We are so happy to recognise Alicia Fernandes as this month’s Top Contributor at Physiopedia! Alicia brings energy and dedication to our volunteer content team. Her enthusiasm is contagious and we often see her sharing her expertise and engaging with the team. Always on hand to help, Alicia recently took the lead for our Topic of the Month, demonstrating her ability to inspire and engage others while delivering amazing results.
As a Rehabilitation Specialist based in Mumbai, Alicia combines an holistic approach to patient care with advanced therapeutic techniques to support recovery and long-term wellness. Her professional commitment is mirrored in her work with Physiopedia, where her creativity and hard work shine through in all of her contributions. Alicia’s ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal commitments demonstrates her resilience and passion.
Alicia, your unwavering dedication, infectious positivity and ability to uplift those around you make you an invaluable member of the Physiopedia family. Your contributions not only improve our resources but also inspire others to strive for excellence. Thank you for all you do!
Read on to find out more about Alicia and all the amazing things she does outside of her passion for rehabilitation!
Your name:
Alicia Fernandes.
Time active with Physiopedia:
1 year and 1 month.
Current role with Physiopedia:
Volunteer content writer.
Where did you go to university/college?
Master of Physiotherapy in sports and musculoskeletal (MPT), Physiotherapy Institution: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Years Attended: 2015 – 2017; Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), Physiotherapy Institution: Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Years Attended: 2009 – 2013.
Where do you work?
As a Rehabilitation Specialist at Granimal Mumbai, India.
Describe your role:
I create personalised rehab programmes to support recovery and long-term wellness for adult patients. Working remotely from Mumbai, I conduct in-depth assessments and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to address musculoskeletal, neurological and sports injuries. My approach combines advanced therapeutic techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and a holistic focus on both immediate recovery and sustained health. In my role as a Rehabilitation Specialist at Granimals, I focus on designing and delivering customized rehabilitation programmes for both pediatric and adult patients. Working remotely from Mumbai, Maharashtra, I conduct thorough assessments to understand each patient’s unique needs, enabling me to develop evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. This role involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to ensure each patient achieves optimal recovery and functional independence. I employ advanced therapeutic techniques and cutting-edge equipment to address a range of conditions, from musculoskeletal and neurological issues to sports-related injuries. My approach emphasises holistic care, extending beyond immediate recovery to include patient education, strategies for long-term wellness and injury prevention. This comprehensive approach is designed to enhance overall patient outcomes and promote lasting well-being.
What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician or working with Physiopedia?
The best part about being a clinician and working with Physiopedia is the chance to genuinely make a difference. When you’re helping someone regain their strength, mobility or even just the confidence to move without pain, it’s incredibly fulfilling. It’s like watching someone slowly get their life back, one step at a time and knowing you played a part in that transformation. Physiopedia adds a unique layer to this experience. Working with such a global platform allows you to share your knowledge and learn from therapists all over the world. You’re not only treating your own patients but also contributing to a global resource that helps countless others. Plus, it’s exciting to stay updated on the latest techniques and evidence-based practices—and then share those insights to support the broader physiotherapy community. It’s this blend of personal patient wins and the chance to contribute to something bigger that makes it all so rewarding.
What are some of the more challenging aspects of your work?
There are definitely some unique challenges in the world of physiotherapy today, especially with so much information at everyone’s fingertips. Patient education, for example, has become a balancing act. With platforms like WhatsApp, Google and YouTube, many patients come in having already researched their symptoms, exercises and even full treatment plans. While it’s great that they’re engaged and informed, it can also mean they have strong opinions or even misconceptions about what will work best for them. Navigating these conversations requires empathy and humility – it’s not about dismissing their efforts but guiding them to understand reliable information that will help their recovery.
What are some of your professional passions?
Professionally, I’m deeply passionate about the idea of someday running my own practice where I can be a resource for both clinicians and patients, helping them navigate both the science and the personal journey of managing pain. The vision is to create a space that supports clinicians in delivering high-quality care and patients in understanding their own bodies and healing processes. Teaching is also something I love, as it’s a chance to share what I know and help others grow. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping a new therapist refine their skills or guiding a patient to a breakthrough in their understanding of rehabilitation. It’s about passing on the tools, empathy and knowledge that empower both patients and professionals alike.
