The Changing Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is often understood in the narrow context of treating pain or helping someone recover after an injury or surgery. But the profession has evolved far beyond that. Today, physiotherapy is about movement, prevention, rehabilitation and, most importantly, helping people remain independent and participate fully in their everyday lives. On World Physiotherapy Day, observed every year on September 8, it is important to look at physiotherapy not merely as a treatment option after something has gone wrong, but as an important part of maintaining physical health throughout life. Movement is one of the most basic requirements of the human body. We walk, sit, stand, bend, lift, climb stairs, run, work and sleep without thinking much about the complex coordination involved. We begin to appreciate the importance of movement only when pain, injury, weakness or illness takes that ability away. That is where physiotherapy becomes important. A physiotherapist does not simply treat a painful joint or a stiff muscle. The larger responsibility is to understand why the problem has occurred, identify the limitations in movement and strength, and help the individual regain confidence in their body. OUR LIFESTYLE IS CHANGING AND SO ARE OUR PROBLEMS One of the biggest challenges before us today is our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Long working hours, prolonged sitting, excessive screen time, inadequate physical activity and poor posture have made neck pain, back pain, shoulder problems and other musculoskeletal complaints increasingly common. There was a time when back pain was largely associated with physically demanding work. Today, it is equally common among people who spend most of their working day sitting at a desk. The same applies to neck and shoulder problems. Hours spent looking down at mobile phones and laptops can place considerable stress on the neck and upper back. What begins as occasional discomfort can gradually become a persistent problem. The common response is often to take a painkiller, apply a balm or simply wait for the pain to disappear. But pain is not always the problem itself. It can be a warning that something in the way we move, work or use our body needs attention. This is where proper assessment becomes important. PHYSIOTHERAPY SHOULD NOT BEGIN ONLY AFTER INJURY One of the misconceptions that needs to change is that physiotherapy is meant only for people who have suffered an injury or undergone surgery. Prevention is an equally important part of physiotherapy. A person who spends eight hours at a desk can benefit from understanding correct posture, strengthening the muscles that support the spine and incorporating appropriate movement into the working day. Similarly, a sportsperson can benefit from physiotherapy not only after an injury but also as part of injury prevention and performance preparation. For older adults, physiotherapy can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility and mobility. These are particularly important because a loss of balance or muscle strength can increase the risk of falls and dependence on others. For women, physiotherapy has an important role during pregnancy and after childbirth, particularly in helping restore strength, mobility and overall physical function. The principle is simple. We should not wait for movement to become difficult before we start taking care of it. THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY TO REDUCE PAIN A patient often comes to a physiotherapist with one immediate question: When will my pain go? That is understandable. Anyone living with pain wants relief. But successful physiotherapy is about more than temporary relief. The objective is to address the underlying problem and help the patient return to normal activity. If someone has recurrent back pain, for example, simply reducing the pain may not be enough. We need to understand whether there is weakness, stiffness, poor movement mechanics, an unsuitable working position or another contributing factor. Similarly, after an operation, rehabilitation is not complete merely because the surgical wound has healed. The patient needs to regain strength, mobility, confidence and the ability to perform daily activities. The real measure of recovery is not only whether a patient feels better inside the clinic. It is whether they can walk better, work better, climb stairs, sleep comfortably, return to their sport or carry out everyday activities without unnecessary limitations. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING Physical health and mental wellbeing are closely connected. Anyone who has experienced prolonged pain knows that it can affect much more than the body. Persistent pain can disturb sleep, affect mood, reduce confidence and restrict social and professional life. A person may gradually stop exercising because movement hurts. They may avoid going out, playing with their children or participating in activities they once enjoyed. Reduced activity can then lead to further weakness and stiffness, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break. Physiotherapy can help break that cycle. Good rehabilitation gives patients not only exercises but also knowledge and confidence. When patients understand their condition and learn what their body is capable of doing, they begin to take ownership of their recovery. That is an important shift. The patient should not remain dependent