Rahul Rajeev is the Chief Physiotherapist, Founder Director, and CEO of Anchor Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Studio. With over 10 years of experience in physiotherapy, he has specialized in Kinetic Control Movement Therapy (KCMT), musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, and performance rehabilitation. Rahul has established himself as a prominent figure in the physiotherapy and sports medicine industry.
His expertise extends beyond traditional physiotherapy to include Acupuncture, Chiropractic techniques, Dry Needling, Geriatric Care, and more. He has collaborated with numerous reputed institutions, showcasing his versatility and commitment to providing comprehensive care.
Rahul follows a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on addressing the root cause of ailments to ensure the highest quality care for all patients at Anchor Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Studio.
Rahul Rajeev is a senior physiotherapist with over 13 plus years of clinical experience across a wide range of healthcare and rehabilitation settings. He has worked with reputed institutions including Centre for Rehabilitation Care and Research, Arumana Hospital (TVM), Ananthapuri Hospital and Research Institute, Suvarna Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre, Nature Care Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Sports Medicine Centre (Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, Vellayambalam), Karunalayam Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, Epione Spine & Pain Care Centre (a super speciality institute for pain management), The Sports Hub (TVM), HelpAge India (TVM), and Pallium India.
He is the Director and Chief Physiotherapist of Anchor Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Studio and also serves as the Principal Consultant and Chief Clinical Advisor at Rehabi Health, where he plays a key role in clinical leadership, rehabilitation planning, and patient-centred care.
A basic analysis of a patient's gait and posture provides valuable information about the body and the ability of the musculoskeletal system to adapt to physical stressors. Understanding normal gait and posture is essential for identifying and treating musculoskeletal pain.
Gait analysis is comparable to an X-ray or blood test. It is a powerful investigative tool which, together with patient history and physical examination, helps assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and predict successful treatment outcomes.
There is no single correct method for assessing gait. A systematic “head-to-toe” approach is recommended to observe anatomical and functional features across all three planes of movement.
Musculoskeletal disorders are a major public health concern due to their impact on disability, work absence, and healthcare costs. A dysfunction in one body region often leads to compensatory issues elsewhere.
Correcting biomechanical abnormalities affecting gait can significantly improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. We work closely with podiatrists and orthotists to provide complete care, ranging from simple insoles to custom-moulded orthotic splints depending on severity.
Poor posture can lead to back pain, neck strain, tension headaches, and joint degeneration due to abnormal stress on muscles and joints. Over time, this may contribute to arthritis from uneven joint wear.
Physiotherapy helps correct posture to prevent these issues, improve appearance, and enhance comfort in daily life.
Good posture relies on correct alignment and balanced muscle strength. Physiotherapists understand how tissues and joints work together and prescribe targeted exercises to reduce stress, eliminate pain, and prevent future conditions.
Ergonomics is a scientific discipline focused on optimizing the interaction between individuals and their working environment. Originally developed for factory workers, ergonomics now applies to office workers, students, laborers, and seniors.
It aims to reduce injury risk, enhance productivity, and improve overall quality of work life by adapting the environment to the individual.
Exercise therapy is defined as a structured regimen of physical activities designed and prescribed to help patients recover from diseases or conditions that disturb movement and activities of daily living, or to maintain overall health and well-being.
Physiotherapists are experts in advising when it is safe to exercise and how to progressively increase weight and load on joints, muscles, and soft tissues.
After a thorough assessment, the physiotherapist designs an individualized programme based on your current condition, stage of injury, specific needs, and personal goals.
Improvement is only possible with repetition, consistency, and adherence to the prescribed programme. During rehabilitation, exercise prescription is often combined with hands-on manual therapy or other treatment modalities to achieve the best outcomes.
Myofascial release massage is a soft tissue treatment used to address skeletal muscle pain and restricted movement. It involves applying gentle pressure to the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
In healthy conditions, fascia is relaxed and flexible. Injury, surgery, poor posture, or inflammation can create myofascial restrictions, leading to pain and pressure on sensitive structures.
Myofascial release helps identify these restrictions and facilitates their release, promoting improved movement, reduced pain, and relaxation.
It is commonly used to treat acute pain, post-injury conditions, post-surgical stiffness, and to promote deep relaxation.
The therapist gently massages the myofascia to identify stiff or tightened areas. Healthy myofascia should feel pliable and elastic.
Light manual pressure and stretching are applied to rigid areas, allowing the tissue and its supportive sheath to release tension. This process may be repeated multiple times on the same or different trigger points.
Treatment areas may not always correspond to where pain is felt, as myofascial release addresses the broader muscular network contributing to discomfort.
