Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Spotlights Physiotherapy in Heart Care

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar commemorated World Physiotherapy Day 2026, placing a spotlight on the increasing importance of physiotherapy and physical activity in managing cardiovascular diseases and stroke rehabilitation. Organised by the Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, the event also marked the eighth edition of the Continuous Physiotherapy Education (C.P.E) 8.0 series.

The event attracted over 70 physiotherapy professionals from various parts of Odisha, occurring just before the globally observed World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September. This year's campaign highlights the substantial role physiotherapists play in promoting physical activity, reducing risk factors, and aiding long-term recovery from cardiac events and strokes.

The celebrations commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony featuring Dr. Kishore Kumar Panda, Consultant Orthopaedics at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, and Dr. P. P. Mohanty, Director of SVNIRTAR, among other healthcare professionals and participants. The programme centred around an area typically linked to cardiologists and neurologists: the significance of rehabilitation and movement in the context of cardiovascular and stroke care.

Physiotherapy promotes prevention by encouraging physical activity and managing limitations effectively. Structured rehabilitation programmes help patients regain their mobility and independence following cardiac events or strokes. Dr. Kishore Kumar Panda stated, "Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people stay active and recover after illness or injury. Timely rehabilitation can help patients regain movement and independence." Dr. P. P. Mohanty echoed this sentiment, remarking on the critical role of rehabilitation in post-stroke recovery and cardiovascular health.

The event underscored the necessity for collaboration between various medical specialties in the management of patients with cardiovascular issues and strokes. Physiotherapists contribute at different stages, from assisting mobility recovery post-stroke to crafting suitable activity and exercise plans for individuals living with cardiovascular diseases.

The Continuous Physiotherapy Education (C.P.E) 8.0 series offered a forum for professionals to share expert knowledge across multiple areas, including cardiac, neurological, sports, orthopaedic, and critical care rehabilitation. Dr. Saktimaya Mahapatra, Cluster Director at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, highlighted the evolving role of physiotherapy, stating, "The role of physiotherapy is changing with the needs of patients. Today, rehabilitation is closely connected with prevention, recovery, and long-term management of several chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease and stroke illustrate this clearly. A patient may receive timely medical or surgical treatment, but the journey toward functional recovery can continue for weeks or months. Physiotherapists are an important part of that journey, helping patients regain movement, build physical capacity, and return to daily life."

The physiotherapy department at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar offers rehabilitation services across diverse specialisations, including orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, cardiology, and sports rehabilitation, attending to more than 200 patients daily. The programme concluded with Dr. Sibanisankar Tripathy, a physiotherapist, expressing gratitude to the speakers, participants, and the organising team for their contributions. The observance of World Physiotherapy Day 2026 reaffirmed Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar's dedication to enhancing physiotherapy education and patient care, focusing on enabling healthier, more independent lives through movement.