Physiotherapy at Aga Khan Hospital is helping patients recover from chronic pain, regain movement and rebuild independence through tailored rehabilitation programmes for conditions ranging from stroke to post-surgical recovery and maternal care.
When Moreen gave birth to her first child via C-section, like many new mothers, she expected a smooth recovery. However, months after adjusting to motherhood and healing from surgery, she developed persistent back pain that would not subside.
At first, she assumed the discomfort was a normal part of postpartum recovery. But as she resumed physically demanding tasks such as gardening and carrying her baby for long periods, the pain worsened until it became a constant part of daily life. Concerned, she sought medical attention and was eventually referred to a physiotherapist.
Moreen’s experience reflects a challenge faced by many people who continue to struggle with pain, weakness or limited mobility long after an injury, surgery or major life event such as childbirth. Yet physiotherapy, often associated only with athletes and sports injuries, plays a much broader role in helping people regain function and improve their quality of life.
More than sports injuries
At Aga Khan University Hospital Nakawa Speciality Centre, Dr Isaac Ssenoga, a physiotherapist with more than a decade of experience, describes physiotherapy as a healthcare profession that treats injuries, diseases and disabilities through physical methods rather than relying solely on medication.
‘Physiotherapy is a vital part of healthcare and rehabilitation. It offers structured treatment that helps prevent disabilities, promotes an active lifestyle and addresses the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle,’ he says.
Rather than focusing only on pain relief, physiotherapy aims to restore movement, improve strength and address the underlying causes of physical dysfunction. However, Dr Ssenoga notes that many patients seek help only after their symptoms have become severe, when earlier intervention could have prevented long-term complications.
A growing burden of pain
A large proportion of physiotherapy patients are treated for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, joint problems and recovery after fractures or surgery.
These conditions are increasingly affecting people of all ages as sedentary lifestyles become more common. Office workers, drivers, students and others who spend long hours sitting are particularly vulnerable.
According to Dr Ssenoga, prolonged sitting can lead to muscle tightness, poor circulation, joint stiffness and chronic lower back pain. Over time, poor posture and inactivity may disrupt spinal alignment, weaken muscles and reduce mobility. In some cases, habits such as sitting on a wallet can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain and numbness down one leg, a condition commonly known as ‘wallet syndrome.’
Many of these problems develop gradually and are often ignored until they begin interfering with daily activities. Physiotherapy helps address these issues through posture correction, targeted exercises and movement training designed to restore function and prevent further deterioration.
Regaining independence
For stroke survivours, physiotherapy is often a critical part of recovery. Using specialised techniques, physiotherapists help stimulate weakened muscles, improve balance and retrain the body to perform everyday tasks such as walking, eating, dressing and moving safely around the home.
Although recovery can be slow and requires commitment from both patients and caregivers, Dr Ssenoga says early rehabilitation significantly improves the chances of regaining independence and reducing long-term disability.
Physiotherapy is equally important after surgery or serious injuries. While medication may help control pain, recovery often depends on restoring movement safely.
‘For example, a patient recovering from a fracture may receive medication for pain, but without guided movement, the joint can become permanently stiff. Physiotherapy ensures that movement is restored safely during healing,’ he explains.
Supporting mothers and children
Physiotherapy also plays an important role in maternal health, yet many women remain unaware of its benefits.
During pregnancy, physiotherapists help women manage physical changes that place stress on the body. One common condition is Diastasis Recti, where the abdominal muscles separate as the baby grows. Through guided exercises, physiotherapy can improve flexibility, endurance and pelvic strength, helping women cope better with pregnancy and prepare for childbirth.
For the management of diastasis recti, a physiotherapist may prescribe appropriate supportive devices and design a structured exercise programme to help strengthen the abdominal muscles as they heal.
After delivery, many mothers experience back pain, neck strain and abdominal weakness due to the demands of pregnancy and caring for a newborn. Rehabilitation programmes help rebuild core strength, improve posture and reduce persistent discomfort.
Dr Ssenoga also stresses the importance of proper posture while breastfeeding and carrying babies, noting that poor positioning often contributes to chronic neck and back pain. He advises mothers not to rush back into heavy physical work immediately after childbirth because pregnancy hormones temporarily weaken ligaments, increasing the risk of injury.
Children can benefit from physiotherapy as well. The Centre manages conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, Erb’s palsy and torticollis, commonly known as wry neck. In children with mild cerebral palsy, early intervention can improve mobility and physical independence. For clubfoot, physiotherapists work alongside orthopaedic specialists during and after treatment to strengthen muscles and support normal movement as the child grows.
How physiotherapy works
Treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition and stage of recovery. It may involve hydrotherapy, massage, manual therapy, structured exercise programmes and other specialised techniques aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life.
In the early stages of recovery, especially after surgery or injury, physiotherapists often use gentle passive movements to keep joints flexible and prevent stiffness. As healing progresses, patients are introduced to active exercises that build strength, improve coordination and restore balance.
The final stage focuses on functional rehabilitation, helping patients return to daily activities such as bathing, dressing, climbing stairs, working and participating in community life.
The Centre also offers wellness and exercise programmes for people seeking to manage their weight, remain physically active and reduce their risk of future injuries.
When to see a physiotherapist?
Dr Ssenoga advises people not to wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking help. Warning signs include persistent pain that does not improve, weakness in a limb or part of the body, difficulty performing routine activities and unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling or burning.
Symptoms that continue to worsen should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. ‘Early assessment prevents small problems from becoming permanent disabilities,’ he says.
Movement as medicine
While physiotherapy is an effective treatment, it is also a powerful preventive tool. Dr Ssenoga recommends at least 30 minutes to one hour of moderate physical activity each day. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming and light jogging help maintain healthy muscles, joints and bones.
He also advises taking short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch, walk around and reset posture. ‘No sitting position is perfect if maintained all day. The body was designed to move,’ he says.
Good workplace ergonomics, proper lifting techniques, supportive sleeping surfaces and a balanced diet also contribute to long-term musculoskeletal health.
As chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyles and an ageing population continue to increase the demand for rehabilitation services, physiotherapy is becoming increasingly important. Whether helping a new mother recover after childbirth, supporting a stroke survivour on the road to independence or preventing workplace-related injuries, it enables people to move better, function more effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.