Specialist in therapy for new borns, kids: Alwarthirunagar
At one end of Alwarthiru Nagar is Mercy Physiotheraphy Clinic. It sits in Velan Nagar and it offers a host of therapy services including intervention for new borns and tender children who need help. Julie Mercy Jayapal is the professional who runs this centre.
Arcot Road Times had a chat with her recently to introduce her to the neighbourhood. Here are excerpts -
Why and how did you get into this profession?
I am basically a biology student who had a passion for health care right from my adolescent days. One of my siblings (my younger sister) is orthopaedically handicapped ( she has poliomyelitis) and my parents had a lot of exposure to physiotherapy treatment in late 70s as they used to continue taking my sister for physiotherapy sessions from the time she was 4 months old. That is also a strong reason as to why I choose this profession.
2. What is your specialisation and how do you provide it to people?
I had specialized in neurology as well in Adapted Physical Activity. I had worked in the paediatric sector for almost 10 years in an NGO called The Spastics Society of Tamilnadu which is a centre for the special children. I worked in an orthopaedic unit for 3 years and I handled orthopaedic physiotherapy cases too. I give Ortho, Neuro and Paediatric phyisotherapy for patients. Paediatric Physiotherapy is given for the age group of 0-14 years. I specialize in new born screening to identify the infants who may have some defects.
3. What has been the response from the Arcot Road residents?
Residents have responded very well though the clinic was established only in January 2011. I get a flow of 5 to 6 patients every day as I practice only in the evenings (6 – 9pm)
4. Besides this, what else do you do outside the clinic?
I also work as an Educational Counsellor in an overseas consultancy centre where we place students in European universities to pursue their Master’s as well Bachelor programme
I concentrate on women and children fitness and also I counsel clients related to basic health care. I also consult at a private hospital.
5. Your future plans?
I have plans to start an Adapted Physical Activity Centre for people who are affected with neurological impairment or orthopaedic conditions which restricts their mobility and also to treat conditions where physical activity is essential for them to lead a quality and happy life.
Mercy Clinic is at 68, Velan Nagar, Alwarthirunagar, Valasarawakkam. Contact – 65377318 / 98413 80989.
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