Utilize the potential of social media for constructive purposes.
Utilize the potential of social media for constructive purposes.
Dr. Kartik Sukhwal is a Sports Physiotherapist who holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at JRNRV(Deemed to be) University in Udaipur. Additionally, he is also the Director of Myo-Kinesio Care Physiotherapy Center in Udaipur which has two branches, one in New Bhopalpura and the other in Saheli Nagar, Udaipur.
Dr. Kartik also runs an academy by the name ‘Dynamic Skill Academy’, where he focuses on training individuals, including students and fellow clinicians, in Physiotherapy The academy caters to those dedicated to serving society and those seeking to enhance their skills. They host 2-4 day courses, inviting faculty from around the globe, allowing participants to learn new techniques at nominal prices and interact with the esteemed faculty members.
Commencing his career in 2013 as an assistant professor at Geetanjali University, Kartik later established his clinic, Myo-Kinesio Care Physiotherapy Center, which has now expanded to two clinics.
Kartik shares that they have equipped their clinic with state-of-the-art, high-power non-invasive laser machines imported from Germany. They introduced PEMF therapy for the first time in Udaipur, along with offering sports and manual therapy, which holds a special place in his heart due to his specialization in this field. Subsequently, he established the Dynamic Skill Academy, where they train students and clinicians in cupping therapy, ISDM therapy, sports massage, and various other tools.
Kartik shares that his entry into physiotherapy is rooted in a family incident. In 1993, his mother had a major accident, leading to extensive treatments in places like Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The prolonged treatment and allopathic medications caused a malfunction in her mother's intestine, causing various health issues.
Driven by a desire to find a treatment for his mother’s problem without any side effects, he considered different options until he realized that exercise could be the ideal solution. He was also Inspired by his disciplined and healthy maternal grandfather's routine of exercising and cycling. His interest in physiotherapy was further fueled when he read about the physiotherapist of the Indian cricket team during the cricket world cup. This marked the beginning of his journey in physiotherapy and he took admission to a physiotherapy college.
After completing his bachelor's degree at Rajasthan Vidyapeeth in Udaipur, he moved to Ahmedabad for a mandatory six-month clinical internship at VS Hospital. During this period, he gained valuable insights into various aspects of physiotherapy.
While acknowledging Udaipur's beauty, he notes a lack of latest technology in the health sector in the city which he felt during his bachelor studies. Seizing the opportunity, he pursued masters in Karnataka, where he was exposed to advanced technologies and courses.
Subsequently, Kartik pursued further studies in Karnataka at The Srinivas College Of Physiotherapy, affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka. There, he completed his master's degree in Sports Physiotherapy. He highlights that his master's education provided him with knowledge that was not available during his four years of bachelor's course in Udaipur.
During his clinical internship in Chennai, Kartik had a valuable opportunity to train under Dr. Kannan Pugazhendi, an internationally renowned sports physician. Under Dr. Kannan's guidance, he learned about Manual Therapy, further enhancing his skills.
Continuing his training, he worked under Dr. K.M. Annamalai at Apollo Hospital in Gandhinagar. This experience provided him with insights into Ergonomics, Manual Therapy, Kinetic Change, Myofascial Lines, and various other nuances of physiotherapy. Through these experiences, Kartik developed and refined his expertise in the field.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kartik shares that he was born in Udaipur. His father worked as an electrical engineer in Hindustan Zinc, leading to 90 percent of his early years being spent in Zawar Mines, Udaipur. He completed his education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Zawar Mines, and during school vacations, they often traveled to Udaipur for holidays.
Speaking about the importance of discipline, Kartik emphasizes its influence during his school days, particularly in the Scout and Guide practices, where he was part of the children's category known as Cub Bulbul. This experience instilled in him both discipline and a focus on fitness.
Discussing sports, Kartik highlights the significant role sports played in Zawar Mines, with the Mohan Kumar Mangalam Stadium being the venue of several sports tournaments. He mentions witnessing an annual tournament every year lasting 4-5 days, attracting many prominent Indian teams. This, he believes, has contributed to Jawar Mines making a mark in football and various other sports in India.
Regarding role models, Kartik acknowledges that everyone has one, and at the national level, in his opinion, Narendra Modi serves as a role model for India. However, in his family, his father holds that role. He describes his father as a dynamic personality who received numerous awards on Independence and Republic Day from Hindustan Zinc. He appreciates the positive environment his father fostered, enabling open communication among all family members.
When asked about his motivation in life, Kartik identifies two quotes that inspire him: "Simplicity is the best policy" and Sadhguru's wisdom, "When you constantly try to be ordinary, you become extraordinary." He emphasizes that simplicity, despite its apparent ease, demands significant effort, especially in the face of modern-day pressures and influences from social media. He considers Pankaj Tripathi, the popular actor, a contemporary epitome of simplicity.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Kartik is also committed to community service. Annually, they organize free medical camps, providing complimentary services to patients in need.
Reflecting on the challenges in physiotherapy, he notes that society still struggles to comprehend its role as a treatment. Highlighting the expansive nature of physiotherapy beyond mere exercises, he underscores its involvement in various domains such as food, diet, lifestyle, stress, and personal aspects.
He points out that even when exercise is the chosen treatment, the issue may extend beyond muscles. Physiotherapists need to delve into multiple domains to offer comprehensive care. At his clinic, he takes the time to explain these complexities to patients, striving to provide the best services in Udaipur.
Addressing aspiring physiotherapists, he advises them to choose the best course and institute. He encourages gaining experience through seminars, lectures, and conferences, which provide opportunities to interact with faculty from around the world. Leveraging social media, he suggests staying informed about physiotherapy, a field that spans all age groups and domains, from children to the elderly, or the office-goers to those with mental challenges. He urges aspirants to focus on delivering the best services and contributing to society.
For the youth, Kartik advocates making positive use of social media. He suggests following professionals in their respective careers, learning from them, and engaging with authentic sources. Listening to good podcasts, according to him, is a valuable tool for personal and professional success.
Offering advice to everyone, Dr. Kartik highlights the wealth of solutions present in India's rich culture and traditions, including Ayurveda, yoga, and physiotherapy. He stresses the importance of focusing on simple practices at home, such as maintaining a proper lifestyle, consuming nutritious food and water, and incorporating yoga into daily routines. He advises seeking expert guidance when attempting new yoga asanas and cautions against practices unsuitable for individual body types.