Welcome to the world of physical therapy—a place where we help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love. But behind every successful rehab session is a therapist who occasionally grits their teeth at certain behaviors that, while well-intentioned, can make our jobs a bit more challenging. We love our patients, but like any profession, we have our pet peeves. Today, we're pulling back the curtain to share some of the things we wish you knew.
1. "I Googled My Symptoms, and I Think I Have…"
Ah, Dr. Google—the most consulted, least qualified physician in the world. We get it; you’re curious about what might be causing your pain, and the internet is a convenient place to look for answers. But when you walk into your session convinced you’ve diagnosed yourself with a rare, unpronounceable condition, it can be a bit overwhelming for us. Instead of relying on Google’s endless rabbit holes, trust us to use our expertise and experience to assess your situation accurately. We promise we’re up-to-date on the latest research and can offer insights that the internet can’t.
2. Cancelling Last Minute… Again
Life happens—we understand. But when you cancel an appointment at the last minute, it disrupts our carefully planned schedule and potentially leaves a spot open that could have gone to another patient in need. It’s especially frustrating when it becomes a habit. Consistency is key to your recovery, and skipping sessions can set you back. If you need to cancel, try to give as much notice as possible, so we can adjust and help you keep on track.
3. The "I’m Fine" Syndrome
We’re here to help you, not to judge you. So when we ask how you’re feeling or if something hurts, please don’t brush it off with an “I’m fine” if you’re really not. If you’re in pain, or if an exercise isn’t working for you, we need to know. Ignoring discomfort or pain can actually slow your recovery or even make things worse. Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to your health.
4. Not Doing Your Home Exercises
We know, we know—life is busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find the time or motivation to do your home exercises. But here’s the thing: those exercises are a crucial part of your recovery. When you skip them, you’re essentially hitting the pause button on your progress. We can only do so much during your sessions; the real magic happens when you continue the work at home. So, please, take those exercises seriously—they’re designed to help you get better faster.
5. Comparing Your Progress to Others
Every body is different, and so is every recovery journey. We’ve had patients who feel discouraged because their progress doesn’t match up to someone else’s. But comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to oranges—it’s just not fair to you. Healing takes time, and everyone’s timeline is unique. Trust the process, stay consistent, and focus on your own progress. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
6. Talking Non-Stop During Sessions
We love getting to know our patients, and a little small talk can make sessions more enjoyable for everyone. But if you’re talking non-stop, it can be challenging for us to keep you focused on the task at hand. Physical therapy requires concentration—both on our part and yours. So while we’re always up for a chat, let’s try to balance the conversation with some good, hard work.
7. Expecting Instant Results
In a world where we can get almost anything with the click of a button, it’s easy to expect quick fixes. But physical therapy is a process, not a magic pill. Progress might be slow at first, and sometimes it can feel like you’re not getting anywhere. But trust us—healing takes time, and those small gains add up to big results over time. Patience is your best friend in this journey.
8. Wearing Inappropriate Clothing
You wouldn’t believe how many patients show up in jeans or restrictive clothing for their PT sessions. We need you to be able to move freely, so please, wear comfortable, athletic wear that allows us to do our job effectively. It’ll make your session smoother and more productive.
9. Ignoring Your Body’s Signals
If there’s one thing we wish all patients would do, it’s to listen to their bodies. Pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. If an exercise hurts in a way that feels wrong, don’t push through it—tell us. We can modify your routine or explore what’s causing the discomfort. Pushing through pain might seem tough, but it can actually lead to setbacks.
10. Bringing Your Phone to the Table
We know it’s hard to disconnect, but your therapy session is about you and your health. Constantly checking your phone during exercises not only distracts you but can also make it harder for you to engage with the therapy fully. We promise—your notifications can wait until after your session.
Physical therapy is a team effort, and we’re on your side. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll help us help you more effectively. We love seeing our patients progress and achieve their goals, and when we’re all on the same page, the process is smoother, more efficient, and—dare we say it—even fun. So, let’s work together, keep the pet peeves to a minimum, and focus on what really matters: getting you back to feeling your best!
If you're near the Mission Viejo area and think you, or someone you know, might benefit from physical therapy, or to get any questions answered, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation!
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