Spine and neurology physiotherapy treats conditions affecting the spinal cord, vertebral discs and nervous system. Dr. Nikita Thool at BONE & SPINE Advanced Physiotherapy Clinic in Dhanori, Pune provides conservative management for sciatica, spondylitis, slipped disc and post-stroke rehabilitation without surgery.
The Scale of Spine Problems in India
An estimated 80% of Indians experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives, and spinal disorders are now among the leading causes of disability in the working-age population, according to data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. In Pune’s tech corridors, extended periods of sitting and looking at screens make cervical and lumbar spine problems increasingly common before age 40.
Dr. Nikita Thool works with patients to restore spinal function through targeted physiotherapy, reducing dependency on pain medication and helping them return to normal daily activity.
| Condition | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Spondylitis | Stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back that worsens in the morning |
| Slipped Disc (Disc Herniation) | Sharp radiating pain into the arm or leg, numbness and tingling |
| Sciatica | Shooting pain from the lower back down one leg, often accompanied by weakness |
| Facial or Bell's Palsy | Sudden one-sided facial weakness or drooping with difficulty closing the eye |
| Post-Stroke Management | Weakness, spasticity or coordination loss following a brain stroke |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Partial or complete loss of movement or sensation below the injury level |
A slipped or herniated disc compresses nearby nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms. Physiotherapy addresses this by:
After a stroke, the brain’s ability to relearn movement depends heavily on how quickly rehabilitation begins. This principle is called neuroplasticity. At Dr. Nikita’s clinic, stroke rehabilitation follows a structured plan:
| Stage | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Early (0 to 3 months) | Passive mobilisation and bed positioning | Prevent contractures and pressure sores |
| Mid (3 to 6 months) | Active movement retraining and balance | Restore functional independence |
| Long-term (6+ months) | Gait training and strength building | Return to walking and daily activity |
Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment recommended for sciatica by clinical guidelines worldwide. Surgery is only considered when neurological deficit is severe or when conservative treatment has failed over 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients with sciatica experience meaningful relief within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent physiotherapy.
Rest reduces acute pain but does nothing to address the underlying disc mechanics or muscle weakness that caused the problem. Physiotherapy targets the source of nerve compression and builds the structural support to prevent recurrence. Prolonged rest can actually worsen muscle deconditioning.
Physiotherapy cannot change the anatomy of a disc, but it can resolve the nerve irritation and muscle imbalances that cause sciatic pain. Many patients remain pain-free long-term after completing a physiotherapy programme, especially when they continue their home exercise routine.
Rehabilitation should begin as early as 24 to 48 hours after stroke, once the patient is medically stable. Early mobilisation is associated with significantly better functional outcomes according to stroke care guidelines.
Bell’s palsy is sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. Physiotherapy using facial exercises, electrical stimulation and neuromuscular re-education can help restore facial movement and symmetry.
Yes. Dr. Nikita adapts all techniques to the patient’s age, bone density and general fitness. Gentle mobilisation and guided exercise are safe and often highly effective for older adults with spinal pain.