Myofascial release massage may not be suitable for individuals with:
In very rare cases, massage therapy may cause internal bleeding, temporary paralysis or difficulty moving muscles, allergic reactions to oils or lotions, or nerve damage.
Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment. In medicine, the term electrotherapy refers to a wide range of treatments that use electrical devices to manage pain, promote healing, and improve muscle function.
Electrotherapy works by using electrical signals to interfere with the transmission of pain signals from nerves to the brain. This process slows down or distracts pain messages, providing relief.
A small electrical device delivers low-intensity electrical impulses through wires connected to adhesive pads or carbon electrodes placed on the skin over the painful area. These impulses pass safely through the tissues and nerves.
Electrotherapy may also be used to accelerate tissue healing in cases of muscle, ligament, or bone injury. It is a safe, effective, and non-surgical treatment method widely used in physiotherapy.
Electrotherapy is an accepted practice in physical therapy and acts as an umbrella term for multiple treatment modalities that reduce pain and improve muscle tension. It enhances local blood circulation, reduces swelling, controls chronic inflammation, and promotes bone fracture healing.
Electrotherapy is particularly useful when medications are ineffective. Treatment selection depends on the patient’s condition and needs. Common electrotherapy techniques used by physiotherapists include:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a pain management technique that uses a small battery-operated device to deliver electrical impulses through electrodes attached to the skin.
These electrical impulses reduce the nervous system’s ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. They also stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins.
TENS requires no special preparation and can be administered in clinics or at home. The device delivers low-voltage electrical pulses through adhesive electrode pads placed on the affected area.
Intensity and frequency settings can be adjusted to provide effective pain relief without discomfort.
Electrical stimulation to reduce pain and muscle spasms.
Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways called meridians. These pathways create an energy flow known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be responsible for overall health.
Disruption of this energy flow may cause illness. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore the proper flow of Qi and improve health.
Acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone. Patients are advised to consult their doctor and ensure the practitioner is properly trained and licensed.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, leading to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote both physical and emotional well-being.
From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture points correspond to areas where nerves, muscles, and connective tissues can be stimulated. This stimulation may increase blood flow and trigger the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
The acupuncturist will assess the patient’s condition and insert thin, sterile, disposable needles at specific points. Depending on the treatment area, the patient may lie on their back, front, or side.
Patients may feel a brief stinging or tingling sensation during needle insertion, followed by a dull ache that usually subsides. Needles typically remain in place for 5 to 30 minutes and may be gently heated or electrically stimulated.
Treatment frequency varies. Chronic conditions may require weekly sessions over several months, while acute conditions may improve within 8–12 sessions.
Acupressure is often referred to as acupuncture without needles. Instead of needles, practitioners apply manual pressure using fingers, thumbs, knuckles, or tools to specific points on the body.
Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is based on the concept of energy meridians flowing throughout the body. Pressure applied to specific points is believed to restore the flow of Qi and alleviate symptoms.
Acupressure can be therapist-assisted or self-administered. Pressure is applied gradually, held for 30 seconds to two minutes, and then slowly released. This may be repeated several times per point.
One commonly used point for nausea is located on the inner forearm, two finger-widths from the wrist crease, between two tendons.
Cupping Therapy is a treatment method that involves briefly applying rounded, inverted cups to specific areas of the body using a vacuum effect. This suction draws the skin into the cup, increases blood circulation, and helps correct imbalances caused by illness or injury while promoting the flow of energy.
During wet cupping, the skin is lightly punctured before applying the cups. This allows a small amount of blood to flow out during the procedure, which is believed to help remove toxins from the body.
Modern cupping therapy is commonly performed using glass cups that are rounded and open on one end, creating controlled suction on the skin.
Cupping therapy is not suitable for individuals with certain skin conditions such as:
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting a very thin needle into trigger points or tight muscles in the body. The primary goal is to promote tissue healing, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function. It is commonly used to treat myofascial pain, where “myo” refers to muscle and “fascia” refers to the connective tissue surrounding muscles.
A trigger point is a tight band or localized contraction within a muscle fiber that can restrict movement, disrupt function, and refer pain to other areas. When dry needling is applied to these dysfunctional muscles, it helps reduce tightness, improve blood flow, and alleviate both local and referred pain.
Dry needling is different from acupuncture. While both use similar needles, dry needling is based on Western medical principles and focuses on pain patterns, posture, movement dysfunctions, and orthopedic assessments. Acupuncture, in contrast, is rooted in traditional Eastern medicine.
Patients may experience different sensations during treatment, including muscle twitching, mild aching, or soreness. A muscle twitch response is considered a positive sign. Needles may be inserted either superficially or deeply and may remain in place for a few seconds or up to 10–15 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
Dry needling should be avoided in patients with the following conditions:
Rare but serious complications can occur due to improper needle insertion, such as organ puncture or pneumothorax (collapsed lung), especially when needling the chest region.
