Physiotherapy at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic
Pain, stiffness, muscle tightness and restricted movement can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, working at a desk or lifting your arm difficult. Physiotherapy can help address these problems through individual assessment, appropriate treatment techniques and rehabilitation tailored to your needs.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic in Gogol, Margao, Dr. Rucha Narkhede (PT) brings 15 years of experience to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Patients have access to several treatment techniques at the clinic itself, including TENS, interferential therapy (IFT), therapeutic ultrasound, dry cupping, dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) and electrocupping.
The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying condition, symptoms, movement limitations and recovery goals. Where indicated, these techniques may be combined with therapeutic exercises, movement training and practical guidance to support recovery and improve everyday function.
Conditions That May Benefit from Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may be recommended for a range of musculoskeletal problems, depending on the diagnosis and individual assessment.
Knee Pain and Joint Stiffness
Knee pain, stiffness and muscle weakness can make walking, standing, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair uncomfortable. Physiotherapy may help improve knee movement, strengthen supporting muscles and restore functional ability. Rehabilitation may also form part of recovery following knee surgery.
Explore: Knee Pain Treatment | Knee Replacement Surgery
Shoulder Pain and Restricted Movement
Shoulder pain can make reaching overhead, dressing, lifting objects and sleeping comfortably difficult. Physiotherapy may help address muscular tightness, restricted movement and weakness associated with selected shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff problems and frozen shoulder.
Explore: Shoulder Pain Treatment
Neck and Back Pain
Neck and back discomfort may be associated with muscle strain, prolonged postures, movement difficulties or underlying spinal conditions. Depending on the cause, physiotherapy may include exercises, movement advice and selected techniques intended to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.
Explore: Back & Neck Pain
Sports Injuries and Muscle Strains
Sports and other physical activities can result in muscle strains, ligament injuries and soft-tissue discomfort. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation can help restore strength, movement and function, with progression towards normal activities based on the injury and healing stage.
Explore: Sports Injury Treatment | ACL Tear Treatment
Recovery Following Fractures and Orthopaedic Surgery
After a fracture or orthopaedic procedure, rehabilitation may help restore movement, strength, balance and the ability to perform daily activities. The timing and intensity of physiotherapy depend on healing progress, the procedure performed and the treating doctor’s recommendations.
Explore: Fracture Management | Knee Replacement Surgery | Hip Replacement Surgery
Meet Dr. Rucha Narkhede (PT)
Dr. Rucha Narkhede is the physiotherapist at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, with 15 years of experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Her role involves helping patients address movement limitations, manage musculoskeletal symptoms and work towards functional recovery. Treatment is selected according to the individual’s presentation, assessment findings and rehabilitation needs.
Physiotherapy is available at the same clinic as orthopaedic consultations with Dr. Amol Narkhede. Where appropriate, this provides patients with access to orthopaedic assessment and physiotherapy at one location, including rehabilitation following injuries and surgery.
Physiotherapy Treatments Available at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic
The clinic offers several physiotherapy techniques that may be used for selected musculoskeletal conditions. Each technique has a different application, and not every treatment is suitable for every patient. Dr. Rucha determines whether a particular approach is appropriate based on the patient’s symptoms, assessment and treatment goals.
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. It is primarily used as a method of pain relief and may be considered for selected musculoskeletal complaints.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, TENS may be used as part of a physiotherapy plan for symptoms associated with neck pain, shoulder discomfort, back pain or certain painful joint conditions. Electrode placement and settings depend on the area being treated and the individual’s clinical needs.
TENS is intended to help manage pain rather than correct the underlying cause. Its suitability and likely benefit vary between patients.
Interferential Therapy (IFT)
Interferential Therapy (IFT) uses electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. It is used in some physiotherapy settings as an adjunctive approach to symptom management.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, IFT may be considered for selected cases involving muscular discomfort, painful movement or other musculoskeletal symptoms, depending on the assessment. The treatment area and settings are selected according to the patient’s condition.
