Bhubaneswar: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar observed World Physiotherapy Day 2026 by highlighting the growing importance of physiotherapy in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Organised by the hospital’s Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, the programme also marked the 8th edition of the Continuous Physiotherapy Education (C.P.E) 8.0 series, bringing together more than 70 physiotherapy professionals from across Odisha.
This year’s World Physiotherapy Day campaign focuses on cardiovascular disease and stroke, emphasising the role physiotherapists can play in promoting physical activity, reducing health risks and supporting recovery and long-term rehabilitation.
The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in the presence of Dr. Kishore Kumar Panda, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, and Dr. P. P. Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR, along with healthcare professionals and participating physiotherapists.
The discussions focused on the role of rehabilitation in cardiovascular and stroke care—an area traditionally associated primarily with cardiology and neurology. Physiotherapy can help patients improve mobility, physical function and independence following a stroke or cardiac event, while also supporting appropriate physical activity for people living with cardiovascular conditions.
“Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people stay active and recover after illness or injury. Timely rehabilitation can help patients regain movement and independence,” said Dr. Kishore Kumar Panda.
Highlighting the importance of early rehabilitation, Dr. P. P. Mohanty said, “Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping patients recover after stroke and cardiovascular illness. Early physiotherapy can help them regain movement and independence.”
The programme also emphasised the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in managing patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Physiotherapists can contribute at different stages of care—from helping stroke survivors regain mobility to designing suitable exercise and activity programmes for patients with cardiovascular conditions.
The C.P.E 8.0 series provided a platform for physiotherapy professionals to exchange clinical knowledge and experiences across areas including cardiac, neurological, sports, orthopaedic and critical care rehabilitation.
Speaking on the evolving role of physiotherapy, Dr. Saktimaya Mahapatra, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said rehabilitation is increasingly becoming an integral part of prevention, recovery and long-term management of chronic conditions.
“The role of physiotherapy is changing with the needs of patients. Today, rehabilitation is closely connected with prevention, recovery and long-term management of several chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease and stroke demonstrate this clearly. A patient may receive timely medical or surgical treatment, but the journey towards functional recovery can continue for weeks or months. Physiotherapists are an important part of that journey, helping patients regain movement, build physical capacity and return to daily life,” he said.
The Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar offers rehabilitation services across multiple specialties, including orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, cardiology and sports rehabilitation, and caters to more than 200 patients every day.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sibanisankar Tripathy, Physiotherapist, who acknowledged the speakers, participating physiotherapists, healthcare professionals and the organising team.
The observance of World Physiotherapy Day 2026 reaffirmed Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar’s focus on physiotherapy education and rehabilitation care, while highlighting the importance of movement in helping patients achieve better recovery, mobility and independence.
