Convincing the patient

I am often suprised when my patient tells me "how come my previous therapists never explained it like that before"? During the initial evaluation, I make a point to educate the patient thoroughly about his or her diagnosis, the phases of healing, and the outlined plan and expectations. I am often met with a look of amazement and gratitude. The patients all tell me they have never heard of the phases of healing in any previous therapy experience. I find it shocking that they were never given this important piece of information.

Having the patient totally understand the phases of healing helps in so many ways. First, it helps with adherence to your recommendations. If they understand why you want them to limit use initially and gradually increase funcational use (all based on phases of healing), they will adhere to your recommendations with much higher efforts. Second, it starts the and builds the foundation of trust. The patient needs your guidance and expects guidance from you, not just stated limitations or recommendations. Finally, for those of you who own your own clinics, it is a form of marketing. To me, anything you do that exceeds your patient's expectations is a powerful form of marketing.

I consistently think of ways to improve the quality of care of every patient in my clinic. From improved patient care to new web site Body Solutions.

My advice is to constantly think of new and better ways to get your patients better. If you have tips of your own, please share them with everyone. I would appreciate it if no one posts messages like " check out my new program for this...". If you try to post messages to simply market your own crap, I will hunt you down!