Japan is currently facing a major shortage of walking therapists, with some regions, including 4 prefectures reporting no therapists at all. This lack of therapists is causing significant problems for patients in need of walking rehabilitation. The consequences are particularly felt among the elderly population which is already grappling with health issues related to ageing and mobility. Measures are being devised to address the serious shortage, but implementation timelines remain uncertain.

In Japan, walking therapy is an important part of patient recovery, especially for the elderly or those recovering from surgeries and accidents. The role of a walking therapist is highly specialized and their shortage has sparked concerns within the healthcare sector. The Japanese population is increasingly ageing and the demand for walking therapists is growing accordingly. Healthcare services, particularly those aimed at elder care, are a major social issue in Japan.

In contrast, the US and EU seem to have a more balanced ratio of physical therapists to population, thanks largely to robust educational systems that train these professionals. Healthcare structures and insurances in these regions also support the services of such therapists, aiding in easy accessibility. However, they are not immune to shortages in certain areas, pointing to a global need for these healthcare professionals.