Today marked World Physiotherapy Day, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) said in a statement, adding that the World's Confederation of Physiotherapists decided to focus on the role of physiotherapists in rehabilitation after COVID-19 for this year's theme.
"The role of Physiotherapists in the treatment and management of people affected by COVID-19 is crucial. Exercise can play an important part in a person's recovery after COVID-19," the MUMN explained.
"As the experts in movement, Physiotherapists can guide people in how exercise can help recovery. People who have had severe cases of COVID-19 will need rehabilitation and physiotherapy to recover from the effects of treatment for the disease"
The union said that using telehealth can enable people to access the help and support from a Physiotherapist to help them manage the impact of COVID-19. "Telehealth can be as effective as conventional healthcare methods to improve physical function."
World Physiotherapy president Emma Stokes said: "COVID-19 has impacted many people's lives. Physiotherapists have played a key role during the acute response phase of the pandemic, and this will continue in many parts of the world. As the experts in functional movement, Physiotherapists can help people recover from COVID-19."
"A Physiotherapist can help people understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 and work with them to support their recovery."
MUMN as a union which also represents Physiotherapists, is currently working so that Physiotherapists will have the right of representation and freedom of association, and become independent from the allied health group within the public service. MUMN said it always believed that the needs of different health professions need to be addressed and tailor made to their specific profession.
"2020 has been a very challenging year. Physiotherapists have been vital in the acute care of COVID-19 patients but as well kept up the challenges of continuing providing all the rest with the necessary services across all entities in a safe and efficient manner."