Physiopedia:About
Original Editor - Rachael Lowe
Top Contributors - Rachael Lowe, Admin, Kim Jackson, Tony Lowe, Claire Knott, Lucy Aird, Naomi O'Reilly and Alexandra Stead
About Physiopedia
In an age where AI-generated content floods the internet, Physiopedia stands as the trusted, human-vetted source for physiotherapy knowledge, built by professionals, for professionals.
Physiopedia is a registered charity (UK registration 1173185) providing free, evidence-based physiotherapy knowledge to professionals worldwide. We're often called "Wikipedia for physiotherapy" but with a crucial difference: every piece of content is created, reviewed, quality assured and maintained by qualified physiotherapy professionals through rigorous editorial oversight.
Every month, 4 million people from nearly every country trust Physiopedia to provide accurate, up-to-date knowledge that improves patient care. Whilst our core focus is physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy in some countries), we welcome all healthcare professionals to use and contribute to our knowledge base.
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Our Story
In 2007, physiotherapist Rachael Lowe had a simple but ambitious idea: "Wouldn't it be great if all physiotherapists around the world were constantly creating and updating content to build one constantly evolving online textbook for our profession?"
In January 2009, Rachael and Tony Lowe launched Physiopedia with just three pages of content. What started as a small side project has grown into the world's largest physiotherapy knowledge resource, visited by physiotherapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as the health-seeking public.
From the beginning, keeping Physiopedia advert-free and ethically sustainable was paramount. We've built partnerships with universities, professional organisations, and NGOs worldwide. In 2014, we launched Physiopedia Plus, a premium continuing education platform and in 2024 we launched the Physiopedia AI Assistant, whose subscriptions income funds the free Physiopedia resource for everyone.
Today, Physiopedia is a global movement: over 5,500 editors and 50 active volunteers collaborate monthly to maintain the world's largest physiotherapy knowledge base. We've proved that professional knowledge-sharing at scale works, and we're building the infrastructure to sustain it for generations.
Vision
The world's most trusted, accessible platform for physiotherapy education and professional development.
Mission
To provide free, high-quality physiotherapy education to professionals worldwide, supporting their learning and career development from student to expert.
Our Values
Trust
We maintain rigorous editorial standards and quality assurance. Our content is human-created, expert-reviewed, and continuously updated, providing a credible counter to AI misinformation.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collective expertise. Physiotherapy professionals worldwide work together to build, maintain, and improve our shared knowledge base.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in content quality, user experience, and professional development opportunities. We promote leadership and continuous improvement.
Impact
We're data-driven and results-focused. We measure our global reach, track learning outcomes, and demonstrate how knowledge-sharing improves healthcare delivery.
Openness
Free access to quality physiotherapy knowledge is a right, not a privilege. All core Physiopedia content remains free for everyone, everywhere, forever.
Strategic Priorities
Establish Physiopedia as the trusted, vetted, human-centred authority in physiotherapy education, particularly as a counter to AI misinformation. Our strategic focus areas:
- Trust & Quality - Position as the definitive trusted source with visible editorial oversight, expert verification, and transparent review processes.
- Digital Transformation - Deliver excellent mobile-first experiences with improved navigation, personalisation, and engagement features.
- Volunteer Experience - Make contributing to Physiopedia professionally meaningful, visible, and valuable to career development.
- Global Content - Expand globally respectful, culturally sensitive content in multiple languages whilst maintaining quality standards.
- Financial Sustainability - Diversify revenue streams whilst maintaining free access as our core mission.
- Impact Visibility - Make our data transparent and accessible to demonstrate measurable global impact.
- Responsible Innovation - Use AI to support human processes (translation, content review assistance) whilst maintaining quality control and human oversight.
Read our full Strategic Plan →
Governance
Physiopedia is registered with the UK Charity Commission (registration number 1173185) and complies with the Charities Act 2011. Under UK law, we operate as a company limited by guarantee (registration number 08530802).
Our charitable objects: For the public benefit, to improve health globally by advancing education in relation to physiotherapy and improving access to physiotherapy knowledge.
All funds raised go directly toward achieving our mission. Charities in the UK are rigorously monitored, and we're proud to meet the required standards.
Our People
Physiopedia is built by a global community united by our mission. Our leadership and editorial team includes:
Board of Trustees provide strategic oversight and ensure we fulfil our charitable mission. Our four trustees bring diverse expertise spanning clinical practice, education, international collaboration, and digital innovation.
Advisory Council offers specialised expertise in clinical practice, education, technology, fundraising, marketing, global health, and governance. We are establishing a new Advisory Council to support our strategic development.
Editorial Community comprises 50+ active volunteer editors who maintain content quality. Led by our Quality Assurance Manager, Content Manager, and Communications Manager, this team coordinates content review, ensures clinical accuracy, and supports our global volunteer network.
Over 5,500 registered editors have contributed to building Physiopedia since 2009, representing the collaborative spirit of the global physiotherapy community.
Meet our team and learn about joining our community.
Learn More
- Our Impact - See how we're making a difference globally
- Trust & Quality - Understand our editorial standards and quality assurance
- How We Are Funded - Financial transparency and sustainability model
- Partnerships - Organisations we collaborate with worldwide
- Governance - How we are governed and annual reports
- Get Involved - Volunteer, contribute, or support our mission