Altogether, nearly 19 percent of the Dutch population contacted a physiotherapist at least once in 2008: about 23 percent of women and 16 percent of men. The highest percentage was found in over-65 women. The number of physiotherapist contacts has increased rapidly in the past decades. In 1981, just under 7 percent of the population consulted a physiotherapist. The proportion has nearly trebled over the past 26 years.
The proportion of contacts has risen disproportionately in recent years. The sharp increase recorded since 2006 might be caused by the fact that patients no longer need to be referred to a physiotherapist by their GP.
Contacts with physiotherapists last year, 1981-2008
