About Dr Kannan Pugazhendi
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- January 26, 2018
Dr. Kannan Pugazhendi: A Trailblazer in Sports Medicine
Pioneering Excellence in Sports Medicine
Dr. Kannan Pugazhendi, founder of SPARRC and an esteemed sports physician, graduated from Madras Medical College in 1986. Committed to advancing sports medicine in India, he gained early career exposure through prestigious assignments, including his role as the Team Physician for the Indian Cricket Team during the 1989 West Indies series. He further honed his expertise by earning a Master’s in Sports Medicine from the University of New South Wales, Australia. What sets him apart is his integration of sports medicine and yoga into pain management which has led to 1 million success stories.
Since its inception in 2006, SPARRC has expanded to 19 centres across 9 locations, with a team of over 200 physiotherapists, 50+ trainers, and 12+ doctors. Under the leadership of Dr Kannan, the institute has successfully rehabilitated over 1 million patients, boasting an impressive 95% success rate.
Dr Kannan’s career spans several landmark events in global sports, serving as the Sports Physician for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and as the Team Physician for the Indian Hockey Team at the 2002 World Cup.
The Genesis of SPARRC Institute
With over two decades of service as the Medical Officer at the YMCA College of Physical Education, Dr. Kannan identified the urgent need for accessible sports medicine. In response, he founded the Fitness Foundation Academy, a centre dedicated to supporting underprivileged athletes. His vision led to the creation of SPARRC (Sports Performance Assessment, Rehabilitation & Research Counseling) Institute in 2006, which has since expanded into a nationwide chain of Sports and Fitness Medicine centres.
Revolutionizing Fitness and Sports Medicine
Dr Kannan has played a transformative role in shaping India’s sports and fitness landscape. His extensive contributions include:
- Training and Mentorship: He has trained medical professionals, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and elite athletes, shaping the next generation of sports medicine experts.
- Thought Leadership: A prolific writer, he has contributed articles and Q&A series to leading publications, including The Indian Express and The Hindu.
- Innovative Specializations: In 2017, he pioneered the concept of Fitness Medicine, establishing a new domain focused on lifestyle disease management.
- Institution Building: As the founder of the Indian Institute of Sports Medicine (IISM), he has spearheaded specialised education in sports medicine.
- Academia: Currently, he serves as a visiting faculty member at IIM Rohtak in the Department of Sports Management.
- Social Impact: Dedicated to community service, he provides free consultations to economically disadvantaged individuals.
Pathbreaking Initiatives and Contributions
- Pediatric Sports Medicine: He developed FAMES (Fitness Adaptation and Movement Education Services), an initiative enhancing the physical well-being of specially-abled children.
- Law Enforcement & Military Training:
- Revamped Tamil Nadu Police’s outdoor training manual, incorporating cutting-edge fitness methodologies.
- Advised the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in 2002-03 on strategies to prevent pelvic bone stress fractures in women cadets.
- Designed a specialised fitness program for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Hyderabad.
- Dance Medicine: As a consultant at Kalakshetra, he pioneered a curriculum integrating sports medicine into classical dance training.
- Marathon Medicine: Serving as the official Sports Physician for the Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi Marathons, he has been instrumental in athlete health management.
- Cancer Awareness & Public Health:
- Partnered with the Cancer Institute, Chennai, in multiple awareness programs emphasizing the role of fitness in cancer prevention.
- Organized the “Race Against Cancer” Chennai Marathon (2014) and Youth Health Mela to promote health awareness among young people.
- Sports Excellence & Administration:
- Served as an elected board member of the Chief Minister’s Project – SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu), contributing to India’s Olympic 2016 preparations.
- Played a pivotal role in Special Olympics – National Level by training primary care teams for handling on-field and off-field sports injuries.
International Contributions & Global Impact
- Sports Physician for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, providing medical expertise at the world’s biggest sporting event.
- Team Physician for the Indian Hockey Team at the 2002 World Cup, ensuring elite athlete performance and injury management on the global stage.
- Team Physician for the Indian Cricket Team during the 1989 West Indies series, marking the beginning of his international career.
Shaping India’s Sports Excellence
- Elected Board Member – Chief Minister’s Project, SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu), contributing to India’s 2016 Olympic preparations.
- Key figure in the Special Olympics – National Level, training primary care teams for on-field and off-field sports injury management.
Sports Physician to India’s Elite Athletes
Dr. Kannan has worked with India’s top national teams, including:
- Cricket, Hockey, Football, Squash, Rugby, Triathlon, Volleyball (Women), Sailing, Softball (Girls), and Korfball.
Additionally, he has served as Ringside Physician & Consultant for:
- Tamil Nadu Boxing Association
- Tamil Nadu Judo Association
- Tamil Nadu Basketball Association
- Tamil Nadu Amateur Athletic Association
- Asian Squash Championship
- South Asian Federation (SAF) Games
A Visionary in Fitness & Media
- Created “Ollibelly”, a groundbreaking weight-loss reality show on Star Vijay, where contestants collectively shed over 1,000 kg in less than three months.