on treatment forever. The ultimate objective should be to make the patient stronger, more confident and capable of managing their physical health independently. AGE SHOULD NOT BECOME AN EXCUSE FOR INACTIVITY Another area where we need to change our thinking is ageing. Growing older is a natural process. Losing independence does not have to be an inevitable part of it. Strength, balance, flexibility and endurance can be maintained through appropriate physical activity and exercise. Physiotherapy can play an important role in helping older people remain mobile and independent. The aim is not to make an elderly person perform like a young athlete. The aim is much more practical and meaningful. Can they get out of a chair without assistance? Can they climb the stairs? Can they walk to the market? Can they travel, meet friends and participate in family life? These may appear to be ordinary things, but for someone struggling with mobility, they represent independence and dignity. Technology will help, but the human connection will remain important Physiotherapy is also changing with technology. Digital rehabilitation, wearable devices, movement analysis and teleconsultation are opening new possibilities for patients and therapists. These developments can make rehabilitation more accessible and help monitor progress. But technology cannot replace the importance of clinical assessment, communication and understanding the individual patient. Every patient is different. Two people may have the same diagnosis but completely different physical requirements, lifestyles and recovery patterns. A good rehabilitation programme therefore has to be personalised. Physiotherapy is ultimately about people, not just conditions. A CULTURE OF MOVEMENT IS WHAT WE NEED Perhaps the most important message on World Physiotherapy Day is that movement should become a part of our daily routine rather than something we turn to only when a doctor tells us to exercise. Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting. Walk whenever possible. Strengthen the body. Work on flexibility and balance. Pay attention to posture. Give the body adequate recovery. Most importantly, do not ignore persistent pain or limitations in movement. At the same time, exercise should be appropriate to an individuals age, physical condition and medical history. More exercise is not always better. The right exercise, performed correctly and consistently, is what matters. Physiotherapy has a role to play at every stage of this journey. From a child learning to move confidently, to an athlete returning to competition, from a professional dealing with work related pain to an older person trying to preserve independence, physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference. MOVING TOWARDS A HEALTHIER FUTURE World Physiotherapy Day is therefore not simply a day to recognise physiotherapists. It is an opportunity to recognise the importance of movement itself. We often take the ability to walk, bend, stretch, lift and move for granted. Yet these simple abilities determine how independently we live our lives. As physiotherapists, our responsibility is not only to treat illness and injury but also to educate people, prevent avoidable problems and help them understand that their physical health deserves attention long before a serious problem develops. A healthy body is not one that never experiences pain or injury. It is one that is cared for, strengthened and given the opportunity to recover. This World Physiotherapy Day, let us remember that movement is not merely a function of the body. It is freedom, confidence, independence and quality of life. And sometimes, helping a person move again means helping them reclaim a part of their life that they thought they had lost. Dr Manasi Pawar is a Pune based physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience in the field.
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IFFJK 2026 to bring together eminent jury of acclaimed film makers, cinema professionals
Srinagar, Sep 6 (IANS) The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)2026 beginning on Monday is set to witness the coming together of an exceptional panel of filmmakers, cinematographers, sound designers, curators, producers and educators from India and abroad, reflecting the festival's commitment to showcasing cinema of the highest artistic and creative standards. The festival will also bring together Padma Shri awardee Director and Producer Ramesh Sippy, known for blockbuster movie 'Sholay' as well as son of the soil, Director, Producer, screenwriter and editor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for films like '3 Idiots', 'PK', 'Mission Kashmir' as special guests. The maiden edition of IFFJK has brought an eminent jury comprising Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang and Himansu Sekhar Khatua together, professionals whose distinguished careers span Indian and international cinema, documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, cinematography, sound design and film education. The composition of the jury brings together diverse cinematic perspectives and considerable international experience, adding prestige and credibility to the first edition of the festival. Santosh Sivan, an acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and actor, is a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). An FTII alumnus and among the most awarded Directors of Photography in India, he became