The Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association announces that the swearing-in ceremony for the Chair of the Supervisory Board will take place next Monday, 13 July, at 12.00, in the form of online. You can access it via this link.
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Have you completed your Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy? The next step is to register with the Professional Body
The Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association has updated the information to assist with the registration process, bringing together, in a single page, a step-by-step guide, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and the relevant regulations – Registration Regulations e Fees and Dues Regulations -, to make this transition easier for those who have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and are preparing to start practising professionally.
For those who have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and are preparing to embark on their career, registering with the Physiotherapists’ Association is the next step.
With the aim of making this process clearer and more accessible, the Bar Association provides, in a structured manner, essential information on accessing the platform, the necessary documentation and how to complete the form.
The Association recommends that you familiarise yourself with this information before beginning the application process, in order to make it easier to complete the form and submit the necessary documents to become a member of the Association of Physiotherapists.
Chair of the Jurisdictional Council writes an opinion piece for HealthNews on artificial intelligence, physiotherapy and the National Health Service
The Chair of the Judicial Council of the Portuguese Physiotherapists“ Association, Rui Torres, has written an opinion piece for HealthNews entitled ”Physiotherapy and artificial intelligence: what is actually being made available to the public?”.
In the article, Rui Torres reflects on the provision of digital physiotherapy solutions within the National Health Service, utilising artificial intelligence, and addresses topics such as the nature of physiotherapy care, professional responsibility, transparency in the information provided to the public, and the role of technological innovation in healthcare provision.
Read the article on HealthNews:
https://healthnews.pt/2026/06/28/fisioterapia-com-inteligencia-artificial-o-que-esta-verdadeiramente-a-ser-disponibilizado-aos-cidadaos/
President of the Order writes an opinion piece in *Público* on artificial intelligence, physiotherapy and the National Health Service
The President of the Portuguese Physiotherapists“ Association, António Lopes, has written an opinion piece for the newspaper *Público* entitled ”Artificial intelligence in physiotherapy within the National Health Service: an opportunity not to be missed”.
In the article, António Lopes argues that the National Health Service’s intention to start delivering care via a digital solution – including the use of artificial intelligence in physiotherapy – should be seen as a positive sign, provided it is integrated into an organised model of care delivery, with clear clinical pathways, professional accountability, effective intervention by qualified physiotherapists, evaluation of outcomes and audit mechanisms.
This article builds on the position already adopted by the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association following the announcement regarding the provision of digital physiotherapy solutions within the National Health Service (SNS), using telehealth and artificial intelligence technologies.
The Association has been promoting solutions that can improve citizens’ access to physiotherapy, reduce waiting times and tailor care to patients’ needs, whilst emphasising the need to ensure quality, clinical safety, data protection, professional accountability, and the provision and supervision of care by physiotherapists.
Read the article in Público:
https://www.publico.pt/2026/06/26/opiniao/opiniao/inteligencia-artificial-fisioterapia-sns-oportunidade-nao-perder-2179306
See also:
- Press release to the members of the Order
- Press release press release
World Fall Prevention Day: take care today to prevent falls tomorrow
Today, 24 June, marks World Fall Prevention Day, a date which provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the risks associated with falls and the importance of effective prevention strategies.
Fall prevention remains an internationally recognised public health priority. According to the World Health Organisation, falls are the second leading cause of death due to unintentional injuries worldwide, which are associated each year with hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of cases requiring medical care. The impact is particularly significant amongst older people, among whom the risk of serious injury, loss of independence and institutionalisation is higher.
Although falls can occur at any age, they are of particular concern in older people because of their association with fractures, fear of falling, reduced mobility and loss of independence. In this context, Prevention is key.
Scientific evidence shows that Many falls can be prevented. Risk education, the promotion of physical activity, improvements to environmental conditions and the early identification of risk factors are essential components of this prevention strategy.
The physiotherapist’s treatment aims to improve balance, muscle strength, posture, flexibility and functional ability, thereby helping to ensure greater safety when moving around and to maintain independence and participation in activities of daily living.
The Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association marks this occasion by highlighting the role of physiotherapy in assessing the risk of falls, in providing guidance on exercise programmes tailored to each individual, and in promoting practical strategies to prevent falls and maintain mobility, safety and independence throughout life.
Download herei a presentation offering practical prevention recommendations, focusing on reducing risks at home, physical activity, looking after one’s eyesight and managing medication, wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and consulting a physiotherapist, as a healthcare professional with expertise in assessing the risk of falls and advising on preventive strategies.
Falls don’t happen by chance.
Assess. Exercise. Prevent.
The Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association discusses new rules in Madeira and calls for improved access to care
On 11 and 12 June, the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association held a series of institutional consultations in the Autonomous Region of Madeira on the new rules governing the provision of care in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and their potential implications for patients’ access to physiotherapy.
As part of these efforts, the President of the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association, António Lopes, first met with the Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, and subsequently with the parliamentary groups of the PS, JPP, CHEGA, IL and CDS, at the request of these parties, and presented the Order’s position on this matter.
