Inside Ace of Spine: Real Cases and Our Process
Behind the scenes at my clinic—where we treat the person, not just the pain. Here is a look at our recovery philosophy, daily problem-solving, and the hard work we put into getting you back on your feet.
A little quiz for my fellow physios. This patient had left groin pain for two years, and doctors kept saying there was nothing wrong. Can you spot the issue in this pelvic X-ray?
I was asked why I started a gym-goer on high-level core exercises like planks from day one after a disc prolapse. The answer is simple: his core was already strong from 10 years of training. A physio's job is to assess the patient's baseline and plan accordingly.
Should you go to the gym if you have back pain? Yes! This video compares two patients with the same back problem. The one who goes to the gym has a much better prognosis because her overall muscle strength and mobility are better. Don't blame the gym for your injuries.
I always ask my patients to get these 6 common blood tests done. Deficiencies in Vitamin D or B12, or high inflammation markers like ESR, can significantly impact recovery. A holistic approach is important.
This patient, a cancer survivor, developed winging of the scapula after a jaw reconstruction surgery. His doctors didn't refer him to a physio, and he lost the use of his right arm. A doctor's job isn't just to save a life, but to preserve the quality of life.
If your doctor isn't explaining your X-ray to you like this, you need a new doctor. Here, I'm showing a patient the signs of degeneration, reduced disc space, and anterolisthesis (a slipped vertebra) on his LS spine X-ray.
This is post-fracture rehab for a first metacarpal fracture. The stitches are still fresh, so I'm working on the adjacent joint, the wrist, to maintain mobility. Post-fracture stiffness is a major issue, and we have to be persistent.
This patient had tingling and numbness in her hands but no neck pain. This is a classic sign of cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve is getting compressed in the neck. Neck pain is not always a symptom.
This is how a spine can deteriorate in just three years without proper care. In 2020, this patient had a straight cervical spine. By 2023, the discs are compressed and bulging, causing pain to radiate down her arms. Don't delay your treatment.
This patient has pain in the thoracolumbar junction, the area where the mid-back meets the lower back. This is common in people with prolonged sitting postures. I'm using Graston therapy to release the muscles before starting mobility exercises.
About Additional Work & Fun Moments
Think physiotherapy is just lying on a bed with a machine while someone watches? Think again. In my clinic, we get hands-on. Whether I am adjusting a spine or coaching you through a tough mobility drill, my focus is always on the root cause. This collection shows what that actually looks like—the real, gritty, and effective work of getting you pain-free without relying on quick-fix medicines.
Recovery is not a linear journey, and it definitely is not easy. That is why this gallery exists—to show you that behind the 'Before and After' photos are hours of sweat, precise manual therapy, and patient persistence.
Why We Don't Do 'Quick Fixes'
My practice is built on a simple philosophy: movement is the only medicine that lasts. When patients come to me, they often ask for a pill or a machine to take the pain away. I tell them the same thing: pills mask the symptom, but they do not fix the mechanics. My manual therapy sessions—whether it's Graston scraping for soft tissue release, functional dry cupping for myofascial pain, or specific spinal adjustments—are tools to reset your body so you can actually do the exercises that matter.
The Reality of Rehabilitation
Look at the cases here. You will see athletes with ligament tears, corporate employees with chronic neck pain, and post-surgery patients. Each one required a different roadmap.
- Diagnosis First: We do not guess. If your X-ray shows anterolisthesis or your blood tests show a Vitamin D deficiency, we adjust your plan.
- Consistency: My clinic therapy gives you relief, but your home exercise program gives you the cure. If you do not follow the 'homework' I give you, the results will not stick.
Why the Fun Moments Matter
Recovery can be frustrating. Sometimes you will want to quit, or you will think the pain is here to stay. We keep things real here. We laugh, we work hard, and we push through the stiffness together. If you are ready to stop looking for shortcuts and start doing the work, my door is open.
Shruti Raj
I am Dr. Shruti, and I run Ace of Spine with one belief: physiotherapy is movement medicine. We do not believe in passive machines or quick fixes here. If you are willing to put in the work with the exercises I prescribe, we can get you moving without medicine.
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