Early Life Experiences and Injuries Shaped Jaymin Journey in Physiotherapy

Jaymin H Bhatt is a physiotherapist currently serving at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Ahmedabad, India. 

With a deep passion for advancing rehabilitation, Jaymin has authored two important works: The ACL (Goal Oriented Rehabilitation), endorsed by Dr. Alli Gokeler, and The Shoulder Rehabilitation (Clinical Perspective), co-authored with Dr. Ian Horsley and Rosario D'onofrio, set to launch later this year.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Jaymin founded Proactive Physio Knowledge, an educational platform offering evidence-based strategies for physiotherapists globally. His collaborations with respected organizations such as the Motor Learning Institute, the Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, and the McKenzie Institute India reflect his dedication to sharing knowledge and improving physiotherapy practices worldwide. Jaymin is also a certified Kinetic Control Movement Therapist and a member of the editorial board of the Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology.

Enjoy reading Jaymin's views and stories.

From Childhood Dreams to Physiotherapy Schemes: How It All Started

1. As a child or in your younger years, did you ever see a physiotherapist at work, or do you have any connections to the medical field that might have influenced your decision to become a physiotherapist?

Yes, I did. When I was younger, a family member went through rehabilitation, so I got to see a physiotherapist in action. That left a lasting impression on me. Plus, with several family members in the medical field, I had already been exposed to healthcare, which probably played a role in pushing me toward physiotherapy.

2. What initially sparked your interest in physiotherapy, particularly in sports rehabilitation? Was there a specific moment or person who inspired you?

It started with my own injury. I had hurt my ankle, and the physiotherapist who helped me recover made a big impact. They were really focused on my walking, which made me realize how crucial proper movement is. That experience got me interested in this field, especially the sports side of things.

3. Can you share one of the most challenging cases you’ve handled, especially during your work with ISRO? How did your approach to physiotherapy make a difference in that case?

Sure, one of the toughest cases I dealt with at ISRO was a scientist who had developed serious musculoskeletal issues from sitting for long hours while working with fine equipment. I had to come up with a personalized plan—focused on ergonomic changes and strengthening exercises. It wasn’t easy, but after some time, we saw a big improvement in their comfort, and they could continue their work without as much pain. It was quite satisfying to see the results.

4. You’ve collaborated with many international professionals on research papers. How has working with experts from around the world, like those from Italy, shaped your perspective on physiotherapy?

Working with people from different countries, especially Italy, has been a fantastic learning experience. Every country has its own approach, and working with them gave me new ideas and techniques to use in my own practice. It opened my eyes to how different cultures approach patient care, which helped me think more broadly about my work.

5. In your opinion, what has been the most important advancement in physiotherapy techniques over the past few years? Are there any emerging trends or innovations you find particularly exciting?

I’d say technology has made the biggest difference. Telehealth, for instance, has allowed us to reach more patients. Then there’s wearable tech that tracks real-time data, which helps us customize treatment more precisely. AI is starting to help analyze patient data and predict outcomes, which is really exciting. It’s amazing how much things have changed.

6. You’ve done a lot of work on musculoskeletal injury prevention. What advice would you give to young athletes on how to avoid injuries? How crucial is injury prevention education in your view?

For young athletes, my main advice would be to focus on technique and not push themselves too hard. Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Injury prevention is super important because it teaches them how to listen to their body and avoid long-term damage. Once they know how to prevent injuries, it makes a big difference in their performance.

The ISRO Adventure, Space Science and Stretching 

1. How did your collaboration with ISRO begin? Was it an opportunity that you pursued, or did it come to you unexpectedly?

It came out of nowhere, to be honest! One of my patients had a connection with ISRO, and that’s how the opportunity came up. I was really excited to be a part of something like that.

2. In your work with ISRO, do you primarily support the physical health of the team, or are you also involved in specific research projects related to space physiology?

I mainly help with the physical health of the team, making sure they’re fit and healthy. But along the way, we’re learning about how space affects the body, which is pretty fascinating.

3. What are some of the unique physical challenges faced by ISRO staff, especially those involved in space missions, and how do you help them manage these through physiotherapy?

I haven’t worked with astronauts directly, so I don’t have firsthand experience with space missions. I’ll skip this one.

5. Has working with ISRO altered your perspective on physiotherapy? Have you developed new techniques or insights that have changed your approach to other patients?

Definitely. Working with ISRO has given me a new perspective on how the body handles stress. I’ve developed new techniques that I now use with other patients, and it’s been a real learning experience.

What’s Happening and What’s Next with India’s Physiotherapy Revolution?

1. How do you perceive the current state of physiotherapy in India? Are there significant differences in how physiotherapy is practiced compared to Western countries?

Physiotherapy in India is growing, but it’s still different from places like Europe or the US. In those countries, physiotherapy is more integrated into the healthcare system, and they tend to focus more on specialization. Here in India, manual therapy is still really common, but we’re catching up with technology and evidence-based practices. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still room to grow.

2. What do you think are the biggest challenges physiotherapists in India currently face, particularly in terms of recognition and resources?

The biggest challenge is probably that a lot of people don’t understand the full scope of what physiotherapy can do. That means it’s underutilized, and we don’t have enough resources or recognition. We need more awareness and support from the government to really make a difference.

Learning Never Stops: Why Being a Lifelong Student is Key

1. You’ve attended and conducted numerous workshops throughout your career. How important do you think continuous education is for physiotherapists to stay current and effective in their practice?

It’s really important. Things are always changing in physiotherapy—new techniques, new research—so if you don’t stay updated, you risk falling behind. Continuing to learn is key to providing the best care for patients.

2. What type of training or workshops would you recommend for physiotherapists just starting their careers? Are there any specific certifications that you believe are particularly valuable?

For someone starting out, I’d recommend focusing on the basics, like manual therapy and body mechanics. Certifications in those areas are really helpful. But it’s also important to stay curious and keep learning as the field grows.

Unbelievable Cases and Lessons Learned  in Physiotherapy

1. What’s the most unusual or surprising situation you’ve encountered in your physiotherapy career? I imagine you’ve had some memorable moments!

Oh, absolutely! One that comes to mind is a patient with post-op ACL reconstruction. When we first met, she could barely walk. But after a lot of work and perseverance, she ended up walking without assistance. It was a long road, but watching her progress was incredibly rewarding.

3. What was the most unconventional case that required you to think outside the box in terms of treatment?

I had a patient who had low back pain only when playing tennis, but the pain went away as soon as they stopped. It was tricky, but after digging into it, we found it was due to some changes in their hip joint. We came up with a personalized treatment plan that included orthotics and movement retraining, and it worked wonders.

Life Outside the Clinic

1. Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that help you relax and unwind?

I love being outside, whether it’s cycling or just going for a walk. Reading and listening to music also help me unwind after a long day.

2. Staying physically active is obviously a big part of your life. What sports or exercises do you personally enjoy in your free time?

Yeah, staying active is a huge part of my life. I love playing cricket—it’s great for fitness. I also enjoy running and meditation for both physical and mental health benefits.