Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy services at St. John’s Medical College Hospital were established in 1977 and have since experienced sustained growth and progressive development. Initially functioning within the Department of Orthopaedics, physiotherapy services expanded significantly in scope and importance. With the establishment of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1999, physiotherapy became an integral component of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation framework, contributing effectively to patient care across the institution.

Over the years, physiotherapists at St. John’s Medical College Hospital have assumed pivotal roles within specialized rehabilitation teams across various Specialty and Super Specialty departments, reflecting the expanding recognition of physiotherapy as an essential pillar of comprehensive healthcare delivery.

A major academic milestone was achieved in 2016, when the Department of Physiotherapy attained autonomy with the introduction of the Undergraduate Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) programme. This development enabled the department to strengthen academic delivery, expand clinical services, and integrate evidence-based practices supported by ongoing research.

In continuation of its commitment to advanced education and academic excellence, the department launched the Postgraduate Physiotherapy (MPT) programme in 2020, affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS). The postgraduate programme provides advanced training and specialization, fostering clinical expertise, research aptitude, and leadership skills among aspiring physiotherapists.

A significant institutional milestone was marked on 03 September 2025, during the Welcome Ceremony for the Batch of 2025, which symbolized a new beginning in Allied Health Sciences and coincided with the Inauguration Ceremony of the St. John’s Institute of Physiotherapy, a unit of the CBCI Society for Medical Education. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of decades of academic growth, clinical excellence, and institutional vision, laying a strong foundation for the future of physiotherapy education and healthcare delivery.

Physiotherapy services at St. John’s now encompass a broad spectrum of specialized domains, including Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Neuro Physiotherapy, Cardiorespiratory and Pulmonary Physiotherapy, Paediatric Physiotherapy, Community Physiotherapy, and Women’s Health Physiotherapy. Patient-centred and evidence-based therapeutic approaches are employed to address diverse clinical needs, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality care.

In addition to rehabilitation services, physiotherapy at St. John’s has progressively expanded its focus to include preventive and promotive healthcare. Physiotherapists function as primary contact practitioners, facilitating early identification of impairments, timely intervention, and effective rehabilitation. The department also plays a significant role in palliative care, addressing complex clinical challenges and enhancing the quality of life of patients with chronic and life-limiting conditions.

The Department of Physiotherapy and the St. John’s Institute of Physiotherapy take pride in a rich legacy of service, academic excellence, and continuous innovation. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-driven care, the institution remains committed to delivering specialized, compassionate, and high-quality physiotherapy services, thereby contributing meaningfully to patient well-being and the advancement of the healthcare system.