KM: Tell us about Nkemnoh Elvis and your passion for physiotherapy.

N.E.: I studied physiotherapy at St Louis University of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Bamenda and Muscle Energy Technic(MET), and Neural Mobilization Technic at Virture Academy, India. I have worked at St Joseph Children and Adult Home(SAJOCAH) – Bafut, St Martin de Pores – Njinikon, YEDOH Physiotherapy Clinic – Yaounde, and presently United Nations Clinic – Yaounde. I am a member of the Cameroon Society of Physiotherapy (CASP). A Senior Sports and Physical Education Instructor, recruited, trained, and integrated by the Cameroon Public Service, has worked in three ministries (MINDUB, MINESEC, and MINSEP). My passion for physiotherapy dates back to 2008, when I started a fitness club. 70% of my clients were diabetic, hypertensive, and obese. They had been recommended exercise to alleviate their conditions. While researching how to alleviate their ailment, I stumbled on physiotherapy and utilized the knowledge I found to treat them. The success was immediate and measurable. This invigorated my quest for proper training.

KM: How does physiotherapy differ from massage?

N.E.: Physiotherapy is the remediation of impairment and disability, and the promotion of mobility and functional ability. Massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints to relieve soreness or pain. Massage is not physiotherapy, and vice versa. However, massage, one of several techniques used by many for pain, can be a contraindication to undiagnosed pain, thrombosis, hypertension, inflammation, etc.

KM: What is your function as a physiotherapist, and can you diagnose illnesses?

N.E.: Yes! I diagnose disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and nervous systems, physical dysfunctioning, injury or pain, and restore functions lost due to illness, accident, or surgery. I also treat patients with therapeutic exercises, manipulations, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. I evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify it as needed, suggest at-home exercises, and communicate progress to physicians.

“My treatment goal is to rehabilitate, restore or enhance function and promote mobility”.

KM: When should a patient see a physiotherapist?

N.E.: If you have any form of pain that affects your mobility and prevents you from performing your daily routine, you should see a physiotherapist or consult your doctor immediately. Common ailments include pain for more than three days or pain after an injury or surgery, limb weakness from pregnancy, and reoccurring pain with a specific movement.

KM: What are the most common conditions you treat?

N.E.: The most common conditions I treat are stroke (hemiplegic and ischemic) and orthopedic (Poor posture, muscle strain, sprains, muscle weakness, nerve irritation, disc injury, and sciatic nerve pain) conditions.

KM: What recommendations can you give patients to prevent predisposing factors?

N.E.: Patients should seek medical care early, make exercise a part of their daily routine, and see a physiotherapist once every two months for a check-up.

KM: How do you treat predisposing factors to orthopedic and sciatic pain?

N.E.: Some predisposing factors include lack of exercise, poor posture, excess weight, poor lifting techniques, high heels, carrying heavy loads, prolong sitting or standing. Most lower back complications respond well to Spinal Flexion, Mobilization and Manipulation of joints, Deep Tissue Manipulation and Trigger Point Therapy. I use various treatment methods based on a patient’s age, medical history, and complexity of injury to obtain the best results.

KM: What are your challenges in clinical management?

N.E.: Lack of essential equipment, complicated cases due to lack of early medical intervention, charlatans treating patients without proper training, doctors treating mechanical conditions with Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) which can lead to complications, and treating patients with conflicting ailments. E.g. spinal flexion relieves spondylosis but worsens herniated disc while spinal extension relieves herniated disc but worsens spondylosis.

KM: Having worked in 3 different ministries, how can patient care be improved?

N.E.: Ensure physiotherapists have formal training and be licensed by CASP, equip physiotherapy centers, and Orthopedic surgeons should involve physiotherapists in their surgical plans for proper post-surgical rehabilitation of patients.

For Consultation, Please Contact
Nkemnoh Elvis, PT
651.99.44.22