On 30 September, the Order of Physiotherapists celebrated its 5th anniversary with a special event in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno garden. O Meeting Physiotherapy brought together professionals, public figures and the community in general, promoting Physiotherapy as an essential pillar in the health of the population.
The event included interactive activities, practical demonstrations and talks with special guests. The various areas of intervention in Physiotherapy, such as Oncology, Pelvic and Women's Health, Neurology, Physiotherapy in the context of Emergencies, Disasters and Humanitarian Action, Dermatofunctional, Musculoskeletal, Physiotherapy in People with Amputation and Patient Safety, were presented to the public by the Order's Working Groups, providing the audience with a comprehensive view of the importance of Physiotherapy in the healthcare system.
António Lopes, President of the Order of Physiotherapists, kicked off the celebrations by highlighting the importance of the continuous work of physiotherapists in Portugal. "We are celebrating the 5th anniversary of our Order, but the presence of Physiotherapists in Portugal goes back a long way. Today we are reaping the fruits of the seeds we have sown over the years," he emphasised, stressing the positive impact of Physiotherapy on the Portuguese population.
The event was also attended by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), represented by the Director of Services for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Miguel Telo de Arriaga, the president of the Avenidas Novas Parish Council, Daniel da Conceição Gonçalves da Silva, and the President of the Technical Admission Commission of the Order of Physiotherapists, Beatriz Fernandes, who came together to celebrate the vital role of physiotherapy in healthcare.
During the event, several personalities shared their testimonies about Physiotherapy, including Jaime Melancia, President of the Health in Dialogue Platform, Susana Silva, National Director of Firefighters at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, and Paralympic athletes Telmo Pinão and Djibrilo Iafa. In addition, public figures such as actresses Leonor Seixas and Carla Andrino and Mega Hits Programming Director Nelson Cunha enriched the event with their life experiences, demonstrating the impact of Physiotherapy on recovery and health promotion.
To remember this special day, we've put together a photo gallery.
