10 things you might not know about Physiopedia

You probably use Physiopedia most weeks, whether you are checking the evidence between patients or preparing for an exam. Behind that familiar page sits a global charity, a worldwide volunteer community and a story that began with just three web pages.

Most people come to Physiopedia in a moment of need, find what they are looking for and move on, without ever seeing what sits behind that one page. We thought it was worth pulling back the curtain a little. So here are ten things about who we are and how we work that might just surprise you, whether you have used us for years or only found us last week.

1. We started with three web pages

Physiopedia launched quietly in January 2009 with three pages of content, growing from an idea our founder Rachael Lowe had at an e-learning conference in 2007. Everything you rely on today grew from that simple starting point.

2. You are one of four million every month

Around four million people access Physiopedia every month, and over the past year 33.8 million active users turned to the platform to support their practice and patient care. Whenever you log in, you are learning alongside colleagues across the globe.

3. We reach almost every country on earth

Physiopedia is used in 214 countries and territories, which is very close to every country in the world. From major teaching hospitals to rural clinics, the same trusted page is open somewhere else at the very same moment.

4. Most of you read us on a phone

Around 61% of visits come from mobile devices, so learning happens at the point of care, on the commute and wherever knowledge is needed. We design with that reality in mind.

5. Nearly 6,000 pages, every one evidence-based

Physiopedia is the world’s largest physiotherapy knowledge resource, with nearly 6,000 pages of content, each backed by peer-reviewed sources. Every page is written and reviewed by qualified professionals to create human content you can really trust.

6. We are built by qualified volunteers

Our content is maintained by our team of active qualified physiotherapy volunteer editors from a whole range of specialities, supported by over 5,500 registered editors who have helped build the resource over the years. These are practising clinicians from all over the world giving their time and global insights to keep knowledge current for you.

7. We are a registered charity

Physiopedia is a registered charity in the UK, and every penny we raise goes directly into our mission of improving global health through access to physiotherapy knowledge. Using and sharing Physiopedia is itself part of that mission.

8. Physiopedia Plus funds free access for everyone

Our free Physiopedia platform is funded by subscriptions to our online professional development platform Physiopedia Plus (Plus), so free access stays free for those who cannot pay. The learners with the least support often gain the most from that model.

9. We are a world first

Physiopedia Plus is the world’s first World Physiotherapy Approved CPD Provider, recognised against international quality standards. That recognition travels with every Plus certificate you earn.

10. We reach places textbooks do not

We work with partners such as the ICRC and Humanity and Inclusion to reach professionals in humanitarian settings, and we offer free Plus subscriptions in low-income countries. Where textbooks are scarce, Physiopedia is often the lifeline to current knowledge.

However you use Physiopedia, you are part of something far bigger than a single web page. You can explore the full picture on our impact page, learn more about who we are and how we started, or find out how to get involved as a contributor and help grow it further.