Words matter! And what you hear from your healthcare team matters!
"You're going to need surgery for your rotator cuff tear." versus "Surgery may be an option, but first we can offer ____ and _____ to relieve shoulder pain and improve function. You may even avoid surgery, and we can discuss shoulder surgery in the future if needed."
"You're going to have knee pain forever" versus "While meniscus tears have the potential to be painful, there are many options, aside from pain medications, for pain relief to improve your function."
Similar messages, significantly different delivery.
And, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your X-Ray and MRI studies were not the worst your MD has ever seen. Because if it was the actual worst, then every patient wouldn't say their MD told them that.
Why is all of this important? Because offering minimal information with extreme messaging increases patient anxiety and fear regarding their diagnosis, directly and negatively affecting patient outcomes.
You need to be listened to, and given information regarding your pain. And I'm not talking about a print out of general information about a similar, yet irrelevant, diagnosis. You need to be given hope, and need to be guided throughout your journey. You need to be treated as the unique case that you are.
At Flow Physical Therapy and Wellness in The Woodlands, Texas, you are guaranteed 60 minute, one on one treatment sessions with the Doctor of Physical Therapy.
We will spend as much time as you need to listen to your concerns, and discuss your specific diagnosis and how this affects your rehab. You will leave the session an expert in your case. You are a vital part of the rehab process and a part of the team, and thus, you remain informed on every aspect of your rehab throughout your journey.
If you have ever felt like you were not listened to in your MD or PT appointment, and were left more confused and defeated, click the button below and experience the difference of 60 minute, uninterrupted treatment sessions.
Dr. Patrick Thompson, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN
Owner of Flow Physical Therapy and Wellness
832.299.5447
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