the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). His celebrated body of work includes 'The Terrorist', for which he received international recognition, and his contribution to world cinema was further acknowledged with the Pierre Angenieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Sivan has also served in several prestigious international jury capacities, including as Chairperson of the Best Debut Director of Indian Panorama Jury at IFFI 2024, besides serving on the International Jury of the Chennai Film Festival and the New Currents Jury at the Busan International Film Festival. Adding a strong international and cross-cultural dimension to the jury is Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer and journalist renowned for her contribution to international cinema and cultural exchange. Associated with the Berlin International Film Festival since 1990, Wenner has served as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She was also associated with the Berlinale Talent Campus, serving as its Director for the 2006 and 2008 editions. A founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and an experienced international film curator, Wenner has worked extensively with feature films and filmmakers from India, Africa and Germany. Her filmmaking and curatorial work includes Peace Mission, Drama Consult and Kinshasa Collection. She is widely recognised for building cross-cultural collaborations and championing emerging voices in world cinema. Keiko Bang Keiko Bang, a Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and international curator, brings more than three decades of experience in the global media industry to IFFJK. As founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte. Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including 'Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas', 'Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet and Secrets of the Samurai'. A leading advocate of international co-productions across Asia, Bang has worked with governments, broadcasters and media organisations in more than 25 countries. Her extensive experience in documentary production, international programming and film curation has seen her serve on juries and selection committees of major international film festivals. She served as a Jury Member at MIFF 2024 and was appointed to the Institutional National Selection Committee at MIFF 2026. She has also served as a primary coordinator and selection leader for the premier factual programming forum of Asian Side of Doc. Sriram Raghavan is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and screenwriter known for his distinctive neo-noir style and gripping action thrillers. Born on 22 June 1963, he has directed critically acclaimed films including 'Ek Hasina Thi', 'Johnny Gaddaar', 'Agent Vinod', 'Badlapur' and 'Andhadhun'. Renowned for his sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals and complex characters, Raghavan is regarded as one of the leading auteurs of contemporary Hindi cinema. Completing the distinguished panel is Himansu Sekhar Khatua, a National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director, educator and journalist with a strong record of contribution to Indian cinema and film education. An alumnus of FTII Pune, Khatua has directed acclaimed films, including Shunya Swaropa and Ishanu, besides several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as faculty member and mentor, influencing successive generations of filmmakers through teaching and practical engagement. Khatua has served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has previously been associated with prestigious film juries, including the Indian Panorama Feature Films Jury at IFFI 2024 and the Kautik International Film Festival 2021, where he served on the Features Award Jury. The eminent Jury of acclaimed filmmakers and cinema professionals reflects the global spirit of first IFFJK. The diversity and stature of the proposed jury underline the vision behind the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which seeks to create a meaningful platform for cinematic excellence, cultural dialogue and international exchange. With expertise ranging from cinematography and sound design to documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, direction and education, the jury represents multiple dimensions of contemporary cinema. Their collective experience across prestigious film festivals and international institutions is expected to bring nuanced, independent and globally informed perspectives to the evaluation of films at IFFJK. The presence of such distinguished cinematic personalities is also expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's emergence as a vibrant destination for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and cinephiles from across India and the world. The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), being organised by Jammu and Kashmir's Department of Information and Public Relations, is envisioned as a landmark cultural initiative that celebrates the universal language of cinema while providing a platform for established as well as emerging filmmakers to connect, collaborate and share their stories with a wider audience. With an accomplished jury, a diverse cinematic programme and participation from the wider film community, IFFJK 2026 is poised to mark a significant new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir's cinematic journey.
