{"id":151206,"date":"2026-09-08T06:56:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T04:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/institutchiaribcn.com\/?post_type=comunicacion&p=151206"},"modified":"2026-09-08T09:31:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T07:31:34","slug":"world-physiotherapy-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"comunicacion","link":"https:\/\/institutchiaribcn.com\/en\/world-physiotherapy-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"World Physiotherapy Day 2026: The importance of rehabilitation in Arnold-Chiari I Syndrome and Filum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year on 8 September, World Physical Therapy Day<\/strong> provides an opportunity to recognize the essential role of physiotherapists in promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting the functional recovery of millions of people worldwide.<\/p>\n

At our centre, we would like to highlight the importance of physiotherapy and rehabilitation<\/strong> for neurosurgical patients, both before and after surgical treatment for Filum Disease and related conditions<\/strong>. They are fundamental to promoting comprehensive recovery and improving quality of life.<\/p>\n

September is also Chiari Malformation<\/a> Awareness Month<\/strong>, serving an opportunity to emphasize the benefits of physiotherapy for patients diagnosed with this condition.<\/p>\n

World Physiotherapy Day 2026: Physiotherapy and Cardiovascular Health<\/h2>\n

The theme of World Physiotherapy Day 2026<\/strong> is the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

While cardiovascular disease<\/strong> and Arnold-Chiari I syndrome<\/strong> are not directly related, maintaining good cardiovascular health is especially important for patients with this diagnosis. Chiari I malformation is associated to a developmental asynchrony between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the skull and spine, whereas cardiovascular prevention focuses on reducing the risk of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.<\/p>\n

Adequate control of blood pressure and cardiovascular function can help prevent sudden increase in intracranial pressure, which, in certain circumstances, could worsen the symptoms of Arnold-Chiari I syndrome.<\/p>\n

Cardiovascular manifestations in Arnold-Chiari I Syndrome<\/a><\/h2>\n

In addition to respiratory disorders such as central sleep apnea<\/strong> and obstructive sleep apnea<\/strong>, which have been described in some patients, the scientific literature includes reports of various cardiovascular manifestations associated with the descent of the cerebellar tonsils and brain. These include glossopharyngeal neuralgia, syncope, and palpitations<\/strong> (1).<\/p>\n

These symptoms can initially be mistaken for cardiac disease. In fact, it has been described that:<\/p>\n

“Cardiogenic syncope may be mistaken with the rare occurrence of cerebellar fits, characterized by drop attacks with or without loss of consciousness, abnormal extensor posturing, and different degrees of respiratory impairment.” (1)<\/p>\n

Many patients may initially undergo cardiological or neurological evaluation due to suspicion of other conditions before reaching the correct diagnosis of Arnold-Chiari I syndrome through the appropriate differential diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Several studies have also reported that:<\/p>\n

“Interestingly, most of the patients presenting cardiovascular disease with CMI gained a significant control or complete resolution of the cardiologic symptomatology after surgery.” (1)<\/p>\n

Although most published evidence refers to decompression via suboccipital craniectomy<\/strong>, our clinical experience, as reflected in other studies, has also shown a favorable evolution of these symptoms following the Filum System \u00ae Sectioning of the Filum Terminale<\/strong>, when indicated.<\/p>\n

Benefits of physiotherapy in Filum Disease and Arnold-Chiari I syndrome<\/h2>\n

Physiotherapy<\/strong> constitutes an essential discipline within the rehabilitation process. Its goal is to improve mobility, muscle strength, balance and physical function through non-pharmacological treatments based on movement and therapeutic exercise.<\/p>\n

In patients with Filum Disease<\/strong> and Arnold-Chiari I syndrome<\/strong><\/a>, an adapted physiotherapy programme can contribute to:<\/p>\n