Celebrating our physiotherapists this World Physiotherapy Day

On 8 September, we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, and we are delighted to take the opportunity to highlight and say thank you to our own wonderful physiotherapists, who play an incredibly significant part in rehabilitation for the people we support.

Jennifer Woodgate, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, tells us more:

Every year, we celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, marking the founding of World Physiotherapy in 1951. This day highlights the unity and strength of the global physiotherapy community and provides an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution physiotherapists make to the lives of the people they support.

This year’s theme focuses on cardiovascular disease and stroke, conditions that we regularly support across Brainkind. Physiotherapists play a vital role in the assessment, rehabilitation and ongoing management of individuals living with these conditions. Using their specialist knowledge and expertise, they develop personalised rehabilitation programmes that meet each person’s unique needs and goals.

At Brainkind, our physiotherapists work closely with individuals to improve mobility, fitness, independence and overall function. Their aim is not only to maximise physical recovery, but also to empower people to live life to the fullest and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Looking beyond the diagnosis

Recently, we shared how Duncan, who we support at Brainkind Eastfields in Glasgow, has been relearning skills which are important to him: “I love skiing – it gives a feeling of freedom”: helping Duncan regain meaningful skills – Brainkind

We also heard from Rizza Garcia, Specialist Physiotherapist at Brainkind Graham Anderson House in Glasgow. Rizza said: “One of the things I love most about working at Brainkind is that we look beyond the diagnosis. We work towards each of the people we support’s person-centred goals and help them do the things that matter to them – for this instance, golf.”

Rizza continued: “For me, it’s about helping people move safely despite their diagnosis, strengthening the abilities they already have, and building on what they CAN do rather than focusing on what they cannot.

“Whether it’s returning to a favourite activity, doing something they love, or simply gaining more independence in everyday life. That, for me, is rehabilitation.”

Thank you to all our physiotherapists

World Physiotherapy Day is an opportunity to recognise and thank all our physiotherapists for their commitment, compassion and dedication. Your expertise and hard work make a real difference every day, helping the people we support achieve their goals and improve their quality of life; your contribution is truly valued, and the difference you make is remarkable.

Pieter du Toit, Director of Clinical Services at Brainkind, said: “Every day, our physiotherapists help turn possibility into progress. Whether supporting someone to take their first steps after brain injury, regain independence following stroke, or achieve goals that once felt out of reach, their impact is extraordinary.

“On World Physiotherapy Day, I want to thank our physiotherapists for their expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to the people we support. You change lives, helping people overcome obstacles posed by mobility issues so that they can do what matters most to them.

“On behalf of Brainkind, thank you for everything you do. We are proud of you, and grateful for the difference you make every day.”