CIU Academician Assist. Prof. Dr. Özge Özalp made a statement within the scope of World Physical Therapy Day

Cyprus International University (CIU) Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Chair Assist. Prof. Dr. Özge Özalp; expressing that the physiotherapy occupation has a 120-year past across the world and a 60-year-old past in our country, went on to advise, “Due to physiotherapy prolonging life expectancy, and due to the increasing importance of the strategies for quality aging, and the increasing disability groups, it has gained importance”.

Explaining that physiotherapy and rehabilitation play an important role in the treatment of disabilities and individual limitations following wars, epidemics, and traumas, Özalp added that the profession of physiotherapy was born to deliver individuals back into daily life.

Stating that physiotherapists make up a professional group that displays a struggle at the front line in the treatment of a number of symptoms experienced by individuals, thus enabling them to live their lives more independently, Assist. Prof. Dr. Özalp expressed that in relation to the COVID-19 epidemic which the world has been struggling with for two years, physiotherapists have taken an active role alongside health teams.

Informing that in the cases where face-to-face meetings were difficult or impossible due to the effects of the pandemic, instead of online meetings were organized, Özalp went on to state, “In clinical practice, the concept of telerehabilitation has become more usable by physiotherapists, where evaluation and treatments are being planned”.

Giving the information that the training sessions that are organized each year by the Cyprus Turkish Physiotherapy Association for physiotherapists and students were held online this year due to the pandemic related precautions, Assist. Prof. Dr. Özalp continued, “On Wednesday 8th September, the workshop "Current Evaluation and Treatment Practices in Knee Joint Injuries", will be held, and will see participation from important scientists from Northern Cyprus, Turkey, and other countries.

Wishing for a future where the pandemic conditions have come to an end, where we can establish pleasurable face-to-face communication, living many beautiful and healthy tomorrows, Özalp concluded, "I wish a happy 8th September, World Physiotherapy Day to all my colleagues and students".