In today’s materialistic World, where people have become self centered, their list of wishes, desires and pleasures is endless. We loved interacting with Dharini, a Sports Physiotherapist at Andhra Cricket Association. For her, rescuing physical suffering from mankind is the salvation. A strong willed girl instead of exploring about latest fashion and bollywood gossip; is investing her days and nights in strengthening her knowledge into Medical Science and help athletes to perform at a pro. She aims at keeping the athletes to best of their fitness. She wishes their passion and hardwork gets no wasted when it comes to winning championship. Let’s pull off a few more interesting facts of Dharini and draw oodles of focus, gratitude and honesty. Here we begin:

So have you done Masters in Physiotherapy?

Yes, after completing Bachelors in Physiotherapy, I pursued Masters in Physiotherapy from Manipal University, Karnataka.

Do, you think life has been kind enough towards your career choice?

I was actually interested to opt MBBS. However, I would say life was not too lenient with me, because at the time of my crucial year, I got down with high grade fever. But, life was not too harsh either. Today I am happy with the choice I made. I was always curious to know about Human Body and Physiotherapy is also around that, moreover I am enjoying my profession. Seeing my clients fit and healthy is what gets me through the day. So, what more could I asked for.

So, were you inclined towards Science from the start?

Yes, you can say so. Thanks to my family! My Grandfather – My mother’s father was an agriculture senior research Scientist. He had worked for various International projects. My mother is a retired Secondary and High secondary science teacher.  My father is also from the Science background, he has done B.Sc (Physics), though later on he got into Finance after clearing Banking exam and got the managerial position at the SBI. My brother too belongs to Pharmacy background with PhD (Cancer drug development). He is working as a scientist in Thomas Jefferson University, USA. I remember he used to help me making Science models while I was just in 6^th and 7^th class. So, Science effect was on me since beginning.

Great! Your name is beautiful, what does it mean?

It means the Earth, Support, and Protection.

Wow! It completely suits you and your profession! Guess your parents knew about your future long ago! On this note, let’s move on to the next question.

Why were you so curious about Human Body since starting?  Any personal experience?

In a deep voice, she said “It’s because I have suffered a lot from physical point of view. I never wanted to let others go through the same pain. I joined Bharatnayam in 3rd class. I was really fond of dancing. When I reached sixth standard, my Feet and legs use to pain a lot. But, I continued learning because I was in love with dance completely. Some how I managed to complete all the seven phases of Bharatnatyam, but couldn’t continue anymore due to pain. So, I understand how it feels to give up your favorite hobby and go through unbearable pain for a longer period of time.

Well, that’s a nice thought! How is your leg pain now? Hope, you would have treated yourself too?

Yes, it’s very fine. Thanks to the profession I am in  which made me diagnose my own problem and get complete recovery.!!

What’s your specialization in Master’s in Physiotherapy and any reason behind choosing it?

My specialization in Master’s of Physiotherapy is Community Physiotherapy with Occupational Health in Ergonomics. It works with all areas. I studied everything from Sports injury to Orthopedics to Cardiology to Neurology etc.

The major reason behind choosing this stream is inspiration from my professor (Mr. Shyam Krishnan- Asst. Professor, manipal University) from whom I was learning since the 1^st year of my Graduation. He was used to teach one of the major subject (Human Biomechanics & Kinesiology) required for Sports Physiotherapy. His way of teaching and improving knowledge among us was one the major factor I wanted to be his student. I owe my achievement to him and would always be grateful of being his student from one of the most renowned university in Asia- “MANIPAL UNIVERSITY”.

Were you inclined towards Sports from the start?

Yeah! I was! I used to play Kho Kho in primary section, but I have always seen it as a hobby. Both dancing and Sports were looked upon by me as hobbies only. Science was something, I was passionate about since my childhood.

Before joining Andhra Cricket Board Association, did you have the own practice?

