Physiotherapists vital to neurological wellbeing in Spain
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Ana Herrero, a neurorehabilitation expert in Madrid, Spain, emphasizes the crucial role physiotherapists play in minimizing dependency and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
For 30 years, September 8th has been World Physiotherapy Day, a time for professionals to advocate for their work, particularly in the field of neurological diseases, the leading cause of disability worldwide. Herrero explains that many people misunderstand physiotherapy, often associating it only with sports injuries when its scope is far broader.
Physiotherapists are essential for rehabilitation in conditions like degenerative neurological diseases, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and acquired brain injuries, working to reduce pain, improve autonomy, and prevent complications. While physiotherapists increasingly specialize, especially in neurorrehabilitation, Spain lacks official recognition of these specializations or sufficient neurological focus within physiotherapy education. Herrero is campaigning to become Dean of the College of Physiotherapists of Madrid with a platform called “Physiotherapy 360”, aiming to raise the profession’s profile and secure official specialization pathways.
She and the Spanish Neurology Society believe that consistent physiotherapy, even in progressive diseases, can maintain patient functionality, delay dependency, and ultimately reduce healthcare costs by lessening the need for long-term care. Currently, fewer than 900 of Madrid’s 14,000 registered physiotherapists specialize in neurorehabilitation, despite high demand.
