Physical therapy counts: counting physical therapists worldwide

Background It is evident that if something is not counted, and physical therapists (PTs) are not generally counted in international health statistics, no one knows how many there are, neither can they measure their contribution to population health or monitor their migration. The World Health Report [1] provides statistics on doctors and nurses primarily. Few data are reported on other health personnel. To address the burgeoning needs of populations living with non-communicable diseases, disability and older people every health professional will need to be involved. PTs with their expertise in maintaining and restoring people’s maximum movement and functional ability are well placed to take a key role. However with the paucity of information about the profession health, policy makers and planners are disadvantaged.