01About Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy

Orthopaedic physiotherapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments that let you move. Sports physiotherapy applies the same principles to the demands of training and competition, with extra attention to load management and return to activity.

Dr. Pankaj B. Lokhande holds a Master of Physiotherapy in Orthopaedics and Sports, so this service sits at the centre of the clinic’s work. Whether your pain began suddenly or has built up over months, the goal is the same: understand what is driving the problem, reduce pain where possible, and restore strength and movement for the things that matter to you.

02What this service covers

Common problems we assess and rehabilitate include:

03Common concerns we see

  • Pain in a joint or muscle that limits everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, lifting or reaching overhead
  • Stiffness after rest, first thing in the morning or after sitting
  • Swelling, bruising or a feeling of weakness after a twist, fall or awkward movement
  • Pain that keeps returning when you try to get back to the gym or sport
  • Reduced range of motion – for example, not being able to lift your arm fully

04Possible causes and risk factors

  • Sudden injuries such as sprains, strains or a fall
  • Overuse – repeating the same movement at work, at the gym or in sport without enough recovery
  • A rapid increase in training volume or intensity
  • Age-related changes in joints and tendons
  • Reduced strength or mobility around a joint after a period of inactivity

05How a physiotherapy assessment helps

Dr. Pankaj B. Lokhande

Your assessment with Dr. Pankaj B. LokhandeBPTh, MPTh (Ortho & Sports), PhD Scholar (MUHS)

Your first session is a detailed assessment. We ask about how the problem started, what makes it better or worse, your work and activity levels, and your goals. We then examine movement, strength, flexibility, joint stability and, where relevant, how you perform a sport-specific task.

If your history or examination suggests that imaging, blood tests or a specialist opinion would help, we will tell you clearly and advise on referral. Physiotherapy is most effective when it is matched to an accurate understanding of the problem.

06Rehabilitation approaches we may use

01

Graded exercise therapy

Strength, control and mobility exercises progressed carefully as your tissues tolerate more load.

02

Manual therapy

Hands-on joint and soft-tissue techniques that may help ease pain and stiffness in the short term so you can exercise more comfortably.

03

Load management

Practical guidance on how much activity to do, when to push and when to ease off, so recovery keeps moving forward.

04

Electrotherapy (where appropriate)

Modalities may be used as an adjunct for short-term symptom relief, never as a replacement for active rehabilitation.

05

Education

Clear explanations of your condition, what to expect and how to look after yourself between sessions.

06

Functional rehabilitation

Practising the real movements you need – lifting, running, throwing or squatting – as recovery progresses.

Your plan is chosen after assessment. Not every approach listed here is suitable for every person.

07Who may benefit

  • Office workers and manual workers with recurring joint or muscle pain
  • Recreational and competitive athletes after a sprain, strain or overuse injury
  • People returning to exercise after a long break
  • Anyone who wants a structured, supervised plan rather than guessing at exercises online

08Safety precautions

  • Exercises are introduced gradually; some temporary muscle soreness can be normal, but sharp or escalating pain should be reported.
  • Tell us about any heart, lung or bone-density conditions, recent surgery, pregnancy or medications such as blood thinners.
  • Manual therapy techniques are chosen only when they are appropriate and safe for your condition.

09When to see a doctor first

Please seek prompt medical assessment (or emergency care where appropriate) if you notice:
  • Inability to bear weight, obvious deformity or suspected fracture after an injury
  • A hot, red, swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell
  • Pain that is severe at night and unrelated to movement, or unexplained weight loss
  • New numbness, weakness or pins and needles spreading into the arms or legs

10Frequently asked questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?

A referral is not always required. Many patients book directly. If you already have reports, X-rays or a doctor’s note, please bring them along. If we feel you need a medical opinion first, we will advise you.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem, how long you have had it and your goals. After your assessment, we will discuss a realistic plan and review progress regularly rather than committing you to a fixed number of sessions.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Comfortable, loose clothing that allows the affected area to be examined – for example, shorts for knee problems or a vest top for shoulder problems.

Is orthopaedic physiotherapy only for athletes?

No. Most people we see are not athletes. Sports physiotherapy principles – progressive loading and functional training – are useful for anyone who wants to get back to daily activities.

FURTHER READING

This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an individual assessment. Recovery varies from person to person. See our medical disclaimer.