the 2014 resolution of the World Health Assembly (WHO's main decision-making body), which called for the strengthening of palliative care as an essential component of lifelong healthcare, emphasising the urgency of fulfil that promise.

A Order of Physiotherapists associates itself with this date, emphasising the role of the profession in promoting the dignity, autonomy and quality of life of people with chronic, incurable or end-of-life illnesses.

  • Physiotherapy is an essential tool for promoting functional independence, autonomy and comfort in palliative care patients.
  • As part of the interdisciplinary team, the physiotherapist develops individualised intervention plans for pain relief, fatigue management, anxiety control and the prevention of complications resulting from bed rest or immobilisation.
  • The physiotherapist, as a movement specialist, has a fundamental contribution to make in preserving the dignity and quality of life of every person.
    Movement is life.

Read the full article on Physiotherapy in Palliative Care, published in Mais Magazine, here.

World Mental Health Day: "Access to Services - Mental Health in Disasters and Emergencies"

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World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October, established by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). This year, the theme defined by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) centres on "Access to Services - Mental Health in Disasters and Emergencies", highlighting the importance of ensuring adequate care in crisis contexts. The Order of Physiotherapists is associated with this date, emphasising the contribution of Physiotherapy in Mental Health to promoting overall health and improving quality of life.

Physiotherapy in Mental Health is a transversal and specific area of physiotherapy that operates in different health, mental health, psychiatric and psychosomatic medicine environments. It can act in particular in the relationship between somatic disorders and psychological problems (sleep disturbances, fear related to pain, psychological stress and depressed mood associated with a clinical condition); in the relationship between mild mental disorders and the main chronic non-communicable diseases (anxiety and moderate depression associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer), in the relationship between somatic disorders and mild mental health disorders (depression associated with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder associated with fibromyalgia and anxiety associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and in the specialised approach to serious mental illnesses (major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and addictive behaviours and dependencies) in psychiatric units/hospitals.

Recent studies reinforce the scientific evidence of this impact. One 2022 meta-analysis concluded that regular physical exercise - three times a week for eight weeks - significantly reduces symptoms of depression in adolescents. Another analysis, which included 27 studiesIn a study of the elderly population in the United States, the study of the elderly population in the United States showed that higher levels of physical activity are associated with an improvement in schizophrenia symptoms. Among the senior population, aerobic exercise has also shown consistent benefits for mental and emotional health.

The Order also recommends reading book "Physiotherapy in Mental Health - Experience Informs Evidence", with the participation of the Physiotherapy in Mental Health Working Group, available at here, as an essential resource for professionals and students in the field.

In marking World Mental Health Day, the Order of Physiotherapists emphasises the profession's commitment to an integrated approach to health, in which body and mind are inseparable, and highlights physiotherapy's contribution to promoting physical and emotional well-being.

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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