Reserved Area

Order of Physiotherapists presents proposal to create National Physiotherapist Day in Parliament

by

On 18th March, the Order of Physiotherapists was present at the Parliamentary Health Committee of the Assembly of the Republic, where he presented the proposal to create the National Physiotherapist Day, The meeting was held on 30 September, the date of the creation of the Order, and was represented by the President, António Lopes, accompanied by the 1st Vice-President of the Board, Conceição Bettencourt.

The purpose of the hearing was to make MPs aware of the importance of the date, not only as a symbolic moment of recognition for the profession, but also as a strategic opportunity to promote health literacy, prevention and empowerment of citizens, reinforcing the role of physiotherapy in the health system and in society.

During the session, the parliamentary groups present (PSD, CHEGA and PS) recognised the importance of physiotherapy, highlighting its growing relevance in the context of healthcare, particularly in promoting mobility, autonomy and quality of life for the population.

The MPs recognised the importance of physiotherapy in the context of the health professions and stressed the need to ensure that the creation of this day translates into a concrete impact for citizens, namely through public awareness initiatives, the promotion of health literacy and the reinforcement of the integration of physiotherapists into the health system.

The existence of World Physiotherapy Day, which takes place on 8 September, the date on which World Physiotherapy was created, was also mentioned, and it was pointed out that the Order's proposal aims to establish a national date, associated with the creation of the Order of Physiotherapists, and geared towards the Portuguese reality.

In his speech, the President of the Order of Physiotherapists, António Lopes, emphasised the importance of this initiative to strengthen the link between physiotherapy and citizens:

"The existence of a day dedicated to physiotherapists will make it possible to promote public education and awareness campaigns, contributing to strengthening health literacy and helping citizens understand when and how to go to a physiotherapist.”

The President also stressed that National Physiotherapist Day could be a privileged moment to promote proximity actions with citizens, reflection and sharing initiatives and awareness campaigns, contributing to better use of healthcare and health gains.

The Order of Physiotherapists reaffirmed its total willingness to collaborate with the Portuguese Parliament in developing this initiative, which it considers to be of unequivocal public interest.

See here the hearing in the Parliamentary Health Committee:

FTP26 - Portuguese physiotherapists can register for the International Congress of Physiotherapy in Barcelona

by

The Order of Physiotherapists is associated with FTP26 - IV International Congress of Physiotherapy, organised by the Col-legi de Fisioterapeutes de Catalunya, which will take place in Barcelona from 9 to 11 July 2026. Portuguese physiotherapists will be able to benefit from registration conditions equivalent to those applied to “Collegiates outside Catalonia”, and must indicate their professional card number when registering.

The congress will bring together specialists in the field of Physiotherapy, addressing different dimensions of clinical practice, research and teaching. The scientific programme includes multiple parallel sessions and topics relevant to contemporary physiotherapy practice, including the approach to pain, oncology, neurology, psychosocial factors in clinical intervention and innovation in physiotherapy teaching. The event will also include free papers and poster sessions, as well as initiatives dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of health.

Registration:
https://www.ftp26.cat/ca/inscripcions

Programme:
https://www.ftp26.cat/ca/programa

Early closing of applications - Recruitment of Administrative Technicians

by
Following the high number of applications received for the recruitment of Administrative Technicians for the Order of Physiotherapists, the deadline for submitting applications will be brought forward.
Applications can therefore be submitted until 20 March at 12 noon, to replace the date initially planned.
 
Those interested should formalise their application using the form provided:
 
👉 [Apply here]
 
The aim of this decision is to ensure that the selection process is properly conducted, guaranteeing that applications are analysed rigorously and fairly.

Thank you for your interest.

World Urinary Incontinence Day: Physiotherapy plays a key role in prevention and treatment

by

14 March marks World Urinary Incontinence Day, a condition that affects millions of people and can have a significant impact on quality of life.

In Portugal, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people over the age of 40 may be affected by urinary incontinence, and this condition is more common in women. Although common, it shouldn't be seen as an inevitable consequence of ageing.

Physiotherapy, particularly through pelvic floor rehabilitation, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence. The work of physiotherapists can help improve urinary control, functionality and quality of life for those affected.

Early diagnosis and intervention are essential. If you experience symptoms of involuntary loss of urine, it is important to seek advice from health professionals.

As part of this anniversary, the Order of Physiotherapists is joining the National Health Service's (SNS) social media initiative to strengthen health literacy about this condition and publicise the role of physiotherapy in dealing with it.

Follow on the SNS social networks (Facebook, Instagram e X) and the Order of Physiotherapists (Facebook, Instagram e LinkedIn).

Recruitment - Administrative Technicians

by
A Order of Physiotherapists is reinforcing its administrative team and has opened a recruitment process for four administrative technicians, for the following areas:
  • 1 for Logistics/Human Resources
  • 1 for Assets and Financial Resources
  • 2 for Regional Bodies
The roles are part of a nationwide organisation with significant institutional responsibilities and are aimed at candidates with experience in administrative functions, a sense of responsibility, rigour and organisational skills.
Functions (depending on the area)
  • Administrative support for logistics, purchasing and internal organisation processes
  • Administrative support for financial and property processes
  • Administrative support for the functioning of the Regional Bodies
  • Organising and archiving documentation
  • Administrative communication and support for internal processes
Desired profile
  • 12th grade (minimum) or university degree (preferred)
  • Experience in administrative functions (preferred)
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Capacity for organisation, rigour and meeting deadlines
  • Sense of responsibility and confidentiality
Applications
Applications must be submitted exclusively using the form available here:
Application form
Please note: Applications sent by email will not be considered, and only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
📅 Application deadline: [27 March 2026]

Physiotherapy in Rare Diseases: functionality, autonomy and continuity of care

by

28 February marks the World Rare Disease Day, This date aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those living with these diseases and to reinforce the need for early diagnosis, specialised monitoring and fair access to healthcare.

