Every May, Canada recognizes National Physiotherapy Month — a province-wide campaign led by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) to raise awareness of the role physiotherapists play in keeping Canadians active, healthy, and out of pain.
What Is National Physiotherapy Month?
National Physiotherapy Month is an annual awareness campaign held throughout May. It’s an opportunity for physiotherapy clinics, associations, and practitioners across the country to highlight the value of PT — from post-surgical rehab to sports injury recovery to chronic pain management.
The theme changes each year, but the core message stays consistent: physiotherapy is essential healthcare, not just injury recovery.
Why Physiotherapy Matters
Physiotherapists are movement specialists. They assess, diagnose, and treat conditions affecting how people move — and more importantly, they help people avoid surgery, reduce dependence on medication, and return to the activities they love.
In Canada, physiotherapists work across a wide range of settings: hospitals, private clinics, sports teams, schools, and long-term care. Their scope of practice continues to expand, with direct access now available in most provinces — meaning you don’t always need a physician referral to see a PT.
For Physical Therapy Students
If you’re currently in a DPT or PT program, May is a good time to reflect on the profession you’re entering. It’s also a reminder that public education is part of the job — helping patients understand what PT is and what it can do is as important as the hands-on work itself.
Looking to sharpen your clinical knowledge? Test yourself with our musculoskeletal quiz or explore our orthopaedic special tests library.
How to Mark the Month
- Follow the CPA on social media for campaign content and resources
- Share what physiotherapy has done for you or your patients
- If you’re a student, ask your clinic supervisors about community outreach opportunities
National Physiotherapy Month is a reminder that movement is medicine — and that the people who make movement possible deserve recognition.