Cultivating a Curious Mindset
As a physiotherapist, it's important to maintain a curious mindset.
Curiosity is what drives us to seek knowledge and learn more, which in turn helps us better understand the human body and its functions. This understanding leads to improved diagnoses and treatment plans for our patients.
Let me share a story about one patient, whom I'll call Sarah. She suffered from depression and chronic lower back pain, but her initial diagnosis was just a muscle strain. When her treatment didn't improve her condition, I knew further investigation was necessary. This led to the discovery of the link between depression and physiological changes, like neurotransmitters, which can increase pain intensity and lengthen recovery time. Not only did this discovery deepen my appreciation for the human body, but it also validated my patients' experiences.
I learned the importance of staying curious and open-minded in my work, especially when it comes to pain management. By constantly learning and seeking to understand more, we can provide the best care for our patients and help them achieve their health and wellness goals.
The human body is complex, and there's always more to discover. Without curiosity, we risk becoming stagnant in our professional development. By embracing a curious mindset, we can explore new ideas and approaches, leading to innovative and effective treatments for our patients.
Curiosity fosters empathy and compassion for our patients. By asking questions and seeking to understand their experiences, we can provide more personalized and holistic care. This approach also empowers patients to make informed decisions about THEIR health and treatment options.
As physios, we don't just work with muscles, bones, and connective tissue; we work with people.