Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT) on Neuro Physiotherapy, Patient Recovery, and Practicing in Dubai (Part-1)
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): Hello, Dr. Pallavi. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your journey with our readers?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): I'm Dr. Pallavi—also nowadays known as the “Neuro Girl Pallavi”.
I don’t know how to put my journey here in just a few words—honestly, it’s very difficult! But I’ll summarize. With 11 years of experience now, my PT journey started after my Master’s in Neuro in 2014. It’s 2025, and I still can’t believe how far I have come. From a small town to Mumbai, and now working in Dubai, this journey has been nothing but a roller-coaster ride. I’m a certified aquatic therapist, specialized in water-specific therapy and the Bad Ragaz Ring Method.
So, this is who I am. Somewhere between handling spasticity, pusher’s syndrome, and Parkinson’s shuffling steps, I realized patients don’t just need therapy—they need a therapist who never gives up on them. So here I am, still counting steps in three languages, still fixing balance (theirs and sometimes mine), and still in love with neuro rehab.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What inspired you to choose physiotherapy, and what led you specifically towards neuro physiotherapy?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): In 2005, when I was in 9th or 10th grade, my father told me about this profession and said I must pursue it. And like a good, obedient daughter, I nodded yes. I never questioned him, even though I didn’t know what this field was all about. In 2007, I got admission to a physiotherapy college, and I literally grew up with this profession. I feel I didn’t choose physiotherapy—it chose me. And I don’t regret it at all.
What made me choose neuro?
Well, in my 3rd year, when I first met my mentor, Dr. R. M. Singaravelan Sir, I knew I would be a neuro girl forever. His teachings fascinated me and pulled me towards neuro, and I’m so glad I did it.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Looking back at your career, how has your journey evolved, and were there any defining moments that shaped your approach?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): I evolved from a small-town girl to now working with multinationals in Dubai—it could honestly be a Netflix series! From someone who barely spoke correct English to now speaking Arabic, I’ve evolved every single day with lots of learning and unlearning.
My defining moment in my career was treating a 29-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury since he was 14. I saw how neuroplasticity works, even after 14–15 years, if treated well. That completely changed my approach to neuro rehab. Now, I simply don’t give up.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): For someone new to the field, how would you explain neuro physiotherapy in simple terms, and what types of patients usually benefit the most?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Neuro physiotherapy is relearning and re-education—it’s relearning how to be yourself again. Simple! We make patients functionally independent.
All patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, nerve injuries, and post-surgical cases benefit the most.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What are some common neurological conditions you work with, and how soon should therapy ideally begin after a diagnosis or injury?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): My major work revolves around complex stroke cases, especially left hemiparesis with cognitive-perceptual issues. But I have treated more than 50 Parkinson’s patients so far, so that is definitely my area of expertise.
Therapy should be started as early as possible—ideally within 24–48 hours after a neurological event like a stroke, once the physician says it’s safe. Early rehab helps the brain relearn faster, but it’s never too late to start. The brain keeps the ability to change (what we call neuroplasticity) throughout life. So whether it’s days, weeks, or even months later, therapy can still make a meaningful difference.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): We often hear about “neuroplasticity” in recovery—how would you explain that to patients, and how does it influence your treatment approach?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Neuroplasticity is the brain’s superpower. The brain can rewire, restructure, and relearn—it is the most important aspect of our rehab. The whole rehab revolves around it.
I tell my patients: your brain is like clay—it can be reshaped. Neuroplasticity is how it molds itself after an injury. My role as your physio is to keep kneading that clay until new movements take shape.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What techniques or approaches do you commonly use in neuro physiotherapy, and how do you decide what works best for each patient?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Neuro is not about protocol—it’s about the person. Rehab is extremely patient-centric, with no “one-size-fits-all” approach. I believe we need to combine all possible approaches to bring out the best in our patients.
What I commonly use are Rood’s approach, NDT, PNF, task-specific therapy, and aquatic therapy. The choice depends on each patient’s condition, goals, and current abilities. For example, a stroke patient may need trunk control training first, while a Parkinson’s patient may benefit more from cueing and gait strategies. I always start with an assessment, set goals together with the patient, and then tailor therapy accordingly.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): What are some common myths or misconceptions you encounter in your field, especially around recovery timelines or outcomes?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): The most common myth is: “After 6 months, that’s it—you stop improving.” That’s like saying you can only learn cooking or driving in 6 months and never after! Neuro rehab works as long as we keep practicing.
Another misconception is expecting overnight results. Recovery is more like slow cooking, not instant noodles—but the end result is worth it.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Many people believe recovery stops after a few months—can patients still improve even years later?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): 100% Patients can recover if they receive repetitive, intensive, salient, and meaningful rehabilitation.
Dr. Pooja Bansal (PT): Do patients or families sometimes expect more than what physiotherapy can realistically achieve, and how do you manage those expectations?
Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT): Yes, families often think neuro physiotherapy is a magic wand. Expectations are always high. We need a lot of patience to explain this every single day.
I manage this by having open, honest conversations early on—explaining what recovery looks like, what’s possible, and what’s not. Then I shift the focus from “cure” to “progress,” celebrating small but meaningful milestones like sitting balance, walking a few extra steps, or eating independently.
Stay tuned for Part - 2 for more on Dr. Pallavi Sarje (PT)'s Neuro Physiotherapy journey!