IFT may form part of a broader physiotherapy programme rather than being used as a standalone solution.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves delivered through an applicator moved over the treatment area. It is distinct from diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
Depending on the clinical assessment, therapeutic ultrasound may be considered for selected soft-tissue complaints involving muscles, tendons or surrounding structures. Its use depends on the specific condition, and it is not appropriate for every type of pain or injury.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, it may be incorporated into a physiotherapy plan where considered suitable, alongside other approaches directed at restoring movement and function.
Dry Cupping
Dry cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction without piercing the skin. The technique is sometimes used as an adjunct for muscular discomfort and soft-tissue symptoms.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, dry cupping may be considered for selected cases involving muscle tightness or discomfort around areas such as the back, shoulders or other affected soft tissues. Its suitability depends on the patient’s condition, skin health and other relevant precautions.
Cupping can leave temporary circular marks and may cause bruising or skin irritation. Evidence for its benefits remains limited, so it should not be presented as a cure or a substitute for appropriate assessment and rehabilitation.
Dry Needling
Dry needling involves inserting fine, solid needles into selected muscular or soft-tissue areas, often targeting myofascial trigger points associated with pain and movement restrictions.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, dry needling may be considered for selected muscular problems, such as trigger-point-related discomfort around the neck, shoulders or back, when clinically appropriate. The aim is to help manage symptoms and, where possible, improve movement as part of a wider rehabilitation plan.
Dry needling is not suitable for everyone. Appropriate assessment, informed consent, sterile single-use needles and consideration of individual risks are essential.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM)
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) uses specialised instruments applied to the skin to mobilise selected soft tissues.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, IASTM may be considered for selected musculoskeletal complaints involving soft-tissue discomfort or restricted movement. Depending on the presentation, this may include muscular tightness around the back, neck, shoulder or limbs, or certain tendon-related complaints.
IASTM is generally considered an adjunct to rehabilitation. The evidence for its effectiveness varies, and it should be selected according to the patient’s needs rather than used routinely for every soft-tissue problem.
Electrocupping
Electrocupping is a treatment technique available at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic. The precise method depends on the equipment used and how the electrical stimulation is combined with cupping.
It may be considered for selected muscular discomfort or soft-tissue symptoms when appropriate. The treatment area, intensity and suitability depend on the individual’s assessment and the specific technique being used.
As with other adjunctive treatments, electrocupping should be considered within an individualised physiotherapy plan rather than as a replacement for diagnosis, therapeutic exercise or other necessary care.
Choosing the Right Physiotherapy Treatment
Different techniques address different treatment goals, and their benefits can vary according to the condition. A treatment that may be appropriate for one patient may not be suitable for another with similar symptoms.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, the aim is to select physiotherapy techniques based on the assessment and use them where appropriate alongside rehabilitation, exercises and movement guidance. Treatment progress should be reviewed to determine whether the approach is helping the patient achieve meaningful improvements.
What to Expect from Physiotherapy
Initial Assessment
Your physiotherapist reviews your symptoms, relevant medical history, movement limitations and functional goals. Previous investigations, where available, and recommendations from your treating doctor may also help guide the assessment.
An Individualised Treatment Plan
Based on the findings, an appropriate plan is developed. This may include therapeutic exercises, movement guidance, selected physiotherapy modalities and recommendations for managing everyday activities.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Treatment is guided by your condition and response to the programme. Depending on your needs, sessions may involve selected techniques, exercises to improve strength or mobility, and practical guidance to support recovery.
Progress Review
Your progress is reviewed and the plan adjusted when necessary. Recovery varies according to the underlying condition, its severity, general health and consistency with the recommended rehabilitation programme.
Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic Care Under One Roof
Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic provides physiotherapy and orthopaedic consultations at the same clinic in Gogol, Margao.
Dr. Amol Narkhede provides orthopaedic assessment and treatment, while Dr. Rucha Narkhede (PT) provides physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Where appropriate, these services can complement one another, particularly when a patient requires rehabilitation following an injury, surgery or treatment for a musculoskeletal condition.
Having both practitioners at the same location can make it more convenient to access the relevant services. The need for physiotherapy, the techniques used and the timing of rehabilitation depend on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.