One of the highlights of my work day is meeting with my patients and getting an update on what's happened in their world since they last saw me. Did they ace that test they were worried about? Did they start something new, like a job, or join a new club or group? Sometimes the news isn't always good - maybe they've had a new disease flare, or are feeling down because it's been hard to go out with their friends or family.
While I've had a lot of good and memorable appointments over the years, sometimes when I first meet people I can see that they are dreading the experience. Over the years I've learned that this is less about me and more about people not knowing what to expect when seeing a physiotherapist. Most people think of us as activity and fitness specialists, and while that is something you can say about us, we're not all sports-obsessed and bringers of pain - or "physio-torturists", as my dad likes to say!
Seeing a physiotherapist shouldn't be a stressful or intimidating experience. It also shouldn't be something you wonder whether it can help you, or feel unsure of whether you belong there. If these are things you are worried about, here are some tips to help you make you feel more comfortable with choosing physiotherapy:
1. Whether in a flare, well controlled, or somewhere in between, there are ways physiotherapy can help you: I've had people tell me they didn't think to go to physiotherapy because they were too sore, while others tell me the complete opposite and that they were feeling too well to need physiotherapy. The truth of the matter is no matter what stage of disease you're in there are things physiotherapy can help you with. For example, a physiotherapist can help you come up with a sleep and fatigue management plan which can be helpful during a flare, while when your disease is better controlled it might be a great opportunity to increase your strength or fitness. I have some people I see once or twice a year to monitor how things are going, which is totally okay too!
2. Are you ready for change?: One of the big reasons why physiotherapy fails is because people are not ready to participate– effective physiotherapy is focused on helping you help yourself, it needs your input to be successful. Things like committing to a home exercise program, building new routines, using new splints or braces, and many other interventions all require a person to be able to devote the time and energy to making them work. Feel you’ve got too much going on to tackle it all? Be honest with your physiotherapist! The best plan and program is one that you feel you're able to follow. If you feel you only have the capacity to take on one or two things, or even nothing right now, we can work with that. Everyone has to start somewhere!
3. Come with a goal: Physiotherapy works best when you know why you’re there and what you would like to accomplish. “I’m here because the doctor told me I should come” is something I hear a lot! While that can be a starting point, it’s not a great reason by itself to go. Is there something about your movement or function you’re worried about, or maybe something you wish felt better? If the answer is no, maybe now is not the time for physiotherapy (see #2). Remember, it’s okay to feel okay that things are not “normal” - as I like to say, a problem isn’t a problem unless it’s a problem.
4. Shop around: Just like any health care provider, it’s important that you feel that you can build a good relationship with your physiotherapist. Different physiotherapists approach things in different ways, just like different people look for different things from their healthcare providers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how a physiotherapist practices before you commit to an appointment. As many rheumatic diseases are life-long and can affect many different parts of your body and life, I recommend you find someone who has the ability to spend a lot of one-on-one time with you so they can really get to know you and your needs. An activity and exercise-based approach is also important to help reduce inflammation and the effects it has on the body in the long term. Above all, if you don’t feel that you’re getting the help you need there’s nothing wrong with moving on.
And these are just a few things that can make your experience with physiotherapy more positive! Physiotherapy can be hard work, but it's one of the most effective interventions to manage symptoms and get you moving and participating in the things that are important to you. I love building relationships with my patients, and I hope this might make you feel a little more comfortable building a relationship with us too.
References:
McLean SM, Burton M, Bradley L, Littlewood C. Interventions for enhancing adherence with physiotherapy: A systematic review. Man Ther. 2010;15:514-521.
Peter WF, Swart NM, Meerhoff GA, Vliet Vlieland TPM. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Physical Therapist Management of People With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Phys Ther. 2021;101(8).
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