The Physical Therapy Relationship

I have been a therapist for almost 12 years now and love my profession more and more each year. Like most DPT's (Doctors of Physical Therapy), I started down this path to help people feel and move better through the application of orthopedic "hands-on" care and exercise therapy. What I didn't expect was all the wonderful relationships I would make along the way. Movement and physical health are what bring people into my clinic but family and past-times are what we usually end up talking about and connecting over.

I have learned a tremendous amount from my patients over the years while teaching them a rotator cuff exercise, or bending their knee, or dry needling their calf. It's amazing how much parenting advice I have gleaned from my very wise patients! I also have received gifts I have never expected from grateful clients such as a hand-made wooden kids' play desk, gym equipment, protein powder :) and heartfelt cards of appreciation. In this fast-past world of automation, internet searches, social media tutorials, it sadly feels rare to find opportunities when you can connect for a period of time with another individual and truly feel like you are benefiting from being in each other's company. I am so blessed to have the time to spend with my clients each session. The concierge model of therapy allows for these deeper connections which greatly impact everyone's quality of life.

Another aspect of Physical Therapy I have learned to appreciate is the amount of trust that both therapist and patient must have in each other. As the therapist, I must be able to trust that what the person is telling me is accurate and that they genuinely are willing to do what it takes to get better. The DPT's prescriptions are not a daily pill but require intentional movement, posture, and at times the purchasing of different equipment or work/sleep arrangements. If the client doesn't do these things, it can seem like my form of medicine in ineffective! Fortunately, most people respectfully follow the treatment plan. As the patient, trusting that the therapist is capable, safe, knowledgable, and efficient in treating or preventing the issue is paramount. I am well aware that it is difficult to trust a person to move your painful shoulder, or treat your spine and neck, or dry needle the muscle that you just injured. I never take a patient's trust for granted.

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These therapeutic relationships benefit both the patient and clinician. Healing and learning are so much more than the input of information or taking a new suppliment or pill. Wouldn't you agree that you learn much better from that trusted friend or loving relative's perspective than watching a youtube video? That is how the Physical Therapy relationship should be. After each session, I hope my patient leaves feeling more relaxed and with answers that will make their day better than the one before.

Thank you all for trusting me with your health for nearly 12 years now.

~ Dr. Meredith Bremner, PT, DPT ~