Neurological dry needling is used to treat pain and movement impairments by stimulating both trigger points and homeostatic points in the body. This approach aims to reduce pain and improve function with minimal discomfort.
A thin filiform needle penetrates the skin to stimulate myofascial trigger points and connective tissues that cannot be reached manually. The chiropractor may rotate the needle to enhance muscle activation. While the treatment is usually painless, some patients may feel a dull ache or muscle twitching.
Dry needling is widely used in sports rehabilitation to treat muscle strains, ligament injuries, and repetitive overuse conditions. Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes and are minimally invasive.
For athletes, trigger point dry needling can accelerate recovery by reducing pain, restoring mobility, and reactivating injured muscles. Once a twitch response is achieved, the healing process is stimulated, helping athletes return to peak performance faster.
Sujok therapy is based on the principle that the palm and foot represent all the organs and meridians in the body. "Su" means hand, while "Jok" means foot. Developed by Professor Park Jae Woo, it is a safe, simple, and natural therapy that can be performed by patients themselves. Stimulation of specific points on the hands and feet produces curative effects on various illnesses.
Sujok therapy can address various physical conditions such as BP, headaches, bronchitis, asthma, gastric acidity, ulcers, constipation, migraines, vertigo, IBS, GERD, disc prolapse, chemotherapy side effects, menopause symptoms, excessive bleeding, and more. It also aids in emotional and mental disorders like depression, anger, fear, and worry.
Reflexology is a therapy that uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet, and sometimes hands or ears, to promote overall health. It works on the theory that stimulating these points reduces stress, helping your body function better. Reflexology is complementary to medical treatments but does not replace conventional care.
Auricular therapy is a healthcare approach in which the external surface of the ear (auricle) is stimulated to alleviate pathological conditions in other parts of the body. It is based on the principle that a channel of energy circulates the body like meridians, and balancing this energy flow helps promote healing and overall wellness.
Auricular acupuncture and therapy can be applied for a wide range of health concerns. It is particularly effective for pain relief, calming the mind, managing allergies and infections, regulating endocrine disorders, treating chronic and functional conditions, and supporting withdrawal syndromes.
While ear seeds can be applied at home, initial placement is best done by a trained acupuncturist. The therapist identifies specific points on the ear corresponding to health concerns and applies ear seeds or beads (commonly made from vaccaria, metal, or ceramic) with adhesive tape.
Check ears daily for irritation such as redness, swelling, soreness, or tenderness. Remove seeds immediately if any of these occur.
While rare, these side effects may affect driving or operating machinery, so caution is advised. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting auricular therapy.
Fitness training balances five essential elements of good health. Make sure your routine includes aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, balance training, and flexibility/stretching.
Aerobic activity, also known as cardio or endurance activity, is the cornerstone of most fitness programs. It increases your breathing and heart rate, improving oxygen delivery to your muscles and organs.
Recommended: 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, spread across the week. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates short bursts of intense activity with recovery periods.
Muscular fitness is essential for bone strength, muscle tone, and weight management. Strength training improves everyday activity performance.
Core muscles — abdomen, lower back, and pelvis — protect your spine and coordinate upper and lower body movements. Core strength is vital for functional fitness.
Balance exercises help maintain stability and prevent falls, particularly in older adults. They also strengthen core muscles and improve overall coordination.
Flexibility is the range of motion around a joint and varies by body part. It enhances movement, coordination, balance, and athletic performance.
Osteopathy works with the structure and function of the body. It is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. Osteopaths use physical manipulation, stretching, and massage to:
Diagnosis and treatment are carried out manually (Manual Medicine).
Osteopaths aim to restore normal function and stability of the joints to help the body heal itself. They use their hands to treat the body with a mixture of gentle and forceful techniques, chosen based on the patient and symptoms. Techniques include:
These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve movement, and encourage blood flow. Initial appointments typically last 45–60 minutes, with follow-ups around 30 minutes. The course of treatment depends on individual symptoms.
Chiropractic therapy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in which hands are used to manipulate the spine or other body parts. Heat, ice, relaxation techniques, exercise, and other treatments may also be included. Chiropractic therapy aims to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and extremity issues, improving overall health.
The principle is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, allows the body to heal without surgery or medication. Manipulation restores mobility to joints restricted by injury or repetitive stress.
Chiropractors address lifestyle choices that affect health, including:
They provide guidance to identify unhealthy habits and strategies to manage them, complementing spinal adjustments and other therapies to restore a pain-free, healthy lifestyle.
