PHYSIOTHERAPY is an essential service, but during these trying times of Covid-19 pandemic, hands-on therapy is only available for critical cases. This has forced many practices to shutter their doors.
In an effort to alleviate the current circumstances, freelance physiotherapist Justin Amal Raj, 29, has resorted to virtual care for his patients.
“I have been practising as a freelance physiotherapist for three months now, and currently have five incredibly friendly patients.
“It is undeniably a huge setback that my sessions with them have been limited now due to the pandemic, although certain critical cases still would require face-to-face treatment.
“As the world progresses rapidly with multiple developments in different areas, we’ve to adapt to new changes and to not be left out.
“I have been conducting live physio sessions through Facebook and Instagram, mainly demonstrating various exercises to my patients to keep my income going.
“My love and desire towards physiotherapy will never fade regardless of the different modes of treatment that I have currently taken on,” said Justin during an interview with Buletin Mutiara.
Justin, who also works as a part-time administrator in a church located in George Town, completed B.Sc. (Hons) in Physiotherapy from AIMST University in Kedah.
During this era of an unprecedented social unrest, Justin has utilised his free time by reading a lot of journals relating to physiotherapy.
“Understanding that new normal is the current practice, being at home gives me more time to explore journals related to physiotherapy in providing the best physiotherapy treatment for any medical condition faced by my patients.
“Besides, this period of covid-19 gives me the time to innovate braces for stroke patients.
“To everyone, stay safe, healthy and be sensitive to one another’s well-being during this period. Together, we shall overcome this war against Covid-19 pandemic,” Justin added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of Justin Amal Raj