Physiotherapy a new hope

Afra Afzal Sait I NT

World Physiotherapy Day has just gone by last week. A large population of the world are now choosing physiotherapy as the option to cure the body than go for invasive and expensive surgeries.

Therefore, there are a large number of students who when unsuccessful in medical exams, take recourse to physiotheraphy as their profession.

Bengaluru-based young physiotherapist Dr Nabeela Asif is one of them.

"I chose the profession and am very happy about it. In physiotherapy we have to study everything that medical stuents do like body anatomy, just our specialisation is different. While I feel happy to treat people and it is also a great source of income, it requires great energy and a fit body to treat patients of different body weight and height."

Notably, the latest reports on the number of physiotherapists in India says that the Indian Association of Physiotherapists has more than 12,000 members and was readmitted as a member of World Physiotherapy in 2020.

However, with a population of 1.37 billion India has only 0.59 Physiotherapists for every 10000 population.

According to physiotherapists, the role of physiotherapy in managing various conditions, including Frozen Shoulder include electrotherapy modalities, such as ultrasound and interferential therapy (IFT), that help reduce pain and inflammation.

Customised exercises, aimed at improving muscle strength and joint flexibility, provide long-term relief. Physiotherapists at Vani Vilas Hospital, explain how physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in post-surgical rehabilitation.

Dr Hamsalekha M C, Physiotherapist District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) says, “Physiotherapists initiate therapy immediately after surgery, gradually increasing mobility and functionality. They focus on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, ensuring patients recover as quickly as possible”.

Medical experts highlight the susceptibility of athletes to sports-related injuries, often affecting the neck and back due to the physical demands of their activities.

Physiotherapists employ a range of techniques, including manual therapy and targeted exercises, to reduce pain, enhance flexibility, and improve strength.

They not only aid in injury recovery but also focus on preventive measures and performance optimisation. As the vital role of physiotherapists in rehabilitation is important, surgeons lay emphasis on the recovery process.

“Surgeons perform operations, but it's the physiotherapists who guide patients back to their normal routines. They also contribute significantly to athlete training, emphasising their indispensable role in the recovery process”, quotes Dr Naveen, Orthopedic Surgeon, K C General Hospital, Bengaluru.

Likewise, experts say the use of physical agents, such as electrotherapy, heat, cold, and therapeutic exercises, improves patients' quality of life without side effects. It also provides insights into the daily life of a physiotherapist.

"By providing specific rehabilitation techniques. a physiotherapist can help you in reducing and eliminating symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, etc", says Dr. Sudhakar, Lecturer, Kempegowda Institute of Physiotherapy.

Patients are often assessed and recommended to take control of their own healing journey.

Furthermore, Dr Shilpa, Physiotherapist, Leprosy Hospital says, " Listening to your body and recognising the period of rest to modify the activity level can prevent potential injuries".