The Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA) commemorated World Physiotherapy Day on September 8, 2024, by organizing various events focused on raising awareness about back pain treatment. BPA, the national body representing physiotherapists in Bangladesh, also emphasized the global significance of physiotherapy as a key treatment for back pain.

A Rally for Back Pain Awareness

A central rally, involving physiotherapists, students, and patients, kicked off at 10 AM from the Central Shaheed Minar, proceeding to the National Press Club. This march highlighted the importance of physiotherapy in treating back pain, a condition affecting millions worldwide.

Free Physiotherapy Camps for the Public

From 11 AM to 3 PM, BPA hosted a free physiotherapy camp at the Shaheed Buddhijibi Dr. Mohammad Mortaza Medical Center at Dhaka University. The camp provided treatment for various conditions, including back, knee, neck, and muscle pain. The focus of this year’s campaign was to educate the public on the role of physiotherapy as an effective, side-effect-free treatment for back pain.

The Growing Global Burden of Back Pain

Currently, over 600 million people suffer from back pain globally, with numbers projected to exceed 800 million by 2050. In Bangladesh alone, approximately 20 million people require physiotherapy treatment. Prolonged suffering from back pain not only disrupts daily life but also poses a significant financial and health burden. BPA is working to ensure that physiotherapy becomes widely accessible as a treatment option for all.

A Call to Improve Physiotherapy Services

Despite the growing demand for physiotherapy, a lack of qualified professionals remains a challenge in Bangladesh. BPA emphasized the need to create first-class positions for degree-holding physiotherapists to prevent malpractice and provide world-class care.