THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
It’s not “perfect” posture. It’s not more strength. It’s not even necessarily being 100% pain-free.
The single most important characteristic of a quality physical therapist is their ability to help clients develop self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy, as originally proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura, is one’s personal judgement of how well they can execute courses of action to deal with prospective situations.
Yes, reducing pain matters. Improving strength matters. All the results and outcomes matter. But if the client does not walk away from the entire experience feeling more confident in their ability to make progress regardless of where they are and where they want to be then the entire experience has not lived up to its full potential.
What does self-efficacy look like in a clinical setting? Here are some examples.
Having honest and accurate expectations of a rehab timeline.
Learning methods of symptom management.
Realizing the discomforts that come alongside with progress.
Understanding that there are no “good” or “bad” foods so long as the overall big picture is being met.
How does this apply to the current COVID-19 situation?
As businesses around the world look to attract customers online or reopen their doors in a distanced and bruised economy some will present themselves in a way that makes you feel that you can’t live without them. They might say things that almost cripple you with fear. Chairs will be sold under the guise of preventing back pain. Diet trends will be marketed to reduce the imaginary inflammation you have built up due to stress eating. Fitness coaches will push training programs by poking at people’s insecurities.
But it’s not all snake oil out there. There are certainly those looking to push an agenda of self-empowerment. Some coaches will give you tips on how to approach your workout routines as gyms slowly reopen. Good nutrition coaches will give you options on how to approach your diet that work for you in your current circumstances with adjustment tactics as conditions evolve. Informed physical therapists will encourage you to be active in whatever ways you can with whatever resources you have because you probably have enough details in your life to manage right now.
Why this matters moving forward
We spoke about this in our recent blog “The Future of Physical Therapy”, but we are ready for things to change. Clearly we have seen in the past few months that no one has time for half-truths. Patients deserve to know what is really going on, what is really at stake, and what really needs to happen for positive change to occur.
So please feel free to ask questions, challenge our thought process, and dig deeper. In our experience, nothing helps a patient develop a true sense of empowerment and confidence in their own abilities like knowing they have the space and freedom to be completely honest with their healthcare providers.
You deserve a physical therapy and nutrition consulting experience that puts you in the driver’s seat and not one that strings you along with the intention of billing your insurance company for maximum reimbursements.