World Physiotherapy Day 2026
The theme for this year’s World PT Day on 8 September is the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The campaign is focused around the following key messages:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally.
Each year, CVD claims over 20.5 million lives - representing over 30% of all global deaths. 85% of these are due to heart attack and stroke. Over three quarters of CVD deaths occur in LMICs.
Physiotherapists can help to prevent CVD. They:
can help identify people at higher risk of heart disease
design safe, personalised exercise programmes
encourage regular physical activity
promote early detection and early action
spot warning signs
Physiotherapists can help people manage their CVD, become more active, and reduce the chance of further cardiac events, such as a heart attack.
Source: world.physio
Where Does Physiotherapy Fit into Heart Health?
Physiotherapy can be helpful in the treatment of those with cardiovascular disease. The recommended form of treatment is a supervised exercise programme that is specially created and supervised by a physiotherapist to meet and treat your needs. Due to the nature of cardiac diseases, each patient's symptoms will be different so it is essential that prior to physiotherapy, a medical assessment be carried out so that an appropriate exercise program will be designed for you.
Aerobic Conditioning and Strength Training
Aerobic conditioning and strength training are the main interventions in treating symptoms caused by cardiovascular disease. Aerobic conditioning is where the heart and lungs are trained to pump blood more efficiently around the body by allowing more oxygen to be delivered to muscles and organs. Examples of aerobic conditioning include swimming, cycling, walking and rowing.
Some physiotherapists may also suggest doing some strength training exercises. Strength and resistance training may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The important thing to remember with any of these exercises is to follow the programme laid out for you by your physiotherapist to ensure that the intensity is not too much for you and will not worsen any of your symptoms.
Benefits of Exercise
Engaging in aerobic and endurance exercise can help prevent, and in some cases, reduce cardiac disease. It can result in increased functional capacity, reductions in symptoms of angina, improvements in blood cholesterol, weight and hypertension control. Patients have also benefited from improved energy levels and psychological factors such as improved mood levels.
For more information or to arrange an appointment at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, Book online or contact us.
Physiotherapy Services
We specialise in the treatment and prevention of injuries and conditions. If you are suffering with any health aliments that you feel we could help you with, get in touch today. We provide treatment for a wide age range from 9 years to 90 years old.