A Clinical Example of Self-Development

A clinical example of how physical therapy can lead to patient self development:

I had a patient that I evaluated and treated for low back pain from a work injury. She stated that over the last few years she had gained a lot of weight, been depressed from living with an alcoholic for years, and was so fatigued from having to drive so much for work. She faithfully came into physical therapy for manual therapy treatment and exercises. We talked a lot about her finding a room or a space in her house that could be her own space to exercise, do self corrections, and knit. She called it her “happy apartment”.

We also talked about different things she could do to bring more positive people and activities into her life. She was very compliant to her home exercise program and felt good about doing something positive for herself. After about 12 visits she came in and was so proud that she joined a gym and had started attending three times a week. She also stated since coming to physical therapy she is more confident and is feeling better which gave her the courage to ask for a transfer at work to allow less driving and so she could attend her gym more frequently.

She had 24 visits authorized for physical therapy but only used 14 of them before being pain free and compliant with attending her gym 3-4 times a week. She had started going out with friends, playing golf and was enjoying her new work schedule. She frequently stated that she was so grateful to have someone that would listen and encourage her to take care of herself and improve her life. She said she plans to stop by in 4 months to show me all the weight she had lost. Not only did she return to work full duty pain free, but she was able to return to living and caring for herself.