Wildfire Smoke and Its Impact on Your Physical Therapy Practice

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.