With a deep commitment to helping patients regain independence and quality of life, Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT) has been making a meaningful impact in the field of neuro physiotherapy. Currently working at Manzil Healthcare, Dubai (UAE), she specializes in the rehabilitation of patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders. Having worked for nine years in India, she has now been practicing in Dubai for two years and holds DHA, DOH, and MOH licenses as a Senior Neuro Physiotherapist.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar, and a Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy from the same institution, Dr. Pallavi combines scientific precision with compassionate care. She focuses on restoring mobility, balance, and confidence in her patients, guided by a strong belief that recovery in neuro physiotherapy is not just physical but also emotional and psychological.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your day-to-day practice, particularly with long-term or severe cases?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): One of the biggest challenges is maintaining motivation—for both the patient and their family—throughout long-term rehab. And sometimes, motivating myself too. We are humans as well. As a therapist, I have to stay calm, adapt, and remind myself and my patients that every small win matters. Compassion fatigue is another challenge we face as neuro physios, and I believe it’s the biggest hidden challenge in our field. Rehab can often be emotionally intense.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): How important is the role of caregivers and family in a patient’s recovery, and how do you guide them to support the process?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): I often tell families: “Therapy doesn’t stop when you leave my clinic or when I leave your home after a 60-minute session—it continues 24/7.” The role of caregivers and family is extremely crucial. They are like co-pilots on this recovery journey. When they are actively involved, recovery becomes faster, safer, and more consistent.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Neuro cases often run for a long time—how do you track or measure progress in patients, and are there differences in how you approach pediatric versus adult cases?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): We must document our patients’ sessions every day and use objective assessments for tracking progress. I use a combination of measures like strength testing, balance scores such as TUG, gait assessments, and functional outcome measures like FIM scoring.
When it comes to pediatric vs. adult patients, the approach differs slightly: with children, therapy is often play-based, focusing on fun activities that encourage movement and engagement. With adults, the approach is more task- and goal-oriented.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): When patients lose motivation during long treatment plans, how do you help them get back on track?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Of course, patients lose motivation—it’s very common. My creativity is my biggest rehab tool.
I use creative strategies to keep patients engaged, like turning exercises into games, using floor markers for fun walking challenges, or incorporating tasks from their daily life. Sometimes I count repetitions in multiple languages or add music, depending on what keeps them focused. The key is making therapy enjoyable and meaningful so patients feel excited to return for every session.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Neuro cases can cause emotional burnout—for both patients and physiotherapists—how do you deal with these situations?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): For patients, I focus on setting realistic goals, celebrating small wins, and maintaining open communication.
For myself, I prioritize self-care, reflection, meditation, and occasional breaks to recharge. I love reading, and I can’t imagine my life without at least 10 minutes of meditation every day—it’s a must for me!
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What early signs should make someone consider visiting a neuro physiotherapist?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): The most common issues are frequent falls, muscular weakness, and difficulties in ADLs (activities of daily living).
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Can home exercises and simple daily routines make a real difference, especially for patients in smaller towns or with limited access to care?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Absolutely! Home exercises are the mainstay of rehabilitation—they definitely matter. Consistency is the key. A small daily dose of movement can bring great functional outcomes.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What affordable or accessible options exist for patients who cannot afford long-term therapy?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): I think a home exercise program with follow-ups from a physio is essential. If any community NGOs are available, that can be a good option too. Tele-rehab is another possibility, especially if offered at reasonable prices.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): How can awareness about neuro physiotherapy be improved in smaller towns and rural areas?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): It has to be a combination of accessibility and community engagement. Whatever it takes to bring these two together will work. From social media to awareness drives and free camps, every small step helps in spreading awareness.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): If you could give one piece of advice to every neurological patient, what would it be?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Have patience, believe in yourself, and never underestimate the power of neuroplasticity.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): And if you could give one piece of advice to young physiotherapists entering this specialization, what would that be?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Work on your soft skills—that’s my only advice to all budding physios. You’ll eventually learn all techniques, but without strong soft skills, they won’t serve their purpose.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Can you share your experience working in Dubai—how was the work culture different, and what opportunities are there for physiotherapists?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Working in Dubai has been both challenging and inspiring. The work culture is fast-paced, organized, and very collaborative. I’ve had the chance to work with patients from all over the world, which has taught me a lot about communication and cultural sensitivity. Documentation is a big deal here. Getting a job, honestly, is very difficult.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): For physiotherapists interested in working abroad, what qualifications or licensing would you recommend, and what application tips do you have?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Make sure you understand the licensing requirements for your target country and complete any required exams or certifications in advance. Tailor your resume, secure strong references, and highlight your specialty areas.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What advancements or technologies in neuro physiotherapy are you most excited about?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Technology-driven advancements in neuro physiotherapy are reshaping rehab. Tools like robotic-assisted gait training, virtual reality (VR), wearable sensors, and gamified therapy devices are transforming patient outcomes. But they can never replace hands-on therapy. Technology should always be combined with physical therapy.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Lastly, what message or awareness tip would you like to share with our readers?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Recovery is a journey, and every patient’s journey is unique—so we have to be creative. Focus on evidence-based practice, use creativity, and keep learning and unlearning.