By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Sierra Leone Physiotherapy Association (SLPA) has joined the global community in commemorating World Physiotherapy Day, an annual event that highlights the critical role physiotherapy plays in healthcare. The day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of physiotherapy in improving mobility, restoring function, and supporting the overall well-being of individuals with movement difficulties.
This year’s celebration was hosted in Kenema District under the theme: “Healthy Aging”, which emphasizes preventing frailty and falls in older adults through regular physical activity and physiotherapeutic care.
Speaking to our correspondent, Matin Kamanda, the physiotherapist in charge at Kenema District Government Hospital, described physiotherapy as a unique medical profession that helps patients regain strength, balance, and mobility, ultimately enabling them to function better in society.
“This year’s theme highlights the crucial role of physiotherapy and physical activity in helping people maintain their strength, balance, and independence as they age,” Kamanda explained. “It encourages lifelong exercise to reduce the risk of frailty and falls and promotes longer, healthier lives.”
Kamanda also encouraged the public to seek professional medical help at hospitals for mobility challenges rather than relying on traditional healers, stressing that early physiotherapy intervention can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
During the event, a former patient, Admire Francis, shared her testimony about how the Physiotherapy Unit helped her recover from months of immobility.
“Thanks to the physiotherapy team, I can now walk again. I encourage others with similar conditions to visit the physio unit for proper treatment,” she said, urging people to avoid unverified traditional remedies.
The celebration ended with a call for greater awareness and access to physiotherapy services, especially for the elderly, to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life.