I graduated in India in the year 1999. I then went on to complete my Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Australia. I have taught and practiced manual therapy in India for a couple of years. This entailed assisting students and interns in developing clinical reasoning strategies through the examination and management process. As the saying ‘To teach is to learn twice’ goes, my aforementioned experience helped to sharpen my understanding of the science and ‘hands-on’ skills required in this profession.
I moved to Canada in the year 2003 and have been working in Grande Prairie, Alberta, as a private practitioner in Physiotherapy since then. Through my interactions with the clientele, I have had the opportunity to visit the surrounding rural communities and witness firsthand, the influence of local culture and belief systems that dictate their way of life. My volunteering and participation in local activities have also strengthened my personal and professional ties in Grande Prairie and the Peace country region.
Continuing education through my working career (via specialized manipulative courses and Alternative therapies) has helped me flame the fire of knowledge and diversify my practice to the benefit of my patients. Learning Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation have been my most enjoyable clinical/ academic experiences. These techniques have contributed enormously to my practice. They are both forms of dry needling albeit with different paradigms. Coming from a physical therapy background, it has been a challenge to learn and practice these invasive treatment techniques but well worth the investment in terms of both time and intellect. The two techniques have taught me the importance of thinking outside the box and viewing non-traditional treatments in a different light. To further diversify my skills and practice, I have successfully completed courses like “Management of Temporo mandibular dysfunction and orofacial pain” at University of Minnesota, “Vestibular Rehabilitation” in Atlanta by Susan Herdman, and “Manual therapy for Fascia” prevention of running “in Edmonton and “R2P advanced post concussion management” in Calgary. Also Recently completed Level 2 “visceral manipulation”. Continuing education like these not only helped me to enhance my skills and knowledge, but also helped me realize the greatest satisfaction of successfully rendering these services to my clientele.
On the extra- curricular front, “Living in the moment” is a personal Mantra that has helped me focus and indulge wholly in the activities that I do. My passion for photography, hiking, playing sports (Badminton,cricket, softball) ,my love for Music,( Western classical, Carnatic) reading(philosophy, new age spirituality)gardening, and cooking has helped me immensely in rejuvenating myself for my professional tasks.
My personal experiences in three countries have been enriching. India, my country of birth taught me the values of peaceful co-existence, spirituality, deference to elders, recourse to nature, artistic expression, strong family ties, joyousness and hospitality. An international academic experience, evidence based practice, self directed learning and friendships forged for a lifetime were my gifts from Australia. Canada, my adopted homeland has strengthened my belief in equality, freedom, peace and respect for cultural differences. My work experiences here have improved my knowledge of The Canadian health care system, community based rehabilitation, conflict resolution and working in harmony with the medical community and stakeholders.I have also realized the need for equipoise in the face of praise and criticism and the value of cultural and psychosocial factors in influencing health, especially in small town communities. These experiences I trust would guide my journey in this Career.
‘Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.’
– Gautama Buddha (563- 484 BC)
