As physiotherapists across the world mark World Physiotherapy Day, practitioners in Lagos have called for greater awareness of the role of physical activity and physiotherapy in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and stroke.

World Physiotherapy Day is observed every September 8 to recognise the contribution of physiotherapists to healthcare and promote awareness of the profession. This year’s theme focuses on the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

To mark the day, healthcare workers, particularly physiotherapists, at General Hospital Odan, Lagos, joined members of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy for a walk from the hospital to the Lagos State Health Services Commission.

Speaking during the walk, Director of Physiotherapy Services, Lagos State Health Services Commission, Dr Sogbamu Olasunkanmi Ibrahim, said the celebration was an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of movement and physical activity.

He said physiotherapists played an important role in improving quality of life, adding that this year’s theme was particularly relevant because cardiovascular diseases remained a major health challenge globally.

“Today is World Physiotherapy Day, and it has been observed every year since 1996. It is a day for the whole world to celebrate and appreciate the work of physiotherapists,” he said.

According to him, physiotherapy was important not only in rehabilitation but also in preventing diseases through health education and advocacy.

He said, “Knowing fully well that it is better to prevent than to cure, the emphasis is more on health education and advocacy so that we can all live healthily.

“We encourage physical activity and movement, teaching people how to exercise regularly to improve their heart and lung capacity, so that they can live healthily and prevent cardiovascular diseases.”

Ibrahim also stressed the importance of physical activity among young people, saying regular exercise could help people maintain healthy bodies as they grew older.

“It is important for both young and old. The essence of the celebration is to create more awareness so that we can reduce the incidence,” he said.

He added that ageing should not be viewed negatively, noting that maintaining an active lifestyle could help people enjoy better health in later life.

“Ageing is a blessing. Old age is a blessing. And it should not be a time to say, ‘Ah, it’s old now.’ Ageing should be considered a blessing. If it is a blessing, then we must enjoy it,” he said.

Also speaking, Director of Medical Services, Lagos State Government Health Service Commission and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Olawale Adegbite, described physiotherapy as an important part of healthcare delivery.

He said while medical treatment could heal a patient, rehabilitation was necessary to help the person regain function and return to life before the illness or injury.

“Physiotherapy is a major healthcare service. It is one thing to be healed and another to be rehabilitated. Even when someone is treated and physiologically well, rehabilitation is needed to return to the pre-sickness state,” Adegbite said.

He said his participation in the walk was also to appreciate the work physiotherapists do, particularly in helping patients recover after surgery and other medical treatments.

“As an orthopaedic surgeon, I work side by side with them. I see daily how they bring patients back to life. I operate and heal bones, while physiotherapists help patients return to their pre-sickness state,” he said.

Adegbite urged physiotherapists to continue their work and contribute to improving healthcare delivery, noting that their services were relevant to people of different ages and health conditions.

Globally, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for more than 20 million deaths each year. Heart attacks and strokes make up a large proportion of these deaths, while physical inactivity is among the factors that increase the risk.

The World Physiotherapy campaign therefore emphasises regular physical activity, prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation as important ways of reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke.