An Introduction to Environmental Physiotherapy

Environmental Physiotherapy- Introduction

Environmental Physiotherapy (EPT) started as an idea that encompasses a new field of physiotherapy, where key aspects of the environmental impact is considered, and respected to mutually benefit the physiotherapist and the patient. EPT covers areas of clinical practice, research and education, and bridges the various clinical specialities within Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal, Cardiology, Neurology etc.).

What EPT is about

The field of EPT is rapidly developing, and will expand greatly in the future, but a few key areas of EPT have been identified so far.

1.     Physiotherapy as an environmentally friendly practice

Environmentally friendly physiotherapy practice utilises a "low tech", hands on and interpersonal approach to managing patients. This minimises the negative impact on the enviromenment to make physiotherapy eco friendly.

2.     Environmental cost of Physiotherapy practices

The use of non renewable resources like paper records and disposable products being used to run a physiotherapy service may also contribute to the environmental cost. This also includes aspects such as the amount on unnecessary electricity being used, and ways to use less electricity (for e.g. Sun/air drying linen and towels instead of using a dryer).

3.     Transportation costs related to Physiotherapy.

Looking at how patients reach our services may be a simple way to reduce our environmental footprint. Incentives may be offered to patients who are able to walk or cycle to appointments where possible and appropriate. Patients may be ecouraged to adopt this principle with other appointments or errands too where appropriate. We also need to look at transportation for clinicians to attend meetings, congresses and functions relating to our own clinical ups killing, and implement and adopt ways of reducing the impact on the environment.

4.     Environmentally friendly clinical setup

Most physiotherapy practices are indoors and require additional lighting and air-conditioning, but what if there was a way to incorporate natural light and airflow into our setups, without compromising patient privacy and care?

Self-reflection on current Physiotherapy practice

In order for us to change, we first need to look at our own current practices, and we need to reflect on ways that we can align ourselves with a more environmentally friendly way of practising. Change may take some time to occur, but the following basic steps may guide the process of crossing over into an environmentally friendly Physiotherapy practice.

1.     Step 1: A willingness to make a change.

2.     Step 2: Understanding the relationship between health and the environment.

3.     Step 3: Identifying the aspects of our Physiotherapy practice that needs to change.

4.     Step 4: Expanding on this new field of Physiotherapy, and inspiring others to do the same.