Many in Uttarakhand regret that physiotherapy remains a neglected method of treatment in the State despite a large number of people gettig relief from arthritic pain and the like through it.
“Things are progressing apace in myriad fields of medical science and surgery. However physiotherapy remains neglected though it is assumed to be the back-bone of the medical science and surgery cases for the speedy recovery of the patients. It cures acute cases of arthritic ailments sans surgery,” said Vinay Bhatt, a senior citizen from Pauri town.
Recounting his experiences of how physiotherapy can work wonders in cases of chronic back-pain and the like, R N Rai, manager, administration, Tata Chemicals limited, Babrala, UP said his 53-year-old wife Nirmala who had become nearly crippled due to acute back and leg pain had been cured by means of physiotherapy . “A neurosurgeon when contacted advised MRI and neurosurgery to help her get relief. But she was reluctant. We opted for alternatives. Physiotherapy worked wonder and she is now absolutely fit, resuming her domestic chores,” he said.
Uttarakhand native physiotherapist Dr Bhini Semwal, working in Delhi, said that physiotherapy is not being encouraged by the State Government in Uttarakhand. It needs to be encouraged and vacant posts of physiotherapists should be filled to ensure its benefit to the public, she added.