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IFFJK 2026 to bring together eminent jury of acclaimed filmmakers, cinema professionals
Srinagar, Sep 6: The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)2026 is set to witness the coming together of an exceptional panel of filmmakers, cinematographers, sound designers, curators, producers and educators from India and abroad, reflecting the festivals commitment to showcasing cinema of the highest artistic and creative standards. The festival will also bring together Padma Shri awardee Director and Producer, Ramesh Sippy, known for blockbuster movie Sholay as well as son of the soil, director, producer, screenwriter and editor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for films like 3 Idiots, PK, Mission Kashmir , as special guests. The maiden edition of IFFJK has brought an eminent jury comprising Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang and Himansu Sekhar Khatua together, professionals whose distinguished careers span Indian and international cinema, documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, cinematography, sound design and film education. The composition of the jury brings together diverse cinematic perspectives and considerable international experience, adding prestige and credibility to the first edition of the festival. Santosh Sivan An acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and actor, Santosh Sivan is a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). An FTII alumnus and among the most awarded Directors of Photography in India, he became the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). His celebrated body of work includes The Terrorist, for which he received international recognition, and his contribution to world cinema was further acknowledged with the Pierre Angnieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Sivan has also served in several prestigious international jury capacities, including as Chairperson of the Best Debut Director of Indian Panorama Jury at IFFI 2024, besides serving on the International Jury of the Chennai Film Festival and the New Currents Jury at the Busan International Film Festival. Dorothee Wenner Adding a strong international and cross-cultural dimension to the jury is Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer and journalist renowned for her contribution to international cinema and cultural exchange. Associated with the Berlin International Film Festival since 1990, Wenner has served as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She was also associated with the Berlinale Talent Campus, serving as its Director for the 2006 and 2008 editions. A founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and an experienced international film curator, Wenner has worked extensively with feature films and filmmakers from India, Africa and Germany. Her filmmaking and curatorial work includes Peace Mission, Drama Consult and Kinshasa Collection. She is widely recognised for building cross-cultural collaborations and championing emerging voices in world cinema. Keiko Bang Keiko Bang, a Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and international curator, brings more than three decades of experience in the global media industry to IFFJK. As founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte. Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet and Secrets of the Samurai. A leading advocate of international co-productions across Asia, Bang has worked with governments, broadcasters and media organisations in more than 25 countries. Her extensive experience in documentary production, international programming and film curation has seen her serve on juries and selection committees of major international film festivals. She served as a Jury Member at MIFF 2024 and was appointed to the Institutional National Selection Committee at MIFF 2026. She has also served as a primary coordinator and selection leader for the premier factual programming forum of Asian Side of Doc. Sriram Raghavan Sriram Raghavan is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and screenwriter known for his distinctive neo-noir style and gripping action thrillers. Born on 22 June 1963, he has directed critically acclaimed films including Ek Hasina Thi, Johnny Gaddaar, Agent Vinod, Badlapur and Andhadhun. Renowned for his sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals and complex characters, Raghavan is regarded as one of the leading auteurs of contemporary Hindi cinema. Himansu Sekhar Khatua Completing the distinguished panel is Himansu Sekhar Khatua, a National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director, educator and journalist with a strong record of contribution to Indian cinema and film education. An alumnus of FTII, Pune, Khatua has directed acclaimed films including Shunya Swaropa and Ishanu, besides several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as faculty member and mentor, influencing successive generations of filmmakers through teaching and practical engagement. Khatua has served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has previously been associated with prestigious film juries, including the Indian Panorama Feature Films Jury at IFFI 2024 and the Kautik International Film Festival 2021, where he served on the Features Award Jury. The eminent Jury of acclaimed filmmakers and cinema professionals reflects the global spirit of 1st IFFJK. The diversity and stature of the proposed jury underline the vision behind the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which seeks to create a meaningful platform for cinematic excellence, cultural dialogue and international exchange. With expertise ranging from cinematography and sound design to documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, direction and education, the jury represents multiple dimensions of contemporary cinema. Their collective experience across prestigious film festivals and international institutions is expected to bring nuanced, independent and globally informed perspectives to the evaluation of films at IFFJK. The presence of such distinguished cinematic personalities is also expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs emergence as a vibrant destination for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and cinephiles from across India and the world. The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir, is envisioned as a landmark cultural initiative that celebrates the universal language of cinema while providing a platform for established as well as emerging filmmakers to connect, collaborate and share their stories with a wider audience. With an accomplished jury, a diverse cinematic programme and participation from the wider film community, IFFJK 2026 is poised to mark a significant new chapter in Jammu and Kashmirs cinematic journey.
Two killed, 212 injured in Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra
Mumbai: Dahi Handi celebrations claimed the lives of two people in Maharashtra, as a seven-year-old boy died after a brick column collapsed on him in Mumbai, while a woman was crushed to death under an iron frame in Pune, officials said on Saturday, September 5. Besides, at least 212 Govindas were injured 168 in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
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