Human activities have created unprecedented degradations of our natural environment, accelerating social, ecological and health crises, including pandemic and syndemics. The occidental societies’ relationship with nature, considering the latter as ressources to consume, has equally accelerating the process, leading with greater human physical and psychological health issues. As an example, climate change have been claimed worldwide to present the biggest threat for health at a global scale for the 21st century. The typical occidental model of health system, based on hospital care, technology, (over)medication, and surgeries, is participating actively to the degradation of our natural environment via the large amount of resources needed, resulting in a massive pollution and high carbon footprint (over 4% of the total footprint worldwide).
How does this “new” reality apply within the musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy field? What can MSK physiotherapists do to positively contribute to face the future challenges and pursue the mission to take care of the whole population?
In the light of a clinical case study, the aim of this symposium is to give insights to the participants on some of the future challenges that MSK physiotherapy will face regarding environmental, social and economical issues. It will then discuss and explore alternative ways of framing MSK health challenges and treatment options, both shaping a vision of a common future for our profession, as well as elaborating concrete applicable solutions for the everyday practice. The potential solutions to transform this threat into an opportunity to innovate and transform our practice for a more sustainable model necessitates considerations and actions towards one health, one welfare and one justice for all things living.