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Physiotherapy plays a decisive role in promoting good sustainable practices

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The Order of Physiotherapists is launching the "Sustainability in Action" awareness campaign, highlighting the profession's contribution to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable health practices. The campaign emphasises the importance of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into professional practice and reinforces the role of physiotherapists in responding to the environmental crisis.

World Physiotherapy has published a Policy Statement that recognises the interconnection between climate change and health, warning of the devastating impacts of global warming on populations. According to the organisation, the health sector is responsible for around 4.6% of global emissions and it is therefore urgent to adopt measures to reduce its environmental footprint. As Physiotherapy is intrinsically linked to the promotion of health and well-being, it can and must take an active role in this transformation.

In this context, WP identifies various strategies by which physiotherapists can contribute to a more sustainable future. These include adopting clinical practices with a lower environmental impact, such as conscious management of the resources used and encouraging sustainable transport. Educating and sensitising users to the influence of the environment on health, as well as promoting functionality and adaptation to the conditions imposed by climate change, are also priorities.

Collaboration with other health professionals and community organisations to create environmental mitigation and adaptation policies completes the set of recommendations proposed by the WP. These measures contribute not only to the sustainability of the planet, but also to fair access to care and the resilience of health systems in the face of emerging challenges.

The Order of Physiotherapists reinforces its commitment to adopting responsible environmental practices, based on measurable targets and scientific evidence that contribute to reducing the impact of health services on the environment. The profession thus has an unavoidable role to play in building sustainable solutions that preserve the health of people and the planet.

Are you familiar with the Order of Physiotherapists' Job Opportunities Exchange?

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The Order of Physiotherapists now has a Job Vacancy Exchange dedicated to publicising professional opportunities for physiotherapists. This new space, accessible via the reserved area of the website, allows members to consult job offers.
Companies interested in hiring physiotherapists can also submit their offers directly via the platform, by registering and validating them.

To make it easier to use, a Step-by-Step Guide has been created with all the instructions for companies and members of the Order.

📄 Consult here the Step-by-Step Guide - Job Vacancy Exchange
🔗 Access the Job Opportunities Exchange via your reserved area here


The Order of Physiotherapists emphasises that it does not intervene in or validate recruitment processes, and that members are responsible for individually analysing the offers made.

World Physiotherapy Day 2025

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World Physiotherapy Day has been celebrated every year on 8 September since 1996, the date that marks the founding of the current organisation. World Physiotherapy (WP)in 1951.

This date is an opportunity to recognise physiotherapy's essential contribution to health promotion, functionality and quality of life for the population at all stages of life. It is also a privileged moment to reinforce to society the value of the profession and the positive impact of physiotherapists' intervention in communities.

In 2025, the World Physiotherapy has chosen the following as the central themes of World Physiotherapy Day Healthy ageing and the Preventing fallsThe event will be held at the University of Coimbra, highlighting the role of physiotherapy in promoting autonomy, active ageing and reducing the risk of falls - one of the main causes of loss of independence and hospitalisation in older people.

A Order of Physiotherapists, a member of World Physiotherapy since the beginning of 2023, is joining in this celebration and actively participating in the translation and dissemination of materials produced by the international organisation. These resources include information leaflets, infographics, posters and banners, available in several languages, with the aim of supporting physiotherapists in their awareness-raising activities with patients and the community.

Information leaflets

Posters

Banners

World Physiotherapy Day in pictures

The Order of Physiotherapists shares some of the initiatives and contributions received in the context of the World Physiotherapy Day 2025celebrated this year under the motto of the healthy ageing and fall prevention.

The images illustrate how physiotherapists have marked this date in different contexts, reflecting the profession's commitment to promoting health, preventing illness and improving people's quality of life.

Northeast Local Health Unit

World Physiotherapy Day 2025 was celebrated at the Nordeste Local Health Unit by promoting activities in the three hospital units, as well as in all the health centres it covers. Theoretical and practical health education sessions were organised on the theme of healthy ageing, frailty and fall prevention. Information posters were also displayed and leaflets handed out.

Gaia and Espinho Local Health Unit

The Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia e Espinho (ULSGE) joined in the celebrations of World Physiotherapy Day, which this year took place under the theme "Activity for Healthy Ageing", promoting initiatives both in Hospital Healthcare and in Primary Healthcare, namely at the USF Vilar Saúde. At the hospital, physiotherapists organised an exercise class in the garden next to the Emergency Department, involving patients and raising awareness of the importance of physical activity as a factor in promoting health and active ageing. At the USF Vilar Saúde, there was an activity aimed at patients, highlighting the role of physiotherapy in preventing illness, rehabilitation and improving quality of life.

World Physiotherapy Day in the press

World Physiotherapy Day 2025 was widely highlighted in the media through articles, interviews and reports that gave visibility to the role of physiotherapists and the initiatives carried out in different parts of the country.

24 June - World Falls Prevention Day

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Created by the World Health Organisation, the World Falls Prevention Day is being held today, 24 June, with the aim of raising awareness of the risks associated with falls and the need for effective prevention strategies.

Every year, more than 684,000 people die as a result of a fall, and it is estimated that more than 172 thousand become temporarily or permanently disabled. Although falls can occur at any age, they are particularly worrying in older people over 65 and children under five years of ageIn the labour context, in 2017 there were 36,000 deaths due to falls, which accounted for almost 12% of all deaths from accidents at work.

In Portugal, between 2010 and 2018, the following were recorded 383,016 hospital admissions related to falls, representing 2.1% of the total. In healthcare settings, falls are the most reported patient safety incident, with an occurrence rate of between 2 to 8 per 1000 inpatient beds.

