Women Rule the Roost in the Physiotherapy Industry

By: Rachita Sharma, Special Editor | Monday, 9 May 2022

Physiotherapy is a burgeoning market globally and in India as well. As the country suffers challenges brought about by chronic diseases and an ageing population, the need for requisite physiotherapy providers has risen. The industry has also seen a rise owing to the increasing impact of lifestyle diseases brought along by an unhealthy & sedentary lifestyle, long working hours, unhealthy eating habits and disrupted sleeping patterns. A culmination of these factors has caused a rise in people experiencing debilitating pain in the ligaments, nerves, muscles, back, and neck. Unfortunately these ailments are also leading several people to develop serious neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and stroke, among others.

As a science discipline, physiotherapy amalgamates an understanding of anatomy, physiology, disease and dysfunction. A study of these done together helps physiotherapy professionals provide intervention for several of the aforementioned conditions. The scope of physiotherapy goes much beyond movement dysfunction, disability, pain, and health & wellness. It also incorporates the sports market, which has a wide scope in India.

The discipline has been historically considered to largely consist of female professionals. If we looked at the total number of students pursuing physiotherapy, one will be surprised to see that the ratio is close to 70-30 percent, with female students having a lion's share. Since the industry provides women with flexible working hours and the opportunity for being self-employed, we have seen several women joining the field. A physiotherapist also has the opportunity to pace their career progression based on their life needs. Women can also opt for maternity and paternity support in the field. Added to these factors is women's innate nurturing characteristics which motivate them to pursue careers in the health and wellness industry.

The current edition of Women Entrepreneur Magazine brings to the fore several accomplished physiotherapy clinics that are helmed by women. We shine the spotlight on their key areas of strength and inspirational professional journeys.

Do read on and let us know your thoughts.