* Renowned physiotherapists guided students as per the theme of the year by exposing the power of ‘Physiotherapy’ in ‘Arthritis’ care

The Department of Physiotherapy at the School of Applied Medical Science, Lovely Professional University (LPU), observed World Physiotherapy Day-2023 at Shri Baldev Raj Mittal Auditorium of the university. The day-long celebrative activities guided students to emerge as efficient physiotherapists to bring happiness to the physically ailing people in one or the other form.

The theme observed this year is “arthritis”, with an acute focus on diverse forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as “rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis”. The elite visiting physiotherapists-the Joint Replacement Surgeon Dr SS Dhingra, DMC Hospital & Trauma Center and the Chief Physiotherapist ACE MediClinics, Dr Rohit Singla, both from Ludhiana, Punjab, guided all about “arthritis” to the would-be physiotherapists at LPU. They also conducted workshop on sports physiotherapy, scopes & practices.

The Visitors informed students that “Spondyloarthritis” is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation in the spine (“spondylitis”) and in joints (“arthritis”). Arthritis usually strikes the bones in spine and nearby joints. It can cause pain, and sometimes damage joints like backbone, shoulders, and hips. Sportspersons, hard manual workers, women, children get easily affected by these. Arthritis also causes inflammation like swelling, redness and pain. It occurs at the points where bones connect to soft tissues like ligaments, and where tendons connect to bones and muscles. They advised students to be always true to the profession and concentrate on patients’ strength of muscles.

Every year, World Physiotherapy Day is observed globe over to generate awareness about the crucial contribution physiotherapists make to the society, enabling people to be mobile, well, fit, fine and independent. In fact, lifesaving role is played by a physiotherapist in preserving health, mobility, and independence. The day amplifies the incredible feats accomplished by physiotherapists for their patients and communities.

The celebrations were chaired by LPU’s Director General Er H R Singla. He was accompanied by Executive Dean Dr Monica Gulati. Dr Gulati defined physiotherapist as an asset to the allied health professions because he/she can reduce the need for surgeries and long-term use of pain-killers.

Upholding cultural values, LPU physiotherapy students also actively participated in Sports, Yoga, Quiz, Rangoli/poster competitions and fun activities. During cultural events, they actively participated for giddha, bhangra, solo dance-singing, histrionics and skits.