What are a few of your personal passions?
In my personal life, I really enjoy singing in my church choir and teaching catechism to kids. Sharing that connection through faith and music has a special place in my heart. I also love learning and staying curious – whether it’s exploring a new skill, diving into a topic or chasing after knowledge, I’m always looking for something exciting to add to my journey (maybe even that Nobel Prize one day!). On top of that, I do have a bit of an OCD flair—organising, arranging and keeping things in order gives me a weird sense of calm and satisfaction. And whenever I can, I love trying new experiences and am constantly on the lookout for something unique or adventurous to try!
What would be your advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional?
My advice to a newly graduating physiotherapist or professional would be to never let the fire inside you fade. Keep that passion for helping people alive, because it will be your driving force in this career. Always remind yourself why you chose this field in the first place—remember, it’s all about the people you’re here to help. Prioritise patient care above everything else, but also don’t forget to take care of your own mental health. As physiotherapists, we’re not just physical healers, but also emotional support systems. Your wellbeing is just as important as your patients’, so find balance and take care of yourself too. And above all, be kind to yourself – learning and growing is a journey, not a race!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself happy, healthy and continuing to spread love in everything I do. Whether it’s through my work as a physiotherapist, teaching or just sharing positive energy, I hope to be making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. It’s all about staying grounded, growing and doing what I love with passion and purpose. And of course, staying open to new experiences and challenges along the way!
What are the best things about being a part of the Physiopedia team?
The best part about being a part of the Physiopedia team is the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people from all around the world. It’s not just about sharing knowledge and expertise, but also about understanding different cultures, work styles and perspectives. Working with a global team allows me to find my own voice, grow personally and professionally and contribute to a collective mission that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. There’s something incredibly enriching about learning from others and helping bridge the gap between various approaches to physiotherapy. It’s a unique space where everyone can thrive and that’s what makes being part of Physiopedia so special!
How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression?
Being part of the Physiopedia team has been incredibly beneficial for my professional growth and career progression. It has made me more confident in my skills as a clinician, as I’m constantly exposed to new information and innovative practices. The platform has also pushed me to enhance my non-medical skills, like writing, communication and technology proficiency, which are crucial for expanding my reach and impact. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to engage with and educate people from different backgrounds, which has improved my patient care and outreach. Additionally, the experience has given me access to global perspectives in physiotherapy, helping me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate, like working in a multidisciplinary team, developing leadership skills and applying evidence-based practices in new and diverse contexts. Learning from such a wide network of professionals has allowed me to continuously improve and I’m thrilled by the opportunity to keep evolving both as a physiotherapist and as a professional in the health and wellness space.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia?
I hope that Physiopedia continues to drive a movement towards more interdisciplinary collaboration. By fostering more connections across different healthcare fields, it could support integrated care models that improve patient outcomes. I see it as a space where not only physiotherapists but also other healthcare providers can come together to learn from each other and develop more comprehensive, patient-centered care strategies. Ultimately, my aspiration is for Physiopedia to be a leading force in elevating the standard of healthcare, not just in physiotherapy, but across disciplines.
What is your favourite Plus course?
Relationship between posture and swallowing, Concussion assessment and many more.
Anything else you would like to share?
I’m truly amazed at how much growth I’ve experienced through this simple 6-month volunteer programme with Physiopedia. I never expected it to make such an impact on my professional journey. What’s even more surprising is how I’ve managed to stay consistent and meet every monthly goal, even during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Now, 5 months postpartum, I still haven’t missed a single goal and I find that really fulfilling. The way Physiopedia has inspired me to stay disciplined and remain focused on my personal and professional growth has been truly motivating. It has not only shaped my work ethic but has also helped me balance everything in my life. I wish I could attend more meetings, but I’m grateful for the flexibility that this programme offers. Being part of Physiopedia has been a powerful reminder of how persistence, dedication and the right support can help you achieve things you once thought impossible. I’m really looking forward to what more I can accomplish with this incredible team!
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