Kerala HC upholds physiotherapists’ right to use ‘Dr’ prefix, practise independently

In a significant victory in the field of physiotherapy, the Kerala High Court has ruled that qualified physiotherapists can legally use the ‘Dr’ prefix and practise independently without restrictions, the Indian Association of Physiotherapists announced.

The court rejected objections raised by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), settling the dispute over professional autonomy and scope of practice that has persisted for years.

The court’s decision recognises that qualified physiotherapists are legally entitled to use the prefix “Dr” without unnecessary professional restrictions, the IAP said in an official statement.

The verdict established physiotherapy as a “scientific, evidence-based, and autonomous healthcare profession,” and provided legal clarity around the professional identity of those practising it, the statement added.

This ruling “formally recognises the independent professional identity, autonomy, and dignity of physiotherapists in India,” said Sanjiv K Jha, IAP president.

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Physiotherapy ruling 'improves access'

The IAP said the verdict has implications for physiotherapists as well as physiotherapy students across the country. It noted that physiotherapists play a role in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and functional restoration, and that the decision could strengthen their position within the broader healthcare system.

IAP further said the ruling can help improve access to physiotherapy services for patients, particularly by enabling independent practice and reducing administrative barriers.

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Jha said the judgment is “not merely a legal success but a collective victory for the entire physiotherapy fraternity,” according to the press release. The IAP added that the ruling could promote “ethical independent practice” and contribute to strengthening education and research in physiotherapy.

In its statement, the IAP described the decision as an outcome of years of advocacy and unity within the profession. The association also expressed gratitude to the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), along with physiotherapists, academicians, students and supporters nationwide who, it said, stood together in pursuit of professional recognition.