How do you.............?!
Question:
How do you.............?
I have a physical therapist that talks to me like a kid. I admit I do not know what to talk about with my physical therapist. I am 35 years old, and my therapist talks to me like I'm 17 or younger. I have some physical problems and sometimes she has to show me a new excerise/stretch more than once before I get it, and sometimes, she has to tell me where I fail more than once before I understand that. So my question is what do I talk to my physical therapist about? What are some general topics? I mean, I talk about the weather, and on Monday (two days ago) I found out she enjoys camping, I asked her where she was going, and then the air got quiet between us. What would you do, and what would you talk about? I've been going to the same place, with the same therapists since March of this year, and I'm going to continue to be there for a while. Can anyone help me?
Thanks in advance!!
Answers:
Do not think you are being treated like a kid because she repeats herself. This is normal and most people need review of their exercises. It is regularly said in education that people need to hear things three times before they "get it."
It is always nice to have a common discussion with your patient...I always like to know more about my patients personally...generally because I find people so facinating. Yet, I understand that not all people will have that level of relationship. It doesn't mean that you are getting bad therapy...just that your personalities may not mesh.
Some safe topics include your family/her family, where you grew up/she grew up (refrain from asking where she lives now unless she offers it), hobbies, your goals, any problems you've had with the exercises, progress you see yourself making, etc.
Best wishes in your recovery.