To assure quick rehab, embrace new treatments

Ex-India physio John Gloster on alternative therapies for injuries going mainstream.

For starters,we have to realise that surgery is always the last step for a player. You cannot blame him for wanting to try every available option before going in for surgery. Thats what physios,like me,try to do too get the player fit and ready for action.

Most of these alternative medical treatments are becoming main-stream. I have started doing dry-needling and Im also trying to adopt other techniques like the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy into my regime.

I understand why the BCCI will want to be wary of who their players are consulting. They need to ensure that the treatment isnt a deterrent to his health while keeping the anti-doping code and its regulations in mind. Some of these alternative techniques do involve taking drugs,which may or may not be disallowed under the anti-doping code. It is important to keep that in mind.

Its both the boards and the players responsibility to get the credentials of the consultant as well as the exact benefits of the treatment verified. The BCCI will be well-advised to embrace any new technology or treatment that can assure quicker recovery.

Also,whatever additional therapy the player is opting for shouldnt hamper the ongoing treatment. Thats where you need sound communication between the board,the players and the physios. If there is a remedy out there that can hasten a players recovery period then why not utilise it?

(As told to Bharat Sundaresan)

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