Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Highlights Physiotherapy’s Role in Heart and Stroke Recovery on World Physiotherapy Day
Bhubaneswar, September 7, 2026: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar observed World Physiotherapy Day 2026 with a focus on the growing role of physiotherapy and physical activity in preventing, managing and rehabilitating cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The event, organised by the Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, also marked the 8th edition of the Continuous Physiotherapy Education (C.P.E) 8.0 series, bringing together more than 70 physiotherapy professionals from across Odisha.
The programme was held ahead of World Physiotherapy Day, observed globally on September 8.
This year’s campaign by World Physiotherapy focuses on cardiovascular disease and stroke, highlighting how physiotherapists can support physical activity, risk reduction, recovery and long-term rehabilitation.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in the presence of Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, and Dr P. P. Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR, along with other healthcare professionals and participants.
The programme focused on an area that is often associated primarily with cardiologists and neurologists: the role of movement and rehabilitation in cardiovascular and stroke care.
Physiotherapy can contribute to prevention by helping people become more physically active and manage functional limitations, while structured rehabilitation can help patients regain mobility, physical function and independence following cardiac events or stroke.
Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, Consultant – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said, “Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people stay active and recover after illness or injury.
Timely rehabilitation can help patients regain movement and independence”
Speaking on the importance of rehabilitation, Dr P. P. Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR, said, “Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping patients recover after stroke and cardiovascular illness.
Early physiotherapy can help them regain movement and independence.”
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between different medical specialities in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Physiotherapists may be involved at different stages, from helping patients regain mobility after a stroke to developing appropriate activity and exercise programmes for people living with cardiovascular conditions.
The Continuous Physiotherapy Education (C.P.E) 8.0 series provided a platform for professionals to exchange clinical knowledge across cardiac, neurological, sports, orthopaedic and critical care rehabilitation.
Dr Saktimaya Mahapatra, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, said, “The role of physiotherapy is changing with the needs of patients.
Today, rehabilitation is closely connected with prevention, recovery and long-term management of several chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease and stroke demonstrate this clearly.
A patient may receive timely medical or surgical treatment, but the journey towards functional recovery can continue for weeks or months.
Physiotherapists are an important part of that journey, helping patients regain movement, build physical capacity and return to daily life.”
The Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar provides rehabilitation services across multiple specialities, including orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, cardiology and sports rehabilitation, catering to more than 200 patients daily.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sibanisankar Tripathy, Physiotherapist, who acknowledged the speakers, participating physiotherapists, healthcare professionals and the organising team for their contribution to the programme.
The observance of World Physiotherapy Day 2026 reaffirmed Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar’s commitment to advancing physiotherapy education and care, with a strong focus on enabling healthier, more independent lives through movement.
