Policy statement: Regulation of the physical therapy profession

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) advocates for

See Regulation of the profession

of the

Physical therapy —services for individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. Physical therapy is described more comprehensively in WCPT’s Description of Physical Therapy.

The professional title and term used to describe the profession's practice varies and depends largely on the historical roots of the profession in each country. The most generally used titles and terms are 'physical therapy’, ‘physiotherapy' and ‘physical therapist’, ‘physiotherapist’.

View the full list of glossary terms

profession through recognised and valued systems. These systems should assure protection of the public through mechanisms including responsible self-governance of physical therapists.

To help implement this policy, we have produced the WCPT guideline for the development of a system of legislation/regulation/recognition of physical therapists.