Locus of Control

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.