# Environmental Friendliness in Physiotherapy Education – Thoughts on a More Sustainable Path

> Towards Sustainability in Physiotherapy Education.

## Introduction
Sustainable health and environmentally friendly action are not separate themes; they go naturally hand in hand. Sustainable health means wellbeing for everyone, but in a way that respects the limits of our planet. According to Wanyenze and colleagues (2023), progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals has been too slow. This is also evident in healthcare. It is difficult to discuss human wellbeing while ignoring the environment that makes it possible. This applies to physiotherapy, particularly regarding how future professionals are educated to understand their responsibility as part of a larger whole.

## The Global and Sustainable Health (GOSH) Project
This article is part of a blog series related to the Global and Sustainable Health (GOSH) project, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education (TFK). The project involves collaboration between four universities of applied sciences: 
* Turku UAS
* JAMK
* Singapore Institute of Technology: University of Applied Sciences
* Savonia UAS

Together, these institutions have developed a 5-credit study module titled "Global and Sustainable Health." The course explores its main themes from the perspective of rehabilitation and included an intensive week held in Singapore in autumn 2025.

## Redefining Professional Identity
Physiotherapy exists within a society where health and the environment are deeply connected. Palstam and Swärdh (2025) argue that "sustainability competence" is no longer sufficient. We require deeper thinking, ethical and environmental awareness, and the ability to react responsibly. This involves understanding how our actions affect the environment, questioning standard practices, and taking an active role in creating sustainable solutions.

Professional identity must evolve; in an era where climate change and resource depletion directly impact health, physiotherapy can no longer focus solely on individual physical ability. It must incorporate ecological and social responsibility.

## Integrating Sustainability into Education
In Finland, environmental perspectives are beginning to appear in physiotherapy education through online learning, remote physiotherapy, and the use of natural environments. However, it is worth questioning whether these were adopted for environmental reasons or for other goals like accessibility, cost-efficiency, or pedagogical development.

There is a need for open discussion on integrating environmental views into the core of physiotherapy education, rather than treating them as an auxiliary theme. This approach aligns with the concept of "environmental physiotherapy" (Padhy & Raj, 2021), which views the profession as a contributor to sustainable lifestyles and environmental health, rather than just a treatment for physical ailments.

## Toward a Green Rehabilitation Path
A "green rehabilitation path" could include:
* Exercising in nature
* Using energy-efficient facilities
* Reducing disposable materials
* Making thoughtful choices regarding equipment

Educators play a crucial role in this transition by updating study plans and fostering new ways of thinking. Universities of applied sciences should integrate sustainable health into all teaching and research, utilizing community projects and classroom discussions to explore ecological responsibility in daily professional work.

## Conclusion
Sustainable physiotherapy will not happen overnight; it grows from small choices, openness, and a desire to innovate. The challenge for teachers, students, and professionals is to move from awareness to concrete actions that make a difference in everyday life.

## Authors
* **Sonja Lydman**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
* **Marja Äijö**, PT, PhD Principal Lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia, University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.

## References
* Padhy, R. K., & Raj, R. (2021). Environmental physiotherapy and global issues. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 6(10).
* Palstam, A., & Swärdh, E. (2025). Beyond sustainability competence: Ethical and environmental responsiveness in physiotherapy education and professional identity – Editorial. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 27(3), 133–135.
* Wanyenze, R. K., Alfvén, T., Ndejjo, R., Viberg, N., Båge, K., Batte, C., Helldén, D., Lindgren, H., Mayega, R. W., Ndeezi, G., Swartling Peterson, S., Nawangwe, B., & Ottersen, O. P. (2023). Sustainable health – a call to action. BMC Global and Public Health.