Taping is a form of strapping that uses tape attached to the skin to physically support muscles or bones, reduce pain, and aid recovery. It provides partial immobilization of joints and is commonly used as an adjunct or temporary technique, especially in athletes.
Physiotherapists use taping to:
These purposes may be achieved through:
Taping, also called strapping, is the procedure of applying tape to the skin to keep muscles or bones in a specific position. It reduces pain, aids recovery, and provides partial immobilization of joints.
Taping is often used as a temporary or adjunct technique, especially by athletes, to protect injured areas, reduce swelling, support anatomical structures, and prevent re-injury. It is a common rehabilitation and prophylactic tool.
Physiotherapists use taping to:
These purposes can be achieved through:
The McKenzie method is a system of diagnosis and treatment for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders. In spinal disorders with symptoms radiating to the extremities, Centralization — the movement of symptoms from distal segments to the spine — is a positive sign, while Peripheralization — pain moving away from the spine — indicates worsening.
Exercises are repeated to end-range of spinal symptoms in one direction. Repetition can reduce pain and sequentially abolish distal and spinal symptoms.
The Mulligan concept involves mobilizing techniques to treat the spine and limbs affected by spinal damage. Techniques include Natural Hypophyseal Glides (NAGs), Sustained NAGs (SNAGs), and Mobilisations with Movement (MWMs). Your physiotherapist selects the most appropriate technique based on your symptoms.
The Mulligan concept uses directed mobilizations of the spine in weight-bearing positions. Mobilizations aim to increase pain-free range of movement and are repeated until improvement is achieved.
The Dorn Method is a manual, holistic alternative therapy used to correct misalignments in the spinal column and other joints. During a treatment, the practitioner palpates the patient’s spine to assess alignment and movement.
Dorn Therapy is a gentle spinal and joint treatment designed to help alleviate back pain and headaches caused by misaligned vertebrae or differences in leg lengths. It is a non-manipulative therapy that helps joints and vertebrae slip back into their original position through dynamic movements. For example, the client may aid the therapist by swinging a leg, moving the arms, or moving the head depending on the area being treated.
The therapy begins with measuring leg lengths to check for discrepancies. Functional discrepancies, rather than anatomical differences, are often addressed. The therapist gently adjusts the ankle, knee, or hip, then the sacroiliac area, followed by the rest of the spine and joints. Patients are provided with exercises to do at home for a few weeks to help the body adapt to the new alignment.
Many clients with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) experience improved posture and reduced or eliminated pain after therapy.
From all the years of experiences, here are some of the valuable appreciation I got from some of the reputed personnels in the society.
Sri Ramesh ChennithalaLeader of Opposition Kerala Government
Sri C DivakaranMLA/ Head of Environment Health & Safety Tata Consultancy Services
Dr RishikeshSenior Scientist WHO HQ (Retd) Geneva
Dr Molly Antony ScientistG Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences
Sri Santhosh VivarthanaCoaching Trivandrum
Ms Rati SaxenaInternational writer and Vedic scholar
Sri Jogesh IPSVigilance and Security Officer KTDC
Ms Uma DeviDeputy Secretary to Govt of Kerala
From all the years of experiences, here are some of the valuable appreciation I got from some of the reputed personnels in the society.
Sri Ramesh ChennithalaLeader of Opposition Kerala Government
Sri C DivakaranMLA/ Head of Environment Health & Safety Tata Consultancy Services
Dr RishikeshSenior Scientist WHO HQ (Retd) Geneva
Dr Molly Antony ScientistG Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences
Sri Santhosh VivarthanaCoaching Trivandrum
Ms Rati SaxenaInternational writer and Vedic scholar
Sri Jogesh IPSVigilance and Security Officer KTDC
Ms Uma DeviDeputy Secretary to Govt of Kerala
'Preventing Tennis Elbow: Simple Measures for a Pain-Free Life ’- Volume 2, Issue 1, February edition 2025, PHYSIOZINE
‘ The Future Rehabilitation Leveraging Digital Health Solutions ’- InnoHEALTH e-magazine March 2025
‘ Rehabilitating the Stars: A Physiotherapist Perspective on Astronaut Recovery ’ – PHYSIOZINE Volume 2 Issue 3, June 2025.
‘ Reboot Your Health- Priortizing Mental Health & Physical Well-being among IT Professionals’ -PHYSIOTIMES Volume 17, Issue 1 July 2025
‘The Surprising Link Between Wallet Placement and Various Health Issues ’- PHYSIOTIMES Volume 17, Issue 2 September 2025
‘Message Vs Myofascial Release: A Physiotherapist Perspective on Hands-On Healing ’- PHYSIOZINE, Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2025
