The Greatest Wealth Is Health: Dr. Renu Khetwal on Strength, Resilience, and Shaping Sports Physiotherapy

“The greatest wealth is health — and that applies to your career and personal life, too. Protect your energy, invest in yourself, and you’ll have more to give others.”

In a profession often dominated by men, Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) has carved out her own space as a leading sports physiotherapist, mentor, and educator. She is the founder of Zen-Enso Physiotherapy & Sports Rehabilitation, where her philosophy is clear: empowering athletes to heal, perform, and thrive. Awarded Best Physiotherapist in Karnataka (2019) and recognized among the Top 10 Influential Women Leaders in Healthcare 2025, her journey is a story of passion backed by relentless work.

Virgil once said, “The greatest wealth is health,” a line PT. Renu quotes often — and lives by.

From Court and Track to Clinic: A Calling Found Early

Growing up, Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) was never far from a badminton racquet or an athletics track. Her early love for sports wasn’t just about competition — it sparked curiosity about how the human body moves, adapts, and recovers.

“Physiotherapy fascinated me because it’s dynamic and hands-on. You see real results in real time. You help someone stand, run, or even win again,” she says.

After specializing in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Renu began working with sports teams and individual athletes. She expanded her skills through certifications in manual therapy and dry needling and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, enhancing care that blended science with empathy.

A defining moment came when she launched her own clinic, Zen-Enso. “Starting my own setup wasn’t just a career step — it was an education in leadership, communication, and adaptability,” she recalls. “I realized physiotherapy isn’t only about treating injuries. It’s about empowering athletes to perform at their best.”

Carving a Path Through Challenge and Doubt

Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) achievements are substantial: helping injured athletes return to peak form, educating patients about their own recovery, and conducting national and international workshops for budding physiotherapists. But the road hasn’t been smooth.

“In the early days, I was told repeatedly that I wouldn’t succeed in a male-dominated field,” she shares. “But time proved otherwise. I chose persistence over discouragement.”

Her resilience was recognized when she was named Best Physiotherapist in Karnataka (2019), a moment that validated years of work. By 2025, her leadership in healthcare education earned her a place among the Top 10 Influential Women Leaders.

For  Renu, these titles are milestones — but never finish lines. “Awards remind you of what you’ve done. They shouldn’t define what you’ll do next.”

Guided by Empathy, Grounded in Science

The values steering her career are simple yet powerful: empathy, respect, and evidence-based practice. “Every patient deserves care that’s tailored to them — not just their injury, but their goals, fears, and lifestyle,” she says.

These principles guide both her clinical work and her initiatives:

• Developing personalized exercise programsthat fit individual needs.

• Community outreach programsthat bring health awareness to underserved populations.

• Continuing education workshops and online coursesto equip physiotherapists with cutting-edge techniques.

• Patient education resourcesto help people understand and manage their own recovery.

“Knowledge is empowering — for patients, for professionals, for communities,” she says. “When people understand how their bodies work, they take charge of their own health.”

Motivation, Balance, and the Power of Self-Care

What keeps Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) going isn’t just professional pride — it’s the lives she touches every day. “When an athlete returns to the field after months of rehab or a patient regains pain-free movement, that’s all the motivation I need.”

But sustaining this drive requires balance. “It’s easy to let work consume you, but you’re not effective if you’re exhausted,” she explains. Her own strategies include:

• Scheduling personal time as firmly as professional appointments.

• Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and hobbies.

• Seeking support when needed and practicing gratitude every day.

“Balance isn’t about dividing time evenly,” she says. “It’s about being fully present wherever you are — in the clinic or with your loved ones.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Expertise, Mentorship, and Impact

Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) aspirations are as forward-thinking as her methods. She plans to continue expanding her expertise in sports science, mentoring young physiotherapists, and improving healthcare quality through innovation and collaboration.

Her workshops already reach audiences across India and abroad, building a network of physiotherapists who are as committed to learning as they are to healing. “Education is a ripple effect,” she says. “When you train one physiotherapist well, you indirectly improve care for hundreds of patients.”

Words for the Next Generation of Women in Healthcare

Asked what advice she’d give young women entering challenging careers, Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) doesn’t hesitate:

• “Be kind — to others and yourself. Prioritize self-care.”

• “Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and celebrate even small successes.”

• “Learn to say no when it matters, and practice gratitude daily.”

Her philosophy is rooted in authenticity and courage — qualities that carried her through skepticism and self-doubt to become a respected voice in Indian sports physiotherapy.

As she puts it: “The greatest wealth is health — and that applies to your career and personal life, too. Protect your energy, invest in yourself, and you’ll have more to give others.”

Dr. Renu Khetwal (PT) journey is proof that resilience, skill, and compassion can redefine what success looks like — for patients, for professionals, and for women determined to lead.