The 5 qualities to be a good therapist at Altius Physio.
What makes a good therapist at Altius Physio ? We surveyed the clinic’s therapists and the results were surprising ! Indeed, our therapists did not only gave answers concerning knowledge of the body and the right treatment to provide. The answers are mainly at a human level and in interpersonal relationships.
Today, we present to you the 5 essential qualities to be a good therapist at Altius Physio.
LISTENING
Knowing how to listen is a very important quality in everyday life. As a therapist, to be able to listen well is even more so because it plays on 2 levels.
The first is listening to the patient. Take the time to let your patient tell their story, the reason for their visit and above all, listen to the story of their pain. Not accelerating this process allows the therapist to establish a first contact with the patient if he is seen for the first time, as well as to establish a first diagnosis.
Sometimes, the injury for which we think we are coming to consult is not the one that is responsible for the pain felt. It happens that the body has healed an old wound badly and that it has reappeared because a movement has been compