World Physiotherapy has published its 2025 annual review, highlighting a year of growing partnerships, global influence, and impact that advanced the profession and improved access to rehabilitation worldwide.
The review reflects another year of progress across World Physiotherapy's strategic priorities, from supporting member organisations and strengthening international partnerships to advancing professional standards, education, humanitarian action, and policy influence. It also looks ahead to the organisation's 75th anniversary in 2026 and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
Representing 129 member organisations and more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide, World Physiotherapy continued to champion the profession through advocacy, collaboration, and global partnerships, supporting its members and promoting equitable access to quality rehabilitation worldwide.
Throughout the year, the organisation strengthened its global influence through strategic partnerships and advocacy, including its continued engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO) including the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA), the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), and a new memorandum of understanding with Humanity & Inclusion to advance rehabilitation worldwide.
World Physiotherapy also continued to support its member organisations and regions through operational services, education, and professional development. This included providing operational support to four regions, delivering 12 regional webinars attended by more than 2,000 participants, supporting preparations for the 2026 Africa and South America regional conferences, and strengthening collaboration through regional networking events and engagement with its 14 specialty groups.
A highlight of the year was World Physiotherapy Congress 2025, which welcomed 4,546 participants from 111 countries and territories to Tokyo, Japan. With more than 2,000 research abstracts presented, the congress provided an international platform for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Through its bursary programme, World Physiotherapy also enabled 38 physiotherapists from low and lower-middle income countries and territories to attend, while the launch of the open-access congress archive extended access to congress content beyond the event itself.
Professional excellence remained a priority throughout 2025. Highlights included the 2024/25 leadership programme, which brought together 36 participants from 23 countries and territories, continued development of the World Physiotherapy accreditation service, and a range of education, research, and humanitarian initiatives supporting member organisations around the world.
Mike Landry, World Physiotherapy president, said: "Looking ahead, we are inspired by the progress we have made and remain resolute in our mission to support our members, promote excellence in physiotherapy, and improve health outcomes worldwide."
The review reflects an organisation in a strong position for the future, underpinned by robust governance, strategic partnerships, and a growing global membership. Looking ahead, World Physiotherapy will continue building on this momentum as it prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026 and continues planning for World Physiotherapy Congress 2027 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
