On May 21, 2026, the Department of Physiotherapy at Tishk International University (TIU) hosted an exceptional academic event featuring a specialized guest lecture for its upper-level students. The department was honored to invite Dr. Mahabad Naqshbandi, a highly distinguished, Board-Certified Specialist Radiologist, to deliver an expert presentation titled “Spinal X-Ray Interpretation for Physiotherapists.”

The lecture was specifically tailored for 3rd and 4th-grade physiotherapy students to equip them with the essential radiographic skills required in modern, evidence-based clinical practice.

Linking Radiology with Physical Therapy Specialty

The core focus of Dr. Mahabad’s lecture was bridging the gap between medical radiology and the physical therapy specialty. Rather than looking at radiographs from a purely diagnostic medical lens, the session focused on how future physiotherapists can master the basics of spinal X-ray reading to directly enhance their clinical decision-making.

Dr. Mahabad provided a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to reading spinal radiographs, focusing heavily on:

  • Identifying Structural Alignments: Spotting spinal deviations, degenerative changes, joint space narrowing, and bony abnormalities that impact movement.

  • Clinical Correlation: Linking imaging results directly with a patient’s physical symptoms, biomechanical limitations, and manual assessment findings.

  • Practicing on the Safe Side: Recognizing red flags, structural instabilities, or contraindications on an X-ray to ensure patient safety and avoid harmful interventions during physical therapy sessions.

Key Advantages of Hosting Specialist Guest Lectures

Integrating expert-led guest lectures into the TIU curriculum offers profound academic advantages for students and the department:

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Collaboration between radiologists and physiotherapists models the exact multi-disciplinary approach used in top-tier healthcare facilities, fostering a broader clinical perspective.

  • Immediate Practical Application: Senior students entering their clinical rotations gain immediate, real-world utility by learning how to confidently read imaging reports alongside physical examinations.

  • Exposure to Specialized Expertise: Learning directly from a Board-Certified radiologist exposes students to the highest standards of diagnostic imaging, keeping them up-to-date with current medical benchmarks.

A Note of Thanks

The Department of Physiotherapy extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr Mahabad Naqshbandi for her invaluable time, exceptional insights, and dedication to educating the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. We appreciate the organizer of the event, PT Paiwand Mamand, for her effort to make this event happen. We also commend our 3rd and 4th-grade students for their high level of engagement and professional curiosity during the interactive QA session.

TIU remains committed to hosting premium scientific activities that elevate the academic journey of our students and prepare them to be elite leaders in the healthcare sector.

Keywords: Spinal X-Ray Interpretation, Radiology in Physiotherapy, Interdisciplinary Clinical Education, TIU Guest Lecture Series, Evidence-Based Patient Safety.