Why this campaign?
We know what physiotherapy is and how it ‘moves’ every day. We know that it is an integral part of the treatment process and is not just for the patients. We know that it can also be an element of changing the lifestyle for a better and healthier. We are very happy that some politicians know this and that the World Health Organization has recognized physiotherapy as one of the health priorities. But this is not enough…
Because 50 percent of Poles have never used physiotherapy services, and nearly 5 percent do not even know what it is. This ‘moved us’.
The goal of the campaign is to promote physiotherapy and show its capabilities. Today, physiotherapy is not an addition to treatment, but an important part of it and can be an inspiration to a healthy lifestyle. We care about gaining the trust of patients and building the prestige of the physiotherapist profession. It is significant that patients who have benefited from physiotherapy have a very good opinion about it. On a scale of 1-10, patients rate a contact with a physiotherapist at 7.5, and the recommendation rate is as high as 8.15. We are proud that most would gladly recommend our services to others .
But for us it is still not enough…
To whom?
The campaign is addressed to all people, current and future patients, active and those who just want to be active. The heroes of our campaign are of different ages, they can live anywhere, they can be our neighbor, mother or child… Or you.
About physiotherapy and physiotherapists
Physiotherapy is healing by movement. The method has been used for centuries, today it accompanies us in a modern version. Such therapy does not always win patients’ trust from the beginning, because it requires them to be involved and cooperate. For a full and positive effect, it is necessary to exercise independently or with the support of the family. Physiotherapy is not as easy to use as a painkiller tablet. However, it has definitely fewer side effects and works much longer.
We, as physiotherapists, are the youngest medical self-government – not only when it comes to the average age of its representatives, but also the existence of regulations governing the profession. It was only the Act of 25 September 2015 on the Profession of Physiotherapy (https://kif.info.pl/act-profession-physiotherapy/) introduced the provisions specifying the rules for performing this profession as an independent medical profession. A year later the Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists was established. Other self-governments, operating in the field of health care for many (and sometimes for several dozen) years, have been informing about their actions both the decision-makers and specialists, as well as a wide range of patients. What others have done over the decades, we must do much faster.
About the campaign
The decision to prepare the campaign was taken at one of the meetings of the Executive Board. Shooting for the social campaign were taken at the end of August. It was a large production, in which over 30 people participated (as well as 2 dogs: Fargo and Fuks and a cat Dyzio, who turned out to be very talented actors :). A high level of realization was ensured by the talented director of the young generation – Bartosz Kruhlik (http://www.kruhlik.com/pl/), a graduate of the Lodz Film School, who recently won the award in the category “Directorial Debut” for the film “Supernova” during the 44th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia. Another graduate of this School – cameraman Patrik Skonieczny – was responsible for the shooting.
Shooting was taken in various locations in Warsaw and the surrounding area, including three physiotherapy offices, one primary school, several apartments or private houses, as well as… the Chamber’s office.
The slogan of the campaign is ‘Physiotherapy moves’ and its author is a physiotherapist Agnieszka Wierciak. In three films, full of warmth and positive emotions, we watch how physiotherapy restores activity to patients of all ages: an old lady after hip fracture; a young, busy girl who complains of low back pain and a boy with scoliosis, who avoids physical education, sitting all day in front of the TV screen or smartphone. We have consciously selected patients of different ages and with quite common diseases – thanks to which we educate that physiotherapy is for people of all ages and can really help in many situations that reduce activity and quality of life.
We wanted substantive correctness and full compliance with physiotherapy practice. That is why all the films, except for professional actors and extras, were attended by real representatives of our profession, who work with patients on a daily basis. They play the role of people conducting rehabilitation and restoring activity. The participation of 4 authentic physiotherapists, actually playing themselves, gives the campaign the value of authenticity and truth. We show what exemplary physiotherapy, work and relationships with patients should look like. In addition, we have introduced elements of physioprevention. In the campaign, representatives of our profession not only conduct therapy and recommend exercises, but also encourage a change in lifestyle, a healthy diet, lowering stress levels or improving relationships with family or the environment.
#PhysiotherapyMoves
1st part of the campaign – Watch, what has moved Szymek and share the video
Next videos coming soon!
All videos are available with English, German, French and Spanish subtitles!