Yes, I did have in Vadodara. Actually just after completion of Master’s in Physiotherapy, I was working as an Assistant professor for around 10 months in one of the deemed university of Gujarat. Post that, I was appointed as Physiotherapist for Senior and Junior Women cricket team of Vadodara Cricket association. Along with that I use to have my private practice whenever I was available in Vadodara. Presently I am appointed Physiotherapist for U23 & Senior Women Team of Andhra Cricket Association.

How did you get the job in Vadodara Cricket Association?

Through the vacancy update given on the website of state association.

Any plans to start your own practice again, I think it would make you more earnings.

Hehe Ya! But the problem is due to matches, I keep on traveling from one place to another. And then, there is no point to be on and off on clinic. It doesn’t look professional. Money never makes me panic, the positive therapy and patient recovery is my triumph.

What are the common problems you find in women athletes these days?

Lack of Awareness about their own health status including Lack of Fitness and Nutrition levels.

Any incidence do you want to share with our viewers of which you are so proud, your treatment helped an athlete for better performance?

I have a lot of incidences like them! But, I remember my first incident. When I was promoted to Zonal level from State level.  There was a 31+ year old female playing for Senior Cricket. She was going through a lot of pains and difficulties in shoulder, knee, ligament etc. I analyzed her body including her playing mechanics, treated her before match and during match. And the outcome was that she remained not out at 108.

Wow! Bravo! What is your current state of mind? I guess you must be trying for international level.

I am not really trying, if my destiny will take, I will give my 100%. I am more interested in improving my practice guidelines as per the recent updates. I believe self improvement is the stepping stone to success.

Any plans for Social Work?

No, not now! Charity first begins at home. I am a responsible child for my Family. May be down the lane by Gods grace I would love to do social work.

What’s your take on feminism?

I think to prove feminism in a true sense; a lady should compare herself with another lady. There is no point of bragging about her indefinite persona by comparing with man.

Obviously, a woman should not survive in an abusive relation, or should tolerate domestic violence. But she needs to understand, nature is at its best, when there is a balance. So, every gender is valuable. That’s nature creation.

Didn’t you ever think to be settled down in US just like your brother?

She smiled and then replied, “I am a very spiritual person. I don’t run after money. Service towards humanity is my utmost passion; and treating Indian athletes is like the dream come true. What could I ask for more? I don’t like watching movies; I don’t feel like eating out or wasting money into shopping. My funda of life is – Simple living, high thinking.”

Hopefully our women viewers would borrow your point, so, what do you like to do in free time?

Haha! I hardly have free time. But whenever I have, I love doing dancing and drawing.

One thing I want to know about your profession, I have seen a lot of people who do physiotherapy studies and then opt for alternative career, say a back office job in BPOs related to medical process. What’s your take on that?

People need to have a clear objective of pursuing a course, why are they doing it, what do they want to achieve out of it!  After investing  years into study, and then finding the objective, and future prospects is of no use!

Any message would you like to give upcoming athletes?

Yes! A simple advice – Be aware about your body! Go for regular tests. You should know about the basic body functioning. They should follow the standardized fitness regime be it – running, exercises, food etc.

Any message would you like to give to upcoming Physiotherapists?

Be passionate about your choice, there is no point of doing it because of scope, family pressure or any other reason. Give your heart to it. Pursue it with true honesty.

What advice would you like to give women in 30’s from physical health point of view?

Post 30, the basic problem that arises in women is lack of Vitamin D3 and hormonal imbalance. Due to which, muscle pull, and muscle spasms become common. Firstly, women should get their vitamin level checked, and then they must agree to doctor’s advice. They must consume medicines as recommended with regular follow up.

It’s false to say, doctors spend unnecessary money, they care about their health and you must also consider it in priority. Especially women post delivery should consider their bodily changes seriously because there are chances of hormonal imbalance leading to various illness.  Even WHO has given a verdict, that women suffer from Anemia and bones related problems.

Pic Courtesy: Dharini Rochani