Aga Khan Hospital offers free screening for LBP as it marks World Physiotherapy Day

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Aga Khan Hospita-Dar es Salaam yesterday celebrated the World Physiotherapy Day in style by offering free screening for low back pain (LBP) to a number of patients.

Every year on September 8th, World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated globally to recognise the invaluable contributions of physiotherapists in improving health, enhancing mobility, and promoting well-being.

The focus for this year’s day is LBP and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.

According the World Health Organization (WHO), LBP is the leading cause of disability globally. A total of 619 million people experienced LBP in 2020, that’s 1 in 13 people.

Speaking to journalists, the Head of the Physiotherapy Department at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dares Salaam, Simion Gundah said the institute conducted a free screening camp focusing on low back pain in recognition of the importance of that day.

“As a health institution, Aga Khan Hospital, Dares Salaam is dedicated in raising awareness about the crucial role of physiotherapy in promoting health, mobility, and independence,” he said.

He added: “The attendees have benefited from free educational sessions, one-on-one consultations with qualified physiotherapists, and discounted treatment plans.”

The Head of Clinical Operations Ergonomics at Aga Khan Hospital Dares Salaam, Murtaza Mukhtar said the institute attends an average of 20 patients daily seeking treatment for low back pain, with about 80 per cent of these patients attending the hospital for physiotherapy.

He said the rise in low back pain among youth is often attributed to poor posture, which stems from a lack of education on proper sitting techniques while advising citizens to adopt better sitting practices to protect their backs.

Speaking on behalf of the Troikaa Pharma , Sales Manager at Troikaa Pharma ,Nivard Nziku urged individuals with low back pain to avoid using over-the-counter pain medications indiscriminately without consulting a doctor emphasizing taking it without consultation will affect their internal organs such as kidney.

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However, he said Troikaa has introduced the new generation diclofenac spray, which helps reduce the need for oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Troikaa was among the stakeholders who joined Aga Khan to commemorate the day by raising public awareness about low back pain.