Expert encourages physiotherapy for people living with disabilities
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s Day of Persons with Disabilities, Boroji Osindero, clinical director at Wellpath Physiotherapy, has emphasised the need for physiotherapy, saying it plays an integral role in improving the health and wellbeing of persons with disabilities while also preventing further complications and movement disorders.
The international day of persons with disabilities is celebrated every December 3, with the aim of promoting the rights and well-being of persons affected in all spheres of society and increase awareness.
According to Osindero, the annual event was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 and the theme for this year is ‘building back better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world’.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) report on disability reveals that about 15 percent of the world’s population, estimated as 1 billion people, live with a disability. Of this number, it is estimated that 450 million live with a mental or neurological condition and two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help, largely due to stigma, discrimination, and neglect.
In addition, another 69 million people are estimated to sustain traumatic brain injuries each year worldwide, while one in 160 children are identified as on the autism spectrum.
“These numbers are some examples of the millions of people currently living with a disability that is not immediately apparent, and a reminder of the importance of removing barriers for all people living with a disability for an improved and better quality of life.
“Major interventions critical to improved quality of life for individuals living with disabilities are evidencebased techniques including physiotherapy,” Osindero said.
However, physiotherapists are also central to encouraging and supporting people with disabilities to participate in physical activities they are interested in.
Explaining disability, Osindero said it is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or interact with the world around them. According to her, these conditions, or impairments, may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors.
“Impairments causing disability may be present from birth or occur during a person’s lifetime. Physiotherapists play a major role in the lives of individuals living with disabilities.”