Physiotherapists can now prefix ‘Doctor’ to their names

Kerala High Court verdict

(Physiotherapy means physical therapy or physical treatment. Instead of medicine or surgery, this therapeutic method uses physical means such as exercise, massage, and heat or electrical devices to treat the body’s movements, functions, and muscle problems, improving mobility and quality of life after injury or illness. The person who provides this treatment is called a physiotherapist.)

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Stating that physiotherapy is a scientific and evidence-based treatment system, the Kerala High Court has ruled that qualified physiotherapists have the right to work with full professional autonomy. The Court has permitted eligible physiotherapists to prefix ‘Doctor’ before their names and clarified that they may independently practise their profession without any obstruction.

The ruling was delivered while hearing a petition filed by the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The Court categorically rejected arguments seeking to restrict physiotherapists to the role of mere ‘technicians’ or ‘assistants’ to doctors.

It is noteworthy that in November 2025, the same Court, through an interim order, had temporarily restrained physiotherapists from using the title ‘Doctor’.