Beyond Injury Recovery: Dr Vaibhavi Pathade On Why Preventive Physiotherapy Matters For Young People
Physiotherapy is no longer only about getting an injured body back on its feet. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal , sports physiotherapist Vaibhavi Pathade says she is seeing a change among young gym-goers, runners and athletes, with more people thinking about injury prevention before pain forces them to stop. The change, she says, has become more noticeable over the past one…
Dr. Vaibhavi Pathade, a sports physiotherapist, discusses the shift in perspective among young gym-goers, runners, and athletes towards preventive physiotherapy. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Pathade explains that more people are now seeking professional guidance on strengthening their bodies before experiencing pain. This change has become more evident over the past year or two.
Pathade criticizes the trend of young gym-goers focusing solely on lifting heavier weights, recording their achievements, and showing off their progress. She believes that such behavior is detrimental to their health and well-being. Injuries can lead to months of rehabilitation, particularly for athletes who may lose significant time due to conditions like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.
Pathade emphasizes that injury prevention is not just about strengthening individual muscles or joints. It involves understanding the body as a kinetic chain, where one part's dysfunction can affect another area. For example, a javelin thrower should generate power from their thighs and spine, not just their shoulder. Similarly, a cricketer with shoulder pain may have weak glutes, thighs, or lower back, forcing the shoulder to bear extra pressure.
The source of pain is not always evident, as restricted hip mobility or instability from an old ankle injury can alter load distribution. Previous injuries can also persist even after the pain has disappeared, leaving athletes vulnerable to new injuries. Factors like fatigue, inadequate recovery, and psychological readiness also play crucial roles in injury risk.
Pathade stresses the importance of psychological readiness before an athlete returns to sport, as fear of re-injury can hinder their performance. She also highlights the female athlete triad, a condition involving low energy availability, menstrual disturbances, and low bone mass, which can affect both performance and overall health among gymnasts and other athletes who demand strength and mobility across their entire bodies.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
