Fitness & Wellness
World Physical Therapy Day: Athletes, scientists, experts call for greater awareness
At the SESCON Conference in Chennai on Saturday, prominent dignitaries shared their insights on the importance of physiotherapy in sports and daily life.

Photo Credit: PHS
Every year, September 8th is celebrated as World Physical Therapy Day, marking the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community.
Physiotherapy is not only essential for athletes competing in domestic and international competitions but also for ordinary people looking to maintain overall vitality and health.
At the SESCON (Sports and Exercise Scientists) Conference in Chennai on Saturday, several dignitaries including athletes, nutrition and strength and conditioning, shared their insights on the importance of physiotherapy and its crucial role in maintaining physical agility and health.
'Physiotherapy has evolved'
Veteran Indian hockey legend V. Baskaran, who led the Indian team to gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, reflected on the evolution of physiotherapy in sports since his playing days.
“Forty years ago, there was no concept of physiotherapy in sports, even during the eras of legends like P.T. Usha or Milkha Singh. Back then, sports were seen as purely about hard work and talent without recognizing the science behind it as was already common in the Western world 30 years ago,” Baskaran told The Bridge on the sidelines of the event.
He also highlighted how sports science, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation, has made significant strides in India.
“During my playing days, wearing kneecaps was seen as a weakness rather than a tool for recovery. But now, through research and education, Indians have come to appreciate the importance of sports science. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are essential in enhancing athletes' performance," he explained.
Baskaran stressed that while more people are aware of physiotherapy today, it needs to become even more widespread.
“At the grassroots level, more athletes should have access to physiotherapy. It needs to be taught in schools so that young athletes learn how to respond to injuries and understand both the mental and physical aspects of rehabilitation," he stated.
The 74-year-old also used an analogy to emphasize the importance of rehabilitation.
“Imagine a table with two broken legs. You could fix it up with stones, but that fix would only last for a short while. What’s needed is to repair and strengthen the legs. That’s what physiotherapy does for the body, it rebuilds strength and ensures the body functions optimally.”
Physiotherapy’s benefits, he insists, extend beyond sports.
"It’s not just for athletes. Physiotherapy can benefit anyone, even those with heart disease or other conditions. It’s about restoring the body to its full potential,” he stressed.
Physiotherapy is proactive
Sam Pullinger, head of sports science at the Inspire Institute of Sport, emphasized that physiotherapy isn't just reactive treatment.
"Physiotherapy isn’t just about post-injury care. It actually involves improving athletic performance as well," said Pullinger.
Pullinger also said that while athletes can learn aspects of physiotherapy on their own, expert guidance is essential in the early stages of development.
“Injuries like ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears are becoming more common nowadays, especially among younger athletes, and even more so in younger girls, due to increased competition," he said.
He underlined the need for injury prevention programmes tailored to athletes' needs.
“Physiotherapists play a vital role in designing these programs and understanding how growth and maturation affect injury risks," he said.
Pullinger also acknowledged the challenges faced by young Indian athletes in accessing high-quality physiotherapists compared to countries like the UK, where sports science degrees offer practical modules with real-world experience.
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, having seen significant improvements in India over the last two and a half years. “There is more funding and support for athletes now.”
Integration of physiotherapy and S&C
Sejal Soni, the physiotherapist for the Indian national table tennis team, said the athletes' inclination to physiotherapy is key to preventing injuries.
“Players like Sharath Kamal, India’s table tennis legend, at 42 years of age are very determined and constantly seek feedback. They are committed to achieving their personal best, supported by a team of coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists," said Sejal.
She also shared how physiotherapy has shifted from traditional modalities to exercise-based treatments.
“It used to be all about modalities, do this, do that. Now, it's so much more advanced and exercise-based. Athletes are more eager to learn about their own bodies, and that’s what makes them better. The top athletes, like Sharath Kamal, have an incredible knowledge of their own anatomy, which helps them stay fit,” she said.
Sejal also wished that the budding athletes would be open to having conversations and stay informed about their bodies.
She also called for a close collaboration between physiotherapy and Strength & Conditioning (S&C).
“There is no hierarchy between physiotherapy and S&C. Physio is exercise, and so is S&C. Both focus on enhancing an athlete’s physical capabilities," Sejal stressed.
Role of nutrition
Nutrition also plays a vital role in the holistic combination of physiotherapy and S&C, opined Sharmada Venkat, a nutrition expert, highlighting its key role in improving recovery processes and enhancing athletes' performance
“One provides the stimulus, another helps with rehabilitation, while the third ensures everything works together. None of it works in isolation," she said.
Sharmada, who has worked extensively with para-athletes, stressed the importance of personalized nutritional interventions.
“There is a huge amount of individual variability. You can’t say one particular intervention applies to an entire population, whether it’s for para-athletes or general individuals," she added.
Ultimately, whether able-bodied or para-athletes, Sharmada believed that the integration of nutrition, physiotherapy, and conditioning is key to building a cohesive ambience.
“Adjustments in nutrition and recovery plans directly impact performance, ensuring athletes can continue to compete at their best," said Sharmada.
As we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, it's clear that physiotherapy isn't just for athletes. It can also be a valuable intervention for people who take up sports later in life, reducing the risk of injury.