Sanika Lagoo

She has built a strong foundation by developing her physiotherapy skills for 9 years, of which 3 years were practised here in the UK. She has completed rotations in many hospitals and hence has a very wide experience in various physiotherapeutic treatments. Along with this, she has successfully taken care of the entire physiotherapy department in an NHS clinic where she was responsible for making sure that each person attains the best results and full functionality. She has worked in hospitals to treat patients after surgeries such as shoulder rotator cuff tears repairs, knee arthroscopies, knee or hip replacements, ankle or foot surgeries, shoulder impingement repairs and more. She has experience in handling patients in the neurological, respiratory, community as well as gynaecological departments which help her to make a much more accurate diagnosis of what can be the cause of the complaint.

“When someone says they are experiencing pain or discomfort in any part of their body, it is usually a mix of things that are causing the symptoms rather than just one particular reason. If we identify which factors contribute towards the pain or discomfort then we can ensure that we modify or change the causative factors to help in healing and recovery.

Additionally, she has treated many musculoskeletal cases which include acute pain or chronic pain in the neck, and low back which can radiate to the legs, knee, shoulders or legs along with treating sports injuries. She has a deep understanding of how to use different modalities such as ultrasound or shockwave, along with using kinesio-taping, sports massage and gait training as well. In her treatment, she also likes to focus on alterations that can be made in the posture when a person sleeps, sits to work on their computer, when driving or when they walk for a long. She believes that any advice or treatment that helps someone in the long term is very beneficial as it can avoid pain or discomfort that can arise in the future. She focuses on strengthening the muscles along with maintaining and increasing mobility as well.

Her interest lies in research as well. She has completed two research projects, of which one is published online as well. Her first research study aimed to look at how the changes in hormone levels affect the performance and skills of women basketball players.

The study which is published online in a research journal looks at how the psychological factors can change the healing when someone is experiencing low back pain. The results show that any negative feelings which a person experiences when they are in pain are natural and absolutely normal, however, these negative feelings can cause the recovery to be slower or compromised. The study shows that it is important for physiotherapists to be more encouraging and positive during the treatment along with the person surrounding themselves in a safe and happy space where they have their friends and family to encourage, support and keep providing positive feedback during their recovery. Additionally, as Sanika has completed a course in Dance/Movement Therapy awarded and certified by Kinections, New York, USA which looks at how movements and motions can be connected to emotions and the way they affect our physical healing, which we discover when it is accompanied by a peaceful and restoring music. She will be more than happy and delighted to share the interesting findings of her research or any facts about Dance/Movement therapy with anyone who is interested in such research or have a more deep understanding of the impact and changes our bodies go through. As a matter of fact, she would find it very interesting to know more from someone who has studied anything similar or has any experience of how our emotions can bring changes and alterations in how we heal.

“What interests me about the human body is how unique each person’s body is, which is why I give a lot of thought towards tailor-making the treatment for everyone. I always like to read about updated treatments and learn how to apply them to help someone get the best result possible! Like how my study says, I try to always keep motivating the person to keep doing their best every single day and keep reminding them how small steps can and usually do lead us to bigger achievements. If the pain has developed over time, it is important to give our body time to heal as well. This is why I may end up mentioning to you one of my favourite quotes which is important to remember when we are healing- The two most powerful warriors are patience and time! Which is why it is essential that we take our time to understand your pain and help the body to heal.”