A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. Despite the low individual prevalence, it is estimated that there are between 5,000 and 8,000 different rare diseases, which together affect millions of people in Europe and about 700 thousand in Portugal. Many of these diseases are genetic, complex and degenerative, often associated with functional limitations, emotional impact and socio-psychological challenges for both individuals and their families.

To support these patients, the Rare Disease Card, available at SNS Portal 24 and the SNS 24 App, which allows health professionals quick access to essential clinical information in emergency situations or transition of care, promoting greater safety and continuity of care.

In a context of high clinical complexity, physiotherapy plays a decisive role. As part of interdisciplinary teams, physiotherapeutic intervention focuses on preserving functionality, promoting autonomy and maximising active participation in daily life.

Intervention is always individualised and adapted to the person and the evolution of the clinical condition, and can include different approaches according to need.

The training of carers and family members and therapeutic education are also fundamental, promoting health literacy and greater safety and participation in the care pathway.

Rare diseases continue to pose significant challenges to health systems and society, including delays in diagnosis, gaps in care coverage and inequalities in access to specialised responses. In this context, it is essential to strengthen integrated, articulated and person-centred care models.

On this World Rare Disease Day, the Order of Physiotherapists reaffirms its commitment to an intervention based on scientific evidence, continuous throughout the life cycle and aimed at improving the quality of life of people living with these conditions.

CNOP received by the President of the Republic and honoured as Honorary Member of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator

by

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, received the National Council of Professional Orders (CNOP) and the members of the Orders in audience at the Belém Palace on 26 February.

On the occasion, the CNOP was honoured as a Honorary Member of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, a distinction that recognises the role of professional bodies in defending the public interest and valuing the professions. The Order of Physiotherapists was represented by its President, António Lopes.

During the audience, the President of the Republic was presented with a piece alluding to the event and an institutional note signed by the Professional Bodies, which recognises the close monitoring he has dedicated to the activities of the Bodies and their contribution to the country throughout his mandate.

The note also underlines the permanent willingness of the Professional Bodies to collaborate in overcoming the structural challenges facing Portugal, reaffirming their commitment to qualification, responsibility and the defence of citizens.

The full text is available here.

World Physiotherapy Day 2026 will be dedicated to cardiovascular disease and stroke

by

World Physiotherapy has announced that the theme of World Physiotherapy Day 2026 will be cardiovascular disease and stroke, with a focus on the role of physiotherapists in their prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

This will be the first year of a four-year campaign dedicated to non-communicable diseases, with subsequent years already planned to focus on cancer, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cardiovascular diseases and strokes continue to be one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide, and physiotherapy plays a key role in promoting cardiovascular health, preventing risk factors, rehabilitation after acute events and functional recovery for those affected.

As a member of World Physiotherapy, the Order of Physiotherapists participates in the translation and dissemination of official graphic materials into Portuguese, helping to disseminate them to professionals and the public.

As in previous years, since the Order is part of World Physiotherapy, as soon as the official graphic materials are available, we will translate and publicise them. The materials for previous editions can be consulted on the Order's website, in the Physiotherapists - World Physiotherapy Day menu.

Investing in cardiovascular prevention: the role of physiotherapy on National Coronary Heart Disease Day

by

National Coronary Heart Disease Day is on 14 February, a date set by the Portuguese Cardiology Foundation to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease prevention, early recognition of the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

The Order of Physiotherapists joins this event, emphasising the importance of cardiovascular prevention and the contribution of physiotherapy in promoting health throughout the life cycle.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in Portugal, accounting for around 29% of deaths.

The main risk factors include high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and diabetes - largely modifiable conditions that require a structured and sustained preventive approach.

Scientific evidence shows that a significant proportion of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. Regular physical activity, body weight control, smoking cessation and appropriate clinical monitoring are essential pillars in reducing cardiovascular risk.

In this context, physiotherapy plays an important role in promoting safe and individualised physical activity, assessing functional fitness and empowering people to manage their risk factors. Physiotherapy intervention, particularly in primary healthcare and in structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes, helps to improve physical fitness, reduce the likelihood of new cardiovascular events and promote greater autonomy and quality of life.

After a coronary event, physiotherapy integrated into multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes, with intervention based on scientific evidence and aimed at functional recovery, physical reconditioning and reintegration into active life, can be decisive in reducing disability and improving health outcomes.

On this National Coronary Heart Disease Day, the Order of Physiotherapists recalls that investing in prevention means investing in more years of life with functionality, autonomy and active participation, and that physiotherapy is an essential element in building a healthier society.

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.

This site uses cookies to enable a better user experience.
By browsing the site you are consenting to its use.

What are cookies?
Accept