Focus on rehabilitation: OTWorld 2026 shows how care and participation are being rethought
How can people successfully return to a self-determined life after illness or accident? OTWorld 2026 will focus on the topic of rehabilitation – with concentrated expertise, the latest technologies and an interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, technology and therapy.
Rehabilitation is more than just a medical component – it plays a decisive role in how people can actively participate in life again after an accident or surgery. From 19 to 22 May 2026, OTWorld in Leipzig will focus on precisely this topic, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation at the World Congress and the International Trade Show.
The figures speak for themselves: according to the German Pension Insurance Rehabilitation Atlas, around 994,000 people received medical rehabilitation services in 2023 alone – a third of them for orthopaedic indications. One thing is clear: rehabilitation needs more attention, more teamwork and more innovative solutions.
Rehabilitation at the World Congress: interdisciplinary, digital and practical
Congress President Dr Doris Maier sums it up: ‘Rehabilitation is one of the cornerstones of successful treatment.’ The World Congress therefore takes a broad approach to the topic – with symposia, workshops and lectures on rehabilitation concepts, cross-sector care, pain therapy and the organisation of rehabilitation in times of crisis.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in this: exoskeletons, smart orthoses and digital therapy tools show how modern rehabilitation can close gaps in care. At the same time, the role of digitalisation is critically examined – as a useful addition, not as a substitute for personal care.
New platform: ‘therapie meets OTWorld’
Rehabilitation is also a major focus at the trade show. Particularly exciting: the new ‘therapie meets OTWorld’ format brings together what belongs together. In cooperation with the therapie Leipzig trade show, a platform specifically for physiotherapists and occupational therapists is being created.
Whether neuro-orthotics, AI-supported robotics or practical topics such as lymph therapy and gait training – this is where high-tech meets everyday therapy. Interactive, practical and with a clear goal: to bridge the gap between innovation and application.
Spotlight: Para-sport: experiencing movement
The spotlight ‘Enabling movement – para-sport in care’ in Hall 1 demonstrates how important movement is. Visitors can get active themselves and experience how sport can support rehabilitation.
More than rehabilitation: three focal points, one goal
In addition to rehabilitation, OTWorld 2026 also focuses on the topics of training and integrative care – because true participation can only be achieved through the interaction of all professional groups along the care pathway. From prosthetics and compression to global assistive technology research: the World Congress brings together all areas of modern orthopaedic treatment and care.
Secure your tickets & take advantage of Early Bird!
The ticket shop for OTWorld 2026 is now open. Attractive early bird prices are available until 31 March – for full tickets, day tickets or group tickets. School pupils, students and trainees also benefit from discounted rates.
