Challenges faced by physiotherapists practicing in India and Nepal - reviewing the literature: A focus on physiotherapy and emerging role of sports physiotherapists

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of physiotherapy in India and Nepal and to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature in context of physiotherapy research in these two countries. Additionally, the current state of sports physiotherapy is presented. The summarization of the physiotherapy practice and research will help to catalog and present the focus of this profession in the two countries. A thematic analysis of relevant research papers will provide insight into the challenges and limitations of physiotherapy and physiotherapists. This will further direct various stakeholders such as the government, healthcare professionals and medical students to focus on these gaps in development. An understanding of the practice of physiotherapy will help in the identification of the aspects/areas that need to be addressed for the profession to grow. The growth of the profession will increase the recognition of physiotherapy within the medical communities of these countries. With a growing sports culture, international exposure and competitions across various sports, the need for a high-quality sport physiotherapist is felt. Thus, the review also looks into research in the sports physiotherapy field. The level and quality of research emphasize the emerging need for physiotherapists specializing in sports medicine. Based on the reviewed data, this article will aim to provide recommendations for the future evolution of the practice of physiotherapy, especially in the field of sports physiotherapy in these two developing countries.