Physio aims to relieve people of pain

Physiotherapist Dr Anita Gupta, who was the first to open a physiotherapy clinic in Jammu way back in 1988, is a prominent name in the city. 

For the last three decades, more than a profession, she has committed herself to relieving the pain of people suffering from physical ailments.

Sharing her experience with The Tribune, Dr Gupta explained the need for physiotherapy and emerging lifestyle-related problems which could be avoided by remaining physically active for a healthy life. Here are the excerpts of the interview.

You started a physiotherapy clinic in Jammu when people knew little about the field. How was the initial response?

In 1988, I shifted from New Delhi to Jammu after my marriage. I had a graduate degree from the Institute for Physically Handicapped, New Delhi. At that time, patients hardly knew about this field. So initially, it was difficult for people to understand the benefits of this medical science. However, I did not lose hope and continued an awareness campaign through write-ups, personal interactions and seminars. Now, people look for physiotherapists for every major health issue.

Are people now aware of this field? 

Yes, a lot has changed in the past three decades and awareness has increased among people. I feel happy that new clinics have come up with young professionals choosing this stream of medical science. After running clinics at various places in the city, the treatment centre at Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan Charitable Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, has become an important place to meet the requirements of the patients. Here, people come from various parts of Jammu, asking me to relieve their pain.

What kind of cases do you handle?

As a doctor, my specialisation is providing treatment to patients suffering from arthritis, spondylitis and musculoskeletal disorders. Other than this, I conduct post operative physiotherapy sessions for patients who have undergone a surgery. Paralytic patients are also among them. However, patients with road accident-related injuries have increased. It is distressing as a majority of them are youngsters.

How does one live a healthy life?

Do whatever you want to do but maintain a healthy lifestyle. Do physical activity. Avoid long duration use of mobiles or sitting in the same posture. Drive carefully. If you change the way you live, you won’t need the help of a doctor much to make you healthy. Physical work and workout is important.