Take a moment to reflect on a visit you have had with a provider (doctor, dentist, physical therapist, etc.) for an issue you have had. Consider if there has been a time where something did not feel quite right- perhaps you did not feel listened to or you were interrupted. Or maybe the plan of action that was suggested (medication, procedure, or exercise) did not feel aligned with your values, beliefs, or otherwise consistent with what you felt like the best treatment would be for your unique situation. What about the language, verbal and non-verbal, that the provider used? Did you ever feel talked down to, disregarded, or rushed? Were you treated as an equal player in your healing journey, or was your condition described as something that was out of your control, requiring care that only the practitioner could provide?
The manner in which care is provided is extremely important, and is a significant determinant of the outcome that is achieved.
Unfortunately in our current healthcare system, there are several factors that can hinder the healing process. Aside from the Western mentality of treating symptoms rather than the root causes, the environment in which care is provided also plays a significant role in outcome. Many clinics are extremely busy, with therapists and doctors pressured to achieve unrealistic productivity standards. A shortage of practitioners as well as systemic issues related to the pandemic play into this situation as well. These factors will certainly impact a practitioner’s ability to provide their undivided attention and to engage in deep listening. In fact, the average amount of time before a doctor interrupts a patient is 11 seconds! For physical therapists, it is not much better at around 15 seconds. This leads to a sense of rush, and greatly impacts the communication and therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner. In addition to time pressure, many clinics are set up to trigger our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) with bright lights, loud noises, and lack of privacy. Interacting with a rushed provider in this kind of environment instills a sense of unease within us as well, and can limit our ability to feel safe and comfortable.
At the Wellness Station, we take these factors into account. We recognize the importance of creating a strong therapeutic alliance, as the patient-provider relationship is an extremely significant element of the healing process. We strive to keep our environment conducive to healing by providing our care in a relaxing environment with appropriate aesthetics, adjustable lighting, and gentle background music upon request. We are able to provide individualized care for our patients for close to an hour every session without a sense of rush.
The environmental factors that we implement allow us (patient and provider) to operate in a parasympathetic state, the rest and digest division of our nervous system. This safe time and space allows our patients to feel comfortable letting their walls down and developing a trusting relationship with the practitioner. By creating this safe environment for healing, the patient and practitioner can dive deeper into the care that will be the most suitable, sustainable, and effective.
Consider these factors when you are engaging in your movement program at home or at a studio or gym. How is the environment affecting your ability to pay attention to your body and develop a positive relationship with yourself? What are some changes you might make to your environment to create a safe space and time for healing?
Written by Jacob Tyson, DPT - Physical Therapist, Yoga Instructor and The Wellness Station Team