PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Background This editorial aims to compare the Italian context in Physical Therapy with the indications of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (W.C.P.T.) concerning definitions, process descriptions, targets to reach, and settings in which such indications are applied; the editorial's purpose is also to highlight the most important values of our profession. Methods This editorial presents the references/tables adopted by the W.C.P.T. regarding Physical Therapy and analyzes the consequences that the denomination “rehabilitation therapists” has caused in Italy during the last few decades. Conclusions In order to promote the birth of a “Science of Physical Therapy”, it is necessary to accentuate the discipline of Physical Therapy, whereby constructing a privileged disciplinary and cultural ambiance.