Physiotherapy is an ever-evolving profession, and with the advancements in technology, it’s taking a new direction. One of the newest and most exciting developments in physiotherapy is the use of robotics. The integration of robotics in physiotherapy is revolutionizing the way physical therapy is conducted, offering unparalleled precision, and significantly improving outcomes for patients. As the field of physiotherapy continues to grow, robotics is becoming an increasingly popular area of research, with new and innovative techniques emerging regularly. In this article, we’ll explore how robotics is changing the face …

12,000 years ago, a human skeleton holding a puppy was found in Israel. Sometimes, our furry friends bring out more than a human can. At times, individuals quite literally pet their problems away.  Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves the use of trained animals to provide emotional support and therapeutic benefits to people suffering from various mental health conditions. The purpose of AAT is to improve the emotional, social, and cognitive functioning of individuals, by using animals as a tool to engage and motivate them. …

As a physical therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how the field of physical therapy is constantly evolving and am always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to treat patients and educate them. Every day, new modalities and techniques emerge that can help us better serve our patients and improve their outcomes. One such modality that has been gaining traction in recent years is therapeutic virtual reality (TVR). With its ability to create immersive digital environments that simulate real-world scenarios, TVR has the potential to revolutionize the way we …

As a physiotherapist, you understand the challenges involved in treating knee pain. Patient misconceptions can complicate matters, as outdated or false information can hinder their recovery. Educating patients is crucial to achieving the best outcomes. In this article, we’ll address six common fallacies about knee pain, debunking these myths and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches for successful treatment and improved quality of life. Fallacy 1: Persistent knee pain is always due to arthritis, and arthritis only. Reality: Knee pain can stem from various factors, making it illogical to solely …

Introduction and Background The meniscus, once considered a functionless remnant of leg muscle, has been recognized in recent decades as a vital structure of the knee joint. Scientific investigations have highlighted its anatomical, biomechanical, and functional importance. The incidence of meniscal injuries is increasing, partly due to the growing participation of youth in sports activities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the preferred imaging modality, and surgical management is the primary treatment for meniscal tears. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is currently the most commonly performed orthopedic procedure worldwide. However, recent studies …

Get ready for an exhilarating glimpse into the extraordinary lives of sports physiotherapists, the unsung heroes behind athletes’ triumphs and challenges. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the remarkable experiences of Dr. Swapnil Mate, a renowned sports physio who has worked closely with the Indian Olympics team. Brace yourself for inspiring insights and invaluable lessons from the world of sports physiotherapy.   Interviewer: Good day, sir. It is an absolute pleasure to be in your presence today. To start our interview, could you kindly share with us a glimpse …

Knee injuries can be debilitating and significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. They are common among people who are physically active, including athletes, and can occur due to overuse or traumatic incidents. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, knee injuries are prevalent among Indian athletes, with over 50% of them experiencing a knee injury during their career. Therefore, it is essential for individuals, especially athletes, to understand how to prevent knee injuries. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common …

It has been said countless times that warm-ups are probably the most important part of an athlete’s training regime. The importance of warm-ups has been proven limitlessly and still, a couple of athletes occasionally choose to skip warm-ups. But, what is a warm-up? Any activity that increases one’s body temperature by a few degrees Celsius  is defined as a “warm-up.”   Specifically, a warm-up in a sport is defined as a period of preparatory exercise used to enhance subsequent competition or training performance. Warming up increases your heart rate and …

Physiotherapy has ascended into a new era with the rise of telerehabilitation. It is a fairly young concept and many rehab centers and hospitals in India do not practice it. Let us understand what telerehabilitation is and what its potential is. Telerehabilitation is the delivery of healthcare services through the use of telecommunication technologies such as video conferencing, online chat, and mobile applications. In physiotherapy, telehealth has become an increasingly popular way of providing remote care to patients who may not be able to attend in-person sessions due to various …

Instrumented insoles are specialized shoe inserts that contain sensors and other technology to measure various aspects of a person’s movement and foot pressure distribution. The sensors in the insoles collect data on things like gait analysis, pressure distribution, and foot motion, which can then be analyzed to provide valuable information about a person’s foot health, balance, and overall movement patterns. Instrumented insoles can be used in a variety of settings, including sports training, medical rehabilitation, and research. They can help athletes improve their performance by providing feedback on their stride …

Biofeedback therapy is an instrument-based learning process that is based on “operant conditioning” (also called instrumental conditioning, which is a learning process where behaviors are modified through the association of stimuli with reinforcement or punishment) techniques. It is an evidence-based approach to improve the ability to modify involuntary processes consciously. Physical therapists use biofeedback to help refine a movement sequence or activation pattern to assist patients to achieve a goal. This technique involves using visual, physical, and/or auditory feedback to guide the patient to give their optimal performance. The ultimate …

Force plates are mechanical sensing systems designed to measure the ground reaction forces and moments involved in human movements. They generally look like a simple square or rectangle pedestal that sits flat on top of gym floors but can also be embedded into the ground to sit flush. With the help of force plates, we can interpret how forces are generated and transferred during a variety of different movements. A force plate allows us to demonstrate the kinematics of the body through Pressure Mapping.  Pressure measurement solutions offer the ability …