Washington, D.C., 9 September 2026—On World Physiotherapy Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reaffirmed the essential role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in helping people achieve and maintain functioning, independence, health, and participation throughout the life course.
Observed annually on 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day recognizes the contribution of physiotherapists to prevention, recovery, functional independence, and quality of life. To mark the occasion, PAHO brought together staff members, technical teams, partners, and representatives from World Physiotherapy and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for activities that highlighted the links between rehabilitation, universal health coverage (UHC), primary health care, and workplace well-being.
“Rehabilitation is not an optional or specialized service for only a few people. It is an essential health service that enables people to live independently, participate in their communities, and pursue their goals,” said Dr Hennis, NMH Department Director at PAHO.
A conversation on functioning and health systems
As part of the commemoration, PAHO hosted the hybrid webinar, The Impact of Rehabilitation on the Functioning of the Population. The event brought together representatives from PAHO, World Physiotherapy, and APTA to discuss rehabilitation as an essential health service and its contribution to stronger primary health care and universal health coverage.
Speakers emphasized the importance of placing people´s experiences at the center of rehabilitation services. Personal testimonies illustrated how timely, accessible, and quality rehabilitation can support everyday activities, recovery, autonomy, and participation in society.
Participants also underscored the need for sustained investment in rehabilitation workforces, service delivery, assistive products, and coordinated referral pathways to ensure that people receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
Promoting movement in the workplace
The celebration also featured interactive wellness stations at PAHO Headquarters, where staff members participated in practical sessions on balance, strength, flexibility, and ergonomics. Registered physiotherapists and APTA members guided participants through simple strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines to support movement, comfort, and healthy work habits.
A shared call to action
On World Physiotherapy Day, PAHO called for rehabilitation to be recognized, planned, financed, and delivered as an integral part of health systems.
Achieving universal health coverage requires ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live or they ability to pay, has access to the rehabilitation interventions they need throughout the life course.
By investing in rehabilitation and its workforce, countries can improve functioning, promote inclusion, reduce avoidable barriers to participation, and advance health equity throughout the Region of the Americas.
