When it comes to family physical therapy, the role of the therapist is to be a pro-activist, not a constraint. While the physical therapist should be able to communicate openly with family members, a parent or caregiver can be more helpful in facilitating the process. A physical therapist should be a pro-activist and proactive with patients and families, and be a trusted partner to the patient and his or her family.
Having An Open Line Of Communication
When assessing physical therapists, parents should be aware
of the importance of developing an open line of communication during family
physical therapy. Physical therapists must establish a therapeutic alliance
with parents in order to effectively treat children with disabilities. A
successful therapeutic alliance must foster an atmosphere of trust and
collaboration. The physical therapist must also balance her professional role
and contribution with the emotional needs of the child and parents. For this
reason, parents should be made aware of the physical therapist's philosophy and
behavior.
When establishing the goals for treatment, it is important
to discuss the treatment plan with children. Children often want to negotiate
the home program's content with the therapist. Parents should be aware of
potential pitfalls of these methods, including the risk of causing more harm
than good. Children should also be aware of what to expect from a treatment.
For example, parents should be aware that their children may be more sensitive
to a therapist's criticism than their own.
Addressing Resistance Without Restraint
Achieving patient-directed physical therapy goals requires
careful consideration of both physical and caregiver influence. These factors
should be integrated into clinical assessments and exercise interventions.
These recommendations build on previous work and the Guide to Physical
Therapy's Patient/Client Management Model. Using shared goal setting during
intervention planning will help ensure a successful outcome for both patients
and caregivers. The following information will assist you in meeting the goals
of family physical therapy.
Understanding The Scope Of The Problem
Understanding the scope of the problem in family physical
therapies has long been an elusive goal. However, recent research has revealed
that a lack of effective evidence-based practice in family physical therapy is
a significant barrier to care. Researchers at the University of Minnesota
studied the attitudes of family physical therapists working with children and
their parents. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Among other things, respondents reported that evidence-based practices improve
care and patient outcomes.
A family member can assist with therapy in several ways,
including providing moral support and breaking unhealthy patterns.
Encouragement from a loved one can mean the difference between a patient using
a cane or a walker, or remaining in bed. Family members have a better
understanding of the condition and can motivate the patient to pursue therapy
goals. While therapists can only communicate with the patient through formal
evaluations, a family member can provide encouragement and help during the
process between therapy sessions.
Managing Expectations
Managing expectations during family physical therapy is an
essential step in the healing process of medical conditions. When everyone
involved is on the same page, successful outcomes are more likely. This
includes the patient, family members, and other members of the treatment team.
However, as more people become involved, 'expectation gaps' begin to emerge.
Here are some tips to help you manage your expectations during family physical
therapy. Here are some of the most common ones:
