The First Few Steps are the Hardest...

Physical therapy is used to help patients who have been injured in a car accident, who are recovering from surgery, who are trying to lessen the pain caused by a handicap or who are coping with the effects of aging. "The interaction between the patient and the PT is central in all clinical practice and contributes to all problem solving, choices between different alternatives and decision making..." (Gyllensten 157). A positive working relationship between the patient and the physical therapist is crucial for success. When a group of physical therapists were interviewed, one of them stated, "I can't work magic, it is co-operation between us two" (Gyllensten 162). In the beginning, the physical therapy sessions can be painful and leave the patient feeling sore. This is due to the muscles' response to the manipulations performed by the therapist. When a patient goes to physical therapy, he is there to recover. The process of recovering is not just the responsibility of the P.T., but it is also the responsibility of the patient. For example, if the patient is given a list of exercises to do while at home and he chooses no to do them, the recovery process is slowed because he chose not to participate. I once read "what one does to the body on the outside broadcasts messages to the organs and the systems on the inside" (Whole Body...340). If one goes to therapy to help the muscles on his leg become strong again, for example, then the body is getting messages that it needs to heal and try to get stronger. Physical therapy is most successful when the patient and the therapist work together as a team.

Sources:

Gyllensten, G Amanda Lundvik, et al. "Interaction Between Patient and Physiotherapist in Psychiatric Care-the Physiotherapists's Perspective." Advances in Physiotherapy 2.4 (2000): 157-167. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 December 2010.

"Whole Body Healing (Book Review)." Education 105.3 (1985): 340. MasterFILEPremier. EBSCO. Web. 5 December 2010.

Picture Source:

"Untitled Photo." Nitin360. Web. 5 December 2010.