Today, on 8th September 2021, together we celebrate the World PT Day and the 70 - year establishment anniversary of WCPT (International Confederation of Physiotherapy).

I convey my heartfelt congratulations to all 8000 physiotherapists practicing in Iran, and to all our physiotherapist colleagues around the globe.

Every year, on this occasion, we take the opportunity to raise awareness about the professional’s crucial commitment to keep people safe, enable them to be mobile, well, and most importantly to be independent. My colleagues and I in Iranian physiotherapy association, aim to promote the national standards of education in the field, and one specific step we strive to take is initiating the post professional (DPT) program in related universities.

In regards to Covid-19 pandemic, I cannot emphasize enough the healing and supporting role that Physiotherapy has offered not only in acute and subacute stage of the disease, but also in rehabilitating the patients suffering from numerous side effects of the disease, such as compromised lung volume and muscular weakness helping them to recover back to normal levels of health and fitness.

This year, the theme for World PT Day 2021: “Rehabilitation and Covid-19” will continue to bring into light, the exceptional role of the profession in supporting the vulnerable, the ones who suffer from innumerable Covid- 19 side effects.  But at the same time, it is impossible to neglect the compassion and the selflessness that our PT colleagues practiced with; all of those who risked their lives for the welfare of the patients. Before our 7 Iranian colleagues who lost their lives in the unfair battle with Covid, we stand in reverence.  

I salute all our PT colleagues who alongside all healthcare professionals, in this global time of adversity, gracefully endure, and irrespective of what they go through, choose to stay strong.

Ahmad Moazenzadeh, PT, MSc.
President of Iranian Physiotherapy Association