Prevention begins with risk assessment. Tools such as the "Timed Up and Go", combined with specific questionnaires on risk factors, can effectively identify people at risk of falling in just a few minutes.

With the increase in average life expectancy, there is an urgent need to address this issue strategically.

- Consult and download the our poster with recommendations for prevention.

- Also check out the statistics on falls that we share on our social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

The App of the Order of Physiotherapists is now available

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The Order of Physiotherapists has launched its official app, now available for Android and iOS devices.

The app is designed to make it easier for physiotherapists and citizens alike to access information and services from the Order.

You can use the Order of Physiotherapists App:

  • Access your reserved area
  • Consult your digital professional card
  • Find physiotherapists by municipality
  • Monitoring latest news
  • See events diary
  • Access site contents adapted to mobile phones

The Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas App was developed with the aim of making the most relevant functions available to physiotherapists and citizens in an accessible way. This is an initial version, which can be adjusted as it is used and tested on a daily basis.

We invite all users to explore the App and take advantage of what is already available. We are counting on your co-operation to make this application more useful to everyone.

📲 Access the Order of Physiotherapists App now:

XII National Congress of Physiotherapists affirms identity and projects the future of the profession in Portugal

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The 12th National Congress of Physiotherapists took place on 9 and 10 May in Lisbon, bringing together professionals, experts and institutional representatives to debate the role of physiotherapy in public health, the centrality of the person in care and emerging challenges such as professional regulation, technological innovation and artificial intelligence.

The event, organised by the Order of Physiotherapists, was held under the motto "Physiotherapy 360º: Identity and Value" and was attended by physiotherapists, academics, national and international public bodies and students. Over two days, in the António Domingues de Azevedo Auditorium, the participants reflected on the present and future of the profession, focusing on scientific evidence, the valorisation of clinical intervention and collaboration between different areas of health.

Among the topics highlighted was the role of physiotherapy in public health, in a context where, although there are more than 13,000 physiotherapists in Portugal, only around 1,500 are part of the National Health Service (SNS), and of these, less than 10% are allocated to primary health care.

The event coincided with the recent approval by the Ministry of Health of the General Regulations for Physiotherapy Professional Specialities, an important milestone for the development and recognition of the profession. This new framework will allow for the award of the title of specialist in the areas of Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal and Neurological Physiotherapy, with the provision of other specialities and accreditation processes. This new framework will allow the title of specialist to be awarded in the areas of Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal and Neurological Physiotherapy, with provision for other future specialities.

The Congress also stressed the importance of ensuring greater accessibility to physiotherapy care, the creation of technical standards of practice, as well as strengthening coordination with other medical specialities. Investment in scientific research and continuous training were also emphasised as essential factors in ensuring the best care for the population.

At the closing session, the President of the Order of Physiotherapists, António Lopes, emphasised that the profession is "self-regulated and will have to deserve, be and also have autonomous management" for professional development.

The 12th Congress was thus confirmed as the flagship meeting of Physiotherapy in Portugal, projecting a stronger profession, prepared to lead the transformation of healthcare. The future of Physiotherapy is made up of everyone. Visit the IMAGE GALLERY of the XII CNFt 2025

World Children's Day: Physiotherapy for a healthy and fulfilling childhood

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Today, 1 June, is World Children's Day - a date that underlines the importance of protecting children's rights and ensuring that they grow up with health, dignity and well-being.

Physiotherapy in Paediatrics follows children's development from birth to adolescence, promoting physical, functional and emotional well-being, especially in situations that require special care. Physiotherapists intervene in neuromotor, respiratory or musculoskeletal conditions, adapting clinical strategies to the age, specific needs of each child and their family and school context.

Assessment, planning and intervention are part of the physiotherapist's specialised clinical practice, which integrates technical-scientific knowledge with a sensitive and playful approach - because in many cases, treatment also involves playing.

On this World Children's Day, the Order of Physiotherapists emphasises the importance of ensuring that all children have access to child health care.

To all the physiotherapists who work in this field with dedication, commitment and competence, and to all the children and families they support, the Order of Physiotherapists today sends a message of celebration and recognition.

Conclusions of the XII National Congress of Physiotherapists

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The 12th National Congress of Physiotherapists reaffirmed the essential role of physiotherapy in public health: 
 
The importance of professional identity, self-diagnosis and autonomy in intervention was reinforced.
The need for a greater presence in health decision-making contexts and a clear commitment to specialities was recognised.
The role of physiotherapy in promoting health, preventing disease and responding to challenges such as emergencies and humanitarian action was highlighted.
The importance of technology, research, continuous training and putting the person at the centre of care was underlined.
 
See the full conclusions at https://bit.ly/CNFt25_Conclusoes
 
🔵 The Order of Physiotherapists will remain committed to affirming the value of the profession and its full integration into health systems.
 
👉 The future of Physiotherapy is made up of everyone.
 
#CNFT2025 #Physiotherapy #CongressPhysiotherapists #IdentityEValue #CNFt25 #CNFt #Physiotherapist

Order of Physiotherapists shares recommendations for pilgrims

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With thousands of pilgrims travelling on foot to Fátima during the month of May, the Order of Physiotherapists is once again warning of the importance of adequate physical preparation and the precautions to be taken along the way.

During the pilgrimage, sprains, tendonitis and minor muscle tears are the most common injuries. The information leaflet prepared by the Order of Physiotherapists provides practical advice on how to prevent and manage these problems, contributing to a safer and healthier experience.

See the leaflet by clicking on the image below:

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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