The Art of Physical Therapy

Working in healthcare involves years of education and training for most professions. Most of training involves learning about science and hands on skills. Some of it involves learning about psychology. Some of it involves working together as a team. However, there are some specifics of being a healthcare professional that can’t always be taught very effectively, likely because it cannot be tested very effectively for an examination and isn’t able to be researched very well. It’s these traits that can make a good physical therapist into a great physical therapist. I’d like to take some time to examine a few traits I feel can be most beneficial.

Relating to the Patient’s Situation

People are in pain. We have all been there before. That doesn’t mean taking 10 minutes and telling them the story about when you hurt your shoulder and it turned out fine. Patients just need to know you understand their situation and why it’s difficult for them. “People don’t’ care how much you know until they know how much you care!”

Individualizing Treatment

This is where we as PTs should be separating ourselves from the rest of the ever-growing “rehab” pack! Your ACL program for one patient is usually similar but not identical to the next. We always need to have a reason for each exercise or movement we are doing with each patient. Always have a “why” and be able to speak to it when asked. This helps to avoid inefficiency and using up those precious visits and healthcare dollars.

Helping the Patient Become Part of the Team

Physical therapy doesn’t work when the patient isn’t involved. Here in South Dakota, our referrals are overwhelmingly from physicians and mid level providers. Basically, most of my patients are seeing me because someone told them to. Some patients will walk through your door with an attitude that they are here because they "have to be" and it can be a challenge to help these patients understand how a PT can help. Helping the patient to take an active role in their recovery can be a challenge. And yes, this involves being a good salesperson.

Teaching Them About Their Condition

With the fancy world wide web available at the touch of a button, patients usually walk through your door with some ideas on what may be going on with their ailing body part. They likely have a diagnosis from someone that sent them to see you, whether it’s correct or not. They likely have researched it and have some ideas on how they can get better. Let them inside your head, tell them exactly why you’re thinking what you’re thinking. This helps with buy in, trust and follow through.

Having a Sense of Humor

We didn’t go to school to become comedians, but you ought to be able to relate to and get your patient to laugh a few times throughout each session (no matter how much pain they’re in). This involves being a generally well rounded and educated person. I really believe this helps patients feel more comfortable and trust you’re not just a robot drill sargeant cranking out straight leg raises with everyone.

There are many other traits or strategies we can use to help facilitate successful relationships with our patients, what do YOU think some of them are? Feel free to chat with me here on Twitter!

Brett