Physical therapy is a non-invasive discipline that can help individuals recover from an injury and develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement of the body and physical function. Physical therapy can also deal with a chronic condition and prevent future injury. World Physiotherapy Day was started on September 8 in 1996. The day founded in 1951 marks the solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day which is on 8th September, we at Medicircle are conducting an exclusive series in order to raise awareness about the importance of physiotherapy and the role physiotherapists play in keeping people fit and well. 

Dr. Anjana Gupta(PT), director of Physio care is a practicing physiotherapy clinician with more than two decades of experience. Her expertise, but is not limited to, the management of pediatrics, geriatric patients with orthopedic and neurological disorders. She has worked for LNJP hospital in the Orthopedics Department and GB Pant Hospital in the Neurology Department as a Senior Physiotherapist. Her work revolved around Joint Pains, Fractures, Hip and Knee replacements. She has been awarded best Physiotherapist by the Greater Kailash.

All you need to know about the expert's physiotherapist 

Dr. Anjana Gupta says, “Physiotherapists are medical professionals who are experts in movement and functions in the body. There are many systems in the body. As physiotherapists, we are trained in body movements and a combination of muscles involved in particular movements. There are many muscles that initiate movements and stop the movements with the help of a group of muscles. We, as physiotherapists, are trained in creating magic when the patient is unable to move. We need to check which muscle is inactive and needs strength. The treatment is -

Exercise therapy  Electrotherapy  Manual therapy  Machine therapy  Combination of therapies 

We need all the natural ways like sun rays, ice, water, and heat therapy gifted by nature to achieve cure with therapeutics. We create therapeutics with these modalities from these natural ways to reach the depth of the problem in chronic and acute diseases. This is how physiotherapy works. “

Importance of physiotherapy and rehabilitation 

Dr. Anjana Gupta informs, “When you get injured or go through surgery, there is a need for a rehabilitation plan for proper guidance. Now after covid - 

Chest physiotherapy is gaining traction  Paralysis Rehabilitation is important  Postural deformities are due to working from home. Postural ergonomics to place the neck correctly 

Rehabilitation and recovery are a must for injuries and after surgery to get back to normal. Physiotherapy is part of rehabilitation.  Rehabilitation is important for a successful surgery.”

Durations for sessions of physiotherapy 

Dr. Anjana Gupta says, “ Patients need advice and guidance to correct the problem. It is important to know the root cause of the problem. Some patients just recover by guidance through online consultation. It is important to follow the physiotherapist's guidance. Some patient needs extra care and prolonged sessions to - 

Reduce stiffness  Reduce pain  Identify cause  Strengthening the body part  Removing the cause 

This might take longer with 10 - 12 sessions of physiotherapy and then sessions can be given once a week. 

Physiotherapy is changing the way of living 

Dr. Anjana Gupta says, “Modern life has changed everything online from studies to office. The problems of modern life are 

Too much screen time  Postural issues  Sedentary lifestyle  Lack of movement  Stiff Neck  Vertigo  Sciatica  Stiff hip joint  Joint pain  Compression of nerve  Dislocation of disc

In such cases, physiotherapy can help to save from future problems. Do not ignore the problem as it can increase from muscular problem to nerve problem. Do not ignore pain at the initial stage. Follow the protocol to revere the problem. From newborn to old age, neonatologist to geriatrics, physiotherapy is very important in the following sectors- 

Cardiovascular  Musculoskeletal  Gynecological problems Urinary incontinence  Obesity  Surgery  Oncology  Lung problems 

Physiotherapy plays a very wide role after covid. People are aware of problems.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)