“Having grown up in the old city, Hyderabad, I had a grounded childhood. My father was a Police officer. Right from my childhood he encouraged me and my siblings to be active in sports. During my Intermediate education, I had joined National Cadet Corps from the 4 Andhra Battalion. This phase of my life has certainly broadened my perspective towards many things. After completing Intermediate in BiPC, I pursued Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Shadan College of Physiotherapy. At that time it was a relatively new branch of science. Following this, I had done my Post Graduation in Sports Medicine and a PG diploma in Counseling Psychology.
The general perception of the majority in India is that physiotherapists are concerned only with massage and exercise. But one should understand that there is a lot more we do to add to this branch of medical sciences.

Over the years, there has been a tremendous improvement in the application part of physical therapy with the advancements in machinery and treatment procedures. While we still make use of simple electrotherapy modalities; new modulations offer a wider range of possibilities like Taping, Cupping, Dry Needling etc. Any of these modulations can be applied independently or in combination with one or more of them. Now Physiotherapy has also become an integral part of treatment for patients who have suffered from musculoskeletal conditions, in fitness and also the patients who suffered from long term effects of COVID.

In spite of its growth, there are a few drawbacks in the recognition and application of Physiotherapy in Telangana State as we are still fighting for the establishment of the Physiotherapy Council at state and at National levels. The absence of a Physiotherapy Council has made it difficult for some specialised courses to get recognition. It is a stumbling block for those aspiring for different positions in the government and private health sectors.

Over the years, I had dealt with many patients. But there’s one case that stands out. It was the rehabilitation therapy I employed to Mr. Shaik Khalid, Mixed Martial Arts coach of India. He was in the process of weight cutting and during his coaching he suffered from an Anterior Cruciate ligament tear. The experts suggested him for the ligament surgery but he was not ready to go ahead with the operation which could impact his coaching career. When he approached me, I took special interest in the case and had done a rigorous anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation treatment for over two months. A few months after the treatment he was able to get back to his coaching. Soon after, he gave a Gold Medal to India at World Championship in 2018 by training the champion player Mehboob Khan.

Instances like these always motivate to do justice to my profession as a physiotherapist and I continue to work harder.
Today, I run my own clinic apart from being an Associate Physiotherapist at Apna Hospitals. I am also associated with Corporate Olympics for the last ten years and with Telangana Association of Mixed Martial Arts.

During the first phase of COVID-19 lockdown last year, I had dealt with many patients performing various Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy techniques. Witnessing the pandemic from close quarters, I have experienced a few extreme situations, not only professionally but also emotionally.
Thanks to my family members, as they have supported me throughout and I was able to perform my duty as diligently as possible.
As things are slowly improving, we are directly dealing with the patients through in-person consultations. On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day today, we must all remember that this day is all about healing hands, who feel, share and care.

So my message to the people is to exercise at least for 30 minutes a day and support each other. There are many around us who have lost their livelihoods because of COVID-19. As humans, our duty is hold hands and help each other to overcome emotional, physical and financial difficulties. I am sure, this way we all would come out winners.”