Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation as Perceived by Physical Therapists

Abstract

This study aimed to identify behaviors of patients that cope successfully and unsuccessfully with physical therapy, psychosocial strategies physical therapists currently use, psychosocial strategies physical therapists would like to become more educated on, and current counseling referral systems. The Physiotherapist and Sport Psychology Questionnaire was sent to all 50 physical therapy state associations with a request that they make it available to their members. Four organizations agreed to distribute the survey and 95 (77 females, 18 males) physical therapists participated in the study. Stress/anxiety, depression, and pain management problems were the most commonly perceived psychological conditions presented by patients. Exercise variety, short-term goal setting, and encouraging positive self-thoughts were used most often in assisting patients during their recovery. Physical therapists indicated they were most interested in learning more about how to use effective communication, understanding individual motivation, and enhancing self-confidence. Lastly, 65 physical therapists had referred their patients to counseling services although only eight had identified having a standard procedure for counseling referrals. These results indicate that physical therapists recognize the importance of the psychological component of rehabilitation and as a result apply psychosocial strategies during patient recovery. However, few are doing it systematically partially due to a lack of formal education and training as indicated by the results of this study.