As demonstrated by Dave Gerbarg SPT, CSCS, a simple Twitter search for #PhysicalTherapy provides a plethora of results, both positive and negative. In case you missed his post, here were some of the comments:
I think my physical therapist forgot about me...i've been laying here for like 15 minutes... #soawk
Physical Therapy is #Theworst. I sit here 3x a week and they shock my knee for 30 minutes! #NotHappy
It is easy to get frustrated as a physical therapy student or practicing therapist when negative comments are referenced towards the profession that you have dedicated so much to, both financially and professionally. But, what if some of these negative comments are warranted?
That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
It goes back to a basic human characteristic taught in Psychology 101: the External Locus of Control. If it has been a while since those 8AM college classes, let me give a refresher. The external locus of control refers to the idea that results or outcomes are determined by forces that lie outside of one’s own personal control. This can serve as a great protective mechanism by which we can better deal with tragedy, failure, or even non-improving patients. However, it can also be harmful and lead to a sense of helplessness or loss of personal control.
Why is this relevant to PT?
I would be willing to bet that those with a negative perception of physical therapy have been involved with PT’s who exhibit an increased external locus of control. After all, it wasn’t the therapist’s fault that the patient was forgotten about while lying on the table; I’m sure the boss kept the clinic and therapists too busy. And, it couldn’t have possibly been the therapist’s fault that the patient’s knee was shocked for 30 minutes every visit; I’m sure the physician was the one who ordered the treatment.
Can you sense the sarcasm? The problem is us, not them!
For years the physical therapy profession has exhibited an imbalance in its locus of control. All that is talked about at national PT conferences is how our profession is not as appreciated in the medical field as it should be, and how we should be better respected by physicians, specialists, etc. The problem is, therapists can be too quick to discount the quality of their services and training, too humble to accept praise and responsibility for improvements in patient outcomes, and too passive to demand respect from other healthcare practitioners.
We can discuss for hours-on-end how poor the public perception of physical therapy can be, but what really needs addressing is the bigger problem, which is why these perceptions exist in the first place!
It needs to be understood that we will not be placed on a pedestal, be provided with increased reimbursement rates, or publicly praised and promoted unless we take the steps necessary to become an active participant in the process.
So, the next time someone calls you a personal trainer, asks if all you do is teach people how to walk, or wants to know how long it took to get your Bachelor’s degree in PT, take it upon yourself to stand up for, and promote, the profession you have worked so hard to be a part of.
If we do that, maybe we will see a few more #Happy comments as we #MoveForward.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Evangelists
Evangelists
In every industry there are individuals who do not work in the field, but play a critical role to the environment and progress of that industry. These people fall into 3 categories: Trolls, Non-vocals, and Evangelists. I will explain: these terms:
Trolls
These "creatures" were first described to me by author, speaker, and marketing guru Scott Stratten (@unmarketing) at the APTA Private Practice Section annual conference 2011. These are the world's a-holes who criticize everything. The people cannot be reasoned with and do not warrant consideration or efforts. Thankfully, trolls are not often encountered in Physical Therapy.
Non-vocals
Patients can be transitioned from non-vocal to either troll or evangelist, based on influence of interaction and experiences. These patients may understand the benefit of PT and have successful interactions with therapists, but are not sharing this with others.
Evangelists
The patients who have the best experiences with a Physical Therapist will often become evangelists. They don't just tell others, they proselytize! Like anyone who consistently finds value in a service or product, they are hell-bent to make sure others have the same experiences.
In my limited experience, PTs are too humble to take advantage of the many Evangelists we create. If a patient thinks a therapist is God's gift to those with LBP, this should not be discouraged. Cultivate the enthusiasm! We need the Evangelists if we are to change public perception.
Thanks for reading!
Please share your thoughts.
In every industry there are individuals who do not work in the field, but play a critical role to the environment and progress of that industry. These people fall into 3 categories: Trolls, Non-vocals, and Evangelists. I will explain: these terms:
Trolls
These "creatures" were first described to me by author, speaker, and marketing guru Scott Stratten (@unmarketing) at the APTA Private Practice Section annual conference 2011. These are the world's a-holes who criticize everything. The people cannot be reasoned with and do not warrant consideration or efforts. Thankfully, trolls are not often encountered in Physical Therapy.