- Continues to push the boundaries of non-invasive and conservative medical approaches in sports medicine, earning numerous accolades for his contributions to public health.
Dr. Kannan Pugazhendi’s work has redefined sports medicine in India, bridging the gap between medical science, fitness, and social impact. His unwavering dedication ensures that athletes, law enforcement personnel, and everyday individuals benefit from cutting-edge, evidence-based fitness and rehabilitation solutions.
P.karthika
7 years agoSir if you conduct any workshop please inform us
Dr R Balaji
6 years agoDear Dr. Kannan P(Sir)
Thanks for giving a consultation on 11/04/2019 inspite of your busy schedule. I was overwhelmed by your 2 minute assessment & reassuring me about me back to normal activity in 10 days, after physio. I was relieved that I didnt have to go under the knife as suggested by my doctors( no blame game). Its my 4th day after tx, & my pain has come from 7/10 to 2/10. I appreciate your team for their commitment, patient hearing & care. I trust you so much that in 10 days I shall be back working full swing( human nature). Your Midas touch shall continue to help more & more people suffering from undiagnosed pain. God bless you.
Karthik.j
6 years agoOne of the best physios in India…he is a class doctor with adequate knowledge in sports medicine and a great human being who has given a solution to my birth defect …thanks doctor…especially upper body lower body integration…I am karthik a badminton player from coimbatore…
Kalyani
6 years agoHi I am Kalyani
I have been last 3 months I am doing exercise here. It’s very good trained coachers here. I came for a compliant of iam unable to walk properly. They are giving in aqua therapy also. In water I am able to walk .. and doing exercise….. Thanks for your support.
Thanks and regards
Kalyani
Akshaya Babu
6 years agoMy son Arun (31) took treatment for ligament injury in right leg..with Dr KP..of SPAARC..He was cured and has resumed his sports activity.. we.. his parents also benefitted after our knee pain and back pain .. and seeing us springing back to active life.. many of our friends with knee, joints and hip pain..took treatment with Dr KP and has recovered .. even now a friend Ms Sasikala is under treatment and getting better.. Dr KP is a boon to our society relieving so many of pain , esp without medicines and surgery… tq Sir
Srinivasan
6 years agoSir I have prostate gland for the last three years. I am talking medicine for treatment. PSA is less than 2.oo is it possible for any excerise without surgery. Thanks sir
Srinivasan
6 years agoI am69 years old
S.Vijayan
6 years agoI need an appoint with you doctor. Please let me know the available time.
Basant kumar
6 years agocall sparcc : Phone: 044 4506 6131 for appointment
or visit (also search on google if you are not from chennai , sparcc is having branches in delhi /mumbai /banglore etc.)
chennai:
Address: #4, Alwarpet St, behind Hushpuppies Showroom, Seetammal Colony, MIG Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
Hours:
Opens 6AM Mon-sat
Paruchuri Srihari
5 years agoHello, need appointment
Vandana P K
4 years agoMy husband Ring finger and small finger he feels tingling and numb partially. This mainly started after taking drip during his covid treatment. And the pain was in the elbow after that. Now the elbow is not their. Only numbers and working in computers for longer time. Can a physotheraphy help to rectify this.
Shazia
4 years agoHloo sir… Hope u r f9.. I also went sparrc institute in 2015 as I had numbness in my leg… Now I am much better.. Thanks alot for ur support.. From kashmir
R Balu
3 years agoMy wife shoulder problem where she was not able to lift her hands. We visited many surgeons and all suggested key hole surgery which we were not keen. Finally we met Dr Kannan Pugezhendhi and he treated for few months and my wife recovered fully. He saved us from surgery. Thank you dr and his physio team.
Raja fredrick dass
2 years agoNo words about sir excellence and his experience. Now iam fully recovery. Thank you so much sir and his team.
Kala Raman
2 years agoI visited Dr Kannan Pugazhendi with the multiple complaints like , knee pain , wobbling walk and heel spur. He had just touched and sensed the origin of the pain in seconds and directed the therapists to attend. The strain and drain on the joints, stiffness and spur have been attended.A week long therapy was given. The pain& agony which made me almost close to cripple was driven away. My previous health history had been taken into account and the present issue had been solved by the therapy. Happily taking the strengthening exercises now.Thank you Dr! Thanks to your team.
K Chandrasekaran
11 months agoCan I consult the doctor on-line
Govindarajan
8 months agoI am having shoulder pain for more thank 6 months and not healed ever after five weeks of miyofacial therapy need your appointment
Rangaraj Ramanujam
7 months agoQuite impressive. Sir/Madam, can I get details of SPARRC Centre, Mumbai Branch like address and contact number please?
Sharmila Jayasankar
7 months agoCan I consult the doctor online
R.Vasudevan
7 months agoI find excellent change in my Back Pain with kind of simple exercises with very good guidance & coaching .
I daily visit Annanagar centre .