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Wildfire Smoke and Its Impact on Your Physical Therapy Practice.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Wildfire Smoke and Its Impact on Your Physical Therapy Practice.
Authors: Petry Moecke D, Gray B, Doyle H, Ensor N, Camp PG
Source: The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy [J Orthop Sports Phys Ther] 2025 Nov; Vol. 55 (11), pp. 1-5.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Williams And Wilkins Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7908150 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1938-1344 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 01906011 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: Washington, DC : Williams And Wilkins
Original Publication: Alexandria, VA : Orthopaedic Section and Sports Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.
MeSH Terms: Wildfires* , Smoke*/adverse effects , Physical Therapy Modalities*, Humans ; Exercise Therapy
Abstract: SYNOPSIS: Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing significant challenges to public health and health systems. Wildfires might directly influence how musculoskeletal rehabilitation clinicians prescribe exercise therapy, manage outdoor sessions, and maintain a safe clinic environment. These changes to musculoskeletal rehabilitation practice are particularly relevant given that clinicians often care for populations at greater risk of adverse health outcomes from exposure to wildfire smoke, including older adults and outdoor athletes. In this Viewpoint, we describe the role physical therapists can play in mitigating the health impacts of wildfires-through prevention and rehabilitation strategies-and emphasize the need for more proactive, evidence-based approaches. Recommendations include understanding who is at risk, implementing assessment practices for the negative effects of smoke, integrating air quality monitoring into clinical practice, adapting treatment protocols during wildfire seasons, and developing emergency preparedness to respond effectively to wildfire-related health challenges. We advocate for clinic-level policy changes, disaster preparedness training, and equitable resource allocation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(11):1-5. Epub 17 September 2025. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.13546 .
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: air pollution; emergency preparedness; environmental health; physical therapy; wildfires
Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Smoke)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20251022 Date Completed: 20251022 Latest Revision: 20251022
Update Code: 20251022
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2025.13546
PMID: 41123346
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:SYNOPSIS: Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing significant challenges to public health and health systems. Wildfires might directly influence how musculoskeletal rehabilitation clinicians prescribe exercise therapy, manage outdoor sessions, and maintain a safe clinic environment. These changes to musculoskeletal rehabilitation practice are particularly relevant given that clinicians often care for populations at greater risk of adverse health outcomes from exposure to wildfire smoke, including older adults and outdoor athletes. In this Viewpoint, we describe the role physical therapists can play in mitigating the health impacts of wildfires-through prevention and rehabilitation strategies-and emphasize the need for more proactive, evidence-based approaches. Recommendations include understanding who is at risk, implementing assessment practices for the negative effects of smoke, integrating air quality monitoring into clinical practice, adapting treatment protocols during wildfire seasons, and developing emergency preparedness to respond effectively to wildfire-related health challenges. We advocate for clinic-level policy changes, disaster preparedness training, and equitable resource allocation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2025;55(11):1-5. Epub 17 September 2025. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.13546 .
ISSN:1938-1344
DOI:10.2519/jospt.2025.13546