During the meetings, the President of the Order expressed his disagreement with the content of the regional decree, as it represents a step backwards in relation to a national model which the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association considers outdated and ill-suited, both from the point of view of the legal framework and in terms of the quality and timeliness of the response to the population’s health problems, and to which it has been publicly expressing its opposition to national government bodies.
The amendments now proposed prioritise and are aimed at cost containment, without ensuring improved access for citizens to physiotherapy care, at the most appropriate and necessary times, in line with patients’ needs and the varying clinical pathways, where there is scientific evidence of the effectiveness of physiotherapists’ interventions.
They also restrict and hinder the involvement of physiotherapists through direct referrals from various medical specialities, leading to unjustified delays, duplication of appointments and an increase in the associated direct and indirect costs.
In this context, he provided his counterparts with supporting documentation to explain his position and to justify the changes he is proposing, with a view to improving the provision of healthcare in the field of physiotherapy.
It emphasised the status of Physiotherapy as an autonomous scientific discipline and of the profession of physiotherapist as an autonomous and self-regulated health profession, safeguarding the role of the various bodies of the profession, as an association governed by public law, with powers delegated by the state, in regulating the profession and defending the general interests of users of the services provided by its members, whilst safeguarding and ensuring respect for citizens’ right to health.
It also emphasised that physiotherapists may practise their profession legally and independently in various settings, notably in independent physiotherapy units under the clinical management of physiotherapists, which are duly registered, including in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. In this regard, the Association considers it essential that users of these units should also be able to benefit from the co-payment arrangements applicable to healthcare.
These meetings revealed a clear recognition on the part of local stakeholders of the importance of physiotherapists’ contribution to the Regional Health System, and a willingness to expand their role and integration not only in the field of rehabilitation, but also in primary healthcare and at various levels of prevention and health promotion.
The President and the Madeira Regional Board of the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association will monitor developments in the situation and have reaffirmed their willingness to work with the local authorities to improve the public’s access to physiotherapy care provided by physiotherapists.
The visit concluded with a meeting with physiotherapists from the Autonomous Region of Madeira, during which it was possible to listen to their concerns, identify challenges and present the work carried out by the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association.
World Blood Donor Day: a drop of humanity can save lives
Today, 14 June, marks World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated annually under the auspices of the World Health Organisation.
In 2026, the date is marked under the motto "A drop of humanity. Give blood. Save lives.", a message that places solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility at the heart of blood donation.
Every year, this day pays tribute to the donors who help save lives and highlights the importance of ensuring that safe blood is available to those who need it. Blood is essential to the response of healthcare systems in a wide range of situations, including emergencies, childbirth, surgery, cancer treatment and other medical conditions that depend on safe and timely transfusions.
The Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists joins in marking this occasion, emphasising the importance of blood donation to the healthcare system’s response and recognising the value of all those who contribute to this chain of care and solidarity.
As healthcare professionals, physiotherapists can also play an important role in raising awareness, providing information and encouraging patients to understand the importance of giving blood, where appropriate, thereby helping to improve health literacy and foster a sense of collective responsibility regarding this ongoing need.
On this World Blood Donor Day, the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists joins the call for more people to find out more, become blood donors and contribute to a vital response that ensures the safety and continuity of healthcare.
Find out how you can give blood or provide information to potential donors here.
Meeting with the Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection of Madeira
The President of the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists met with the Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection in Madeira, Micaela Freitas, accompanied by the Chair of the Madeira Regional Board of the Portuguese Physiotherapists’ Association, Mara Teixeira, and by a member of the same Board, Joana Pita.
Among the topics discussed was the funding model for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with the Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists reiterating its position on the need to strengthen the autonomy of physiotherapists in the practice of their profession.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the contribution of physiotherapists to the Regional Health System, with their role in functional recovery, rehabilitation, prevention and the promotion of the population’s quality of life being recognised.
The Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists will continue to work with the relevant authorities to find solutions that promote better healthcare and greater recognition of the profession.
Applications are now open for the 13th edition of the Healthcare Excellence Award
The Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists is announcing the 13th edition of the Healthcare Excellence Award, an initiative organised by the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators (APAH) in partnership with the biopharmaceutical company AbbVie.
The aim of this award is to recognise and encourage projects that have contributed to improving safety, access, integration, efficiency and/or outcomes in healthcare.
Teams of healthcare professionals comprising hospital administrators and/or other healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, whose projects were developed and implemented in 2025 and/or 2026, are eligible to apply.
Applications may be submitted by public, social and private organisations within the health system, based in mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira.
The Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists encourages its members to learn about and promote this initiative, which supports projects aimed at improving healthcare. The involvement of physiotherapists in multidisciplinary teams can make a significant contribution to projects focused on integrated care, the efficiency of responses, improved access and the achievement of health gains.
Applications are open until 30 June 2026 and must be submitted by email to secretariado@apah.pt.
See the Regulation …and join in!