Gaining ‘global perspectives’ and having a ‘shared purpose’ were two of the key themes that emerged for Congress delegate Katie Knapton (pictured above), chair of Physio First.

Attending the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 in Tokyo on behalf of Physio First was both an honour and a hugely energising experience. With more than 120 countries represented, the Congress was a vibrant reminder that while physiotherapy may look different around the world, our goals are deeply shared: to support movement, improve lives, and advocate for high-quality, accessible care.

Across packed auditoriums, informal meet-ups, and an extraordinary range of posters, topics ranged from digital transformation and AI tools to trauma-informed care, workforce development, climate health, advanced scope roles and social justice. There was a clear sense of momentum, with delegates bringing varied perspectives and practical solutions that could make an impact well beyond their own borders.

A global community with local relevance

Whether you work in the public sector, private practice, a hospital, a rural clinic or in digital spaces, there was something here to inform, inspire, or challenge your thinking. Physiotherapists from around the globe shared how they are tackling access barriers, reimagining rehabilitation, influencing policy, and expanding roles in justice systems and community recovery.

This kind of international exchange isn’t about comparison – it’s about connection. As chair of Physio First, I found it valuable to see how other membership organisations are supporting physiotherapists across diverse health systems. From low-resource settings to high-tech centres, there was shared recognition that local innovation benefits from being part of a broader, worldwide network.

As a member of the International Private Physical Therapy Association (IPPTA), Physio First is connected to a global community of independent physiotherapy organisations. It was encouraging to see the diversity of both independent and public practice models reflected across Congress discussions – underscoring our shared potential to adapt, collaborate, and strengthen care systems.

‘The future of physiotherapy will be shaped not just by data and systems, but by our willingness to stay curious, open and connected’ [Katie Knapton]

Diversity of topics, depth of insight

Summarising a Congress of this scope is no small task, but key themes included:

• Digital health and AI in everyday practice, with physiotherapists using tools to streamline clinical notes, triage tasks, and interpret evidence – not to replace expertise, but to enhance it.
• Workforce planning, with wide disparities in physiotherapist availability globally, and urgent calls to modernise training to reflect today’s complexity, including more focus on ‘specialist generalists’.
• Trauma-informed care and social justice, not only as special interests but central to ethical practice in many contexts. The role of physiotherapy in supporting resilience and dignity was emphasised in numerous sessions.
• Climate health and sustainability, where physiotherapists were recognised as key contributors to greener health systems and to addressing climate-linked challenges.

Add to that the dozens of e-posters and presentations – often led by early-career physiotherapists or small teams – and you got a real sense of innovation on the ground. These contributions were sometimes the most quietly powerful.

Independent practice in a global context

Representing the independent sector, I was struck by how often its strengths were highlighted: responsiveness, innovation, and the ability to meet patients where they are. Flexible models of care – working alongside or in gaps left by formal systems – were not an exception but a recognised part of modern healthcare delivery.

Issues such as digital adoption, ethical complexity, and holistic care are challenges for all settings. Being part of this worldwide network reminded me that while practice structures differ, our professional values and aims remain aligned.

Why global matters

Physiotherapy doesn’t operate in isolation – not in national silos, and not in professional ones. What stood out at this Congress was the sense of shared purpose: no matter where we practise, we are all striving to deliver meaningful, person-centred care.

The future of physiotherapy will be shaped not just by data and systems, but by our willingness to stay curious, open and connected.

Final word

I left Tokyo with a suitcase full of ideas and a renewed appreciation for our profession’s breadth and energy. And yes – there was dancing, which proved to be a truly universal language! The Congress was a genuine celebration of physiotherapy’s diversity and potential. To sum up, the Congress was a genuine celebration of physiotherapy’s diversity and potential.

For anyone involved in shaping or delivering care – whether in public or private practice – engaging with this international community helps illuminate not just where we are, but where we could go, together.

Katie Knapton is a physiotherapist and chair of Physio First.

For more information about Physio First, see: https://www.physiofirst.org.uk