Physiotherapy is one of the applied health sciences dedicated to restoring functional movement, alleviating pain, and enhancing physical performance through non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and thermotherapy. As a discipline grounded in scientific principles and clinical practice, physiotherapy plays a vital role in improving quality of life and promoting functional independence among patients of various age groups. In Iraq, the demand for physiotherapy services has increased significantly in recent years due to the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, chronic diseases, traffic accidents, sports-related injuries, and post-surgical conditions. These health challenges have underscored the necessity of structured rehabilitation programs aimed at minimizing disability, accelerating recovery, and preventing long-term complications. The formal development of physical therapy in Iraq began with the establishment of Medical Rehabilitation Technology departments within technical institutes and colleges. Over time, the discipline evolved into bachelor’s degree programs offered by several public and private universities. These academic advancements have contributed substantially to the preparation of scientifically and practically qualified professionals capable of delivering rehabilitation services in hospitals, healthcare centers, and private clinics. In parallel with academic growth, recent years have witnessed the expansion of specialized rehabilitation centers in major urban areas, thereby improving access to services and increasing public awareness regarding the importance of physiotherapy. The professional scope of physiotherapists in Iraq encompasses a wide range of clinical specialties. Neurological rehabilitation constitutes a major component of practice, particularly in the management of stroke, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. Orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation also represents a significant area of focus, addressing conditions such as fractures, ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, and spinal disorders. Furthermore, physical therapy plays a crucial role in post-operative rehabilitation, especially following joint replacement surgeries and spinal procedures, where structured rehabilitation protocols are essential for restoring mobility and functional capacity. Sports rehabilitation is another vital field, aimed at treating athletic injuries and facilitating a safe and efficient return to competitive activity. In addition, pediatric rehabilitation services contribute to the management of motor developmental disorders and congenital deformities, emphasizing early intervention to optimize long-term outcomes. Through these diverse clinical roles, Physiotherapy serves as a fundamental pillar of the Iraqi healthcare system. It contributes directly to improving therapeutic outcomes, reducing long-term complications, and enhancing overall healthcare efficiency. Its importance becomes increasingly evident in light of the growing burden of chronic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and traffic-related injuries across the country, Despite the noticeable progress achieved in both academic expansion and the establishment of treatment centers, the field of physical therapy in Iraq continues to face several structural and organizational challenges that influence service quality and national coverage. One of the primary challenges is the unequal distribution of specialized professionals, with expertise largely concentrated in major cities while peripheral and rural areas experience shortages. This imbalance limits equitable access to rehabilitation services and poses particular difficulties for patients requiring early and continuous therapeutic intervention. Another significant challenge lies in the limited availability of modern equipment and advanced rehabilitation technologies in many healthcare institutions. The absence of up-to-date electrotherapy devices, functional rehabilitation equipment, robotic-assisted therapy systems, and virtual reality-based training technologies restricts the capacity of certain centers to provide comprehensive, evidence-based interventions aligned with international standards. Public awareness regarding the preventive and rehabilitative role of physical therapy also remains insufficient. In some cases, pharmacological treatment is still perceived as the primary therapeutic approach, while referral to physiotherapy occurs at later stages of illness or injury. This perception reflects gaps in health education and highlights the need for broader awareness campaigns aimed at promoting early intervention and emphasizing the scientific foundation of rehabilitation practice. Moreover, the academic and research landscape faces limitations due to the relatively small number of local clinical studies and research initiatives in physical therapy. The scarcity of evidence derived from the Iraqi healthcare context constrains the development of locally adapted, evidence-based treatment protocols and limits the international scientific contribution of Iraqi researchers in this field. Addressing these challenges requires the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy that supports continuous professional development, modernizes rehabilitation infrastructure, strengthens professional legislation, promotes scientific research, and enhances community health awareness. Such coordinated efforts are essential for advancing physiotherapy services in Iraq and aligning them with international standards of healthcare quality and rehabilitation excellence. Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq.