Physiotherapy can enhance recovery from a variety of injuries, illnesses, and disabilities, including those affecting bones, joints, soft tissues, and neurological conditions like Brain stroke, Parkinsonism, Spinal Cord injury etc. However, physiotherapy techniques can also boost your overall health and wellbeing by restoring movement and function, helping you become more active and independent.
Dr Aalap Shah was inspired to specialise in orthopaedics and physiotherapy during his postgraduate studies. Driven by his passion for healthcare and his desire to help people lead healthier lives, he began his journey with a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy, followed by a Master's, and ultimately a PhD in spine. His dedication has led him to assist countless individuals through his work with Mission Health.
Dr Shah, discussing his vision for Mission Health he established and directs, expressed to Asian Voice, “I imagined a specialised facility for physiotherapy, fitness, and rehabilitation, offering comprehensive and advanced care. This vision drove the creation of Mission Health.”
He is of the opinion that regular physiotherapy visits every three months are essential for reassessing joint conditions, updating exercise patterns for home practice, and preventing injuries. “These appointments ensure ongoing monitoring of progress, adjustment of exercises to address any changes or challenges, and the opportunity to proactively address any emerging issues before they escalate”, he said.
This advice remains valid given the average age of mobility declining to the 50s from the expected 70s, varying depending on individual health, and genetic factors. It emphasises the need to address musculoskeletal disorders and injuries urgently. “Physical therapy enhances well-being by reducing anxiety and depression through exercise, boosting cognitive function, improving social interaction, promoting better sleep, and increasing independence by building strength and confidence. It maintains mobility by strengthening muscles, improving balance, enhancing flexibility, managing pain, and providing customised exercise programs to ensure safety and progress”, he emphasised.
Dr Shah also emphasised that incorrect posture and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to many orthopaedic issues. Regarding poor posture, he elaborated on its adverse effects, highlighting how it can result in back and neck pain, joint problems, digestive issues, headaches, and negatively impact both mental and physical health, leading to reduced confidence and an unfavourable appearance.
He further added that, “A sedentary lifestyle poses long-term health risks including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, poor posture, and mental health issues. To incorporate physical activity into daily routines, individuals with sedentary work lifestyles can take short breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch, use stairs instead of elevators, opt for walking meetings, perform simple desk exercises, and choose active commuting methods such as walking or cycling to work when possible.” His fundamental tips for maintaining good posture include instilling proper sitting habits in children from a young age, ensuring ergonomic workstation setups with screens at eye level and keyboards/mouse within reach, incorporating core-strengthening exercises like planks and bridges, and remaining mindful of posture, making corrections as necessary.
Dr Shah also addressed a common misconception about chronic pain, which is the belief that rest is the best treatment and that pain medication is the only solution. Highlighting that medication and surgery are not the only option, he shared, “Physiotherapy has evolved significantly, offering not only an alternative to medication but also to surgical options. We have prevented thousands of surgeries for conditions like back, neck, hip and knee issues through personalised rehabilitation programs, addressing underlying biomechanical issues and promoting long-term pain relief without the need for invasive procedures.”
