The relevance of physical activity in illness prevention and health promotion has long been recognized. To maintain health, there are strict criteria for the intensity and frequency of physical activity that everyone should strive for throughout their lives. Physiotherapy can assist one in staying active, whether you are young or elderly, able bodied or impaired, male or female. Physiotherapy not only maintains fitness but also improves mental wellness. Dr. Ketaki More, the founder and Chief of Operations at PhysioRelieve, aspires to assist the needy who want to stay active at any age.

A highly qualified and experienced physiotherapist with specialties such as musculoskelatal Physiotherapy, DrKetaki is a dedicated healthcare professional. While she pursued a Master’s degree from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, her drive to serve people in her country brought her back to India. However, her foray into the field of physiotherapy was motivated by her own personal experience that she gained while taking care of her grandfather.

DrKetakibegan working as an observer in 2007 and has been helping patients with pain and impairment ever since. She is also one of India's 234 Certified Mulligan Practitioners, having learnt the techniques from Dr. Deepak Kumar, a student of Dr. Brian Mulligan.

DrKetaki realized that people are always eager to be active, regardless of their age, and her vast experience enables her to meet their expectations and desires. DrKetaki is also committed to helping those in need and to raise awareness of non-medical treatments to physical illnesses.

In an extensive conversation with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine team, DrKetaki discusses with us her vast expertise and her insights on leadership. Here are choice excerpts from the conversation.

Give us a brief overview of Physiorelieve. What are some of the important features/facets about the clinic and your expertise as a physiotherapist that you want us to highlight through the article?

PhysioRelieve Physiotherapy Clinic in Mumbai is dedicated to offering the highest level of patient satisfaction in physiotherapy services. We specialize in Musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinitis, muscle injuries, joint aches, joint stiffness, neck and back pain alleviation, stress injuries, post fracture rehabilitation, ergonomic dysfunctions, postural dysfunctions, and many others. We also hold expertise in personalizing rehabilitation programs to specific needs, relieving pain and reintroducing patient to an active lifestyle.

Talking about my expertise, I always create a customized recovery programme to meet their specific needs and alleviate their pain and disability.

What factors compelled you to foray into the healthcare field, and take up physiotherapy? How has your experience contributed towards you honing your skills as a medical professional?

The factors that compelled me to pursue a career in physiotherapy are very personal. About two decades ago when I was much younger, my grandfather was getting very shaky and finding it difficult to walk. Throughout the years, we were unable to locate any physiotherapists. In fact, we had no idea what physiotherapy was before then. We used to take care of him on our own. I would take him for walks on occasion. So these tactics, together with my interest in sports, compelled me to enroll in a physiotherapy course.

My experience was crucial in modifying my attitude toward medical professionals. People have higher expectations of us.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I received my bachelor's degree from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. McKenzie Institute also provided me with some physiotherapy expertise. Later, I enrolled at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK to pursue a master's degree in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Here, I also completed the teaching module and taught manual hip rehabilitation to a grade two undergraduate class. During my college years, I volunteered as a physiotherapist at Leonard Cheshire, assisting the staff in managing 65 residents.

Prior to moving to the UK, I was a qualified therapist in the Australian approach known as Mulligan Manual Therapy from Capri Healthcare and Research Institute. I passed it soon after graduation and was the youngest person to do so. I'd always wanted to build my career in India, so I chose to return from the UK and begin my career in India.

“Physiorelieve physiotherapy clinic in Mumbai is dedicated to offering the highest level of patient satisfaction in physiotherapy service”

I worked as a physiotherapist in Proaction Studio 5 and then advanced to the position of senior physiotherapist there. I worked for Bharat Petroleum Corporation as a senior physiotherapist. I am currently the Chief of Operations at PhysioRelieve.

All of this experience helped me to hone my talents, which contributed to my success as a physiotherapist.

Throw some light on the areas that Physiorelieve largely specializes in? Also, tell us about the different equipment and procedures the firm is known for? How did you enable Physiorelieve to deal with the challenges brought about by covid 19?

PhysioRelieve largely specializes in Manual Therapy, Physiotherapy Taping, Myofascial Release, Pre and Post Natal Care, Pilate, Electro Therapy, Vertigo, Ergonomics at work Place, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Static Muscle Strengthening, Proprioception and balance exercises.

“I cannot heal an entire population, but seeing people regain their mobility by applying and adhering to my methods gives me enormous pleasure”

We also use different equipment such as Ultra Sounds, Heat Pad or Thermotherapy, IR (Infrared), Electrical Muscle Stimulation for strengthening muscles, Interferential Therapy (IFT), Medansh Physiotherapy, Isokinectics and Exercise Balls etc.

As healthcare professionals, we are required to wear masks and gloves at all times. While working on the neck, the patient's face is sometimes very close. We must move in accordance with the motions of the patients, which necessitates extra caution. PhysioRelieve also assists several people who experience breathing difficulties during covid-19 by performing various posture exercises. As a result, my skills and experience have always assisted me in curing patients in any situation.

How has your journey been while leading physiorelieve so far? What facets of your personality and leadership style have helped you cement the firm’s position in the market?

My journey has been quite rewarding so far. There were no ups and downs for me; it was all up. Several students have followed in my footsteps and are now successful physiotherapists. I am pleased because they are working with new equipment and providing patients with high-quality care, which is really fulfilling to me. The truth is that I cannot heal an entire population, but seeing people regain their mobility by applying and adhering to my methods gives me enormous pleasure.

Discipline is one of my leadership qualities, and my personality is quite soft. As I previously stated, I was also a teacher, thus maintaining discipline is one of my leadership qualities. I constantly make certain that my students are on time, clean, and wearing appropriate gear and masks. I always keep a record and follow up with patients on a regular basis. I constantly provide moral support because I see a lot of depressed people as a result of their medical condition. As a result, I always encourage them to build confidence.

What would your words of advice be to young women aspiring to foray into the field of healthcare & physiotherapy?

My word of advice to young women is to strive to be a good doctor. Rather than accumulating a growing number of degrees, it is more important to demonstrate that you have gained knowledge. I would like to emphasize the importance of practical knowledge over theoretical understanding. Having both practical and theoretical knowledge is essential for being a successful doctor.