Non-vocals
Patients can be transitioned from non-vocal to either troll or evangelist, based on influence of interaction and experiences. These patients may understand the benefit of PT and have successful interactions with therapists, but are not sharing this with others.
Evangelists
The patients who have the best experiences with a Physical Therapist will often become evangelists. They don't just tell others, they proselytize! Like anyone who consistently finds value in a service or product, they are hell-bent to make sure others have the same experiences.
In my limited experience, PTs are too humble to take advantage of the many Evangelists we create. If a patient thinks a therapist is God's gift to those with LBP, this should not be discouraged. Cultivate the enthusiasm! We need the Evangelists if we are to change public perception.
Thanks for reading!
Please share your thoughts.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Physical Therapy on Twitter
National efforts are being made to progress the profession of Physical Therapy. State APTA chapters are heavily involved in advocacy initiatives to improve access to care, application of skills, and reimbursement. These initiatives have gained traction recently in California, Hawaii, and most recently Alabama.
@BlondeSyriana sorry to here that. But physical therapy usually works wonders in hand injuries. My friend broke hers and it's fine now#hope
As Physical Therapy gains respect on Capitol Hill, it is unclear how similar initiatives have improved the public image of the profession. As a student Physical Therapist, I am concerned with the portrayal of my colleagues in the media. Previews for Queen Latifah's movie "Just Wright" made my skin crawl. However, "Black Swan" features Michelle Rodrigues Nouel, a real Physical Therapist - who was recognized by Natalie Portman at the Oscars.
Media outlets and marketing firms regularly poll social media platform Twitter for a simple means to gain perspective on public interest and perspective. I joined Twitter as an experiment in networking and have realized the benefits. Simple search methods and access to all user posts are the primary reasons I have chosen Twitter for this background investigation into the PT Public Image. Included are recent (past week) postings by users from around the country, discovered by searching "my physical therapy" and "my physical therapist".
THE GOOD:
Finally, after car accident, perpetual throbbing headache, back pain, and drowsiness gone. My physical therapist worked wonders yesterday.
Scott Kidd @scooterkidd
Ahhhh forgot to call for my physical therapy appt.... I really need one this weekend
Late night physical therapy on my back in about an hour. I'm feeling a whole lot better even after the bad news on the MRI last week
I can't wait for my physical therapy appointment today where I find out if I can exercise again! Don't take your health for granted folks!
I thought Yoga was dumb as hell, then my physical therapist had me do it. Feels great. Humbling
THE BAD:
Physical Therapy is #Thee worst. I sit here 3x a week and they shock my knee for 30 minutes! #NotHappy
Anida Haq @ineedahawk
Hopefully laying in bed all day makes my back pain stop. I'm really not tryna go to physical therapy.
Shel @SlimCrazi
- Retweet
I've killed for less cuz, better be your doctor RT @cupcakeegunther:Physical Therapy = a gentleman rubbing my feet ... I'm aight
I'm afraid to go to physical therapy for my shoulder they are gonna make me cry :'(
I can't find my splint...and I'm not really looking for it. My physicaltherapist will be fussing on Tuesday. *shrugs* #idowhatiwant :-)
My physical therapist is going to kill me
THE FUNNY:
my mom tries to hook me up with boys that go to her physicaltherapy office "i have his address and phone number" OH OK MOM
A Werther's Original fell out of my pocket during physical therapy. Killed the whole Matthew McConaughey vibe I had workin'.
I'm getting physical therapy for my back. I bet Spider-Man never has to get physical therapy for his back. I hate not being Spider-Man. :(
Cutting my pops hair being a barber is my back up plan if being aphysical therapist don't work out I'm mean wid da clippers
My physical therapist is so f'n hot. I always get a little bashful around him.
My moms hair dresser called me a pervert cause I told her I'm gonna be a physical therapist for football players lol
My physical therapist was upset with me for using scissors with myinjured arm but he didn't say anything about running with scissors.
Please feel free to comment.
Thanks for reading my first blog post ever!
Thanks for reading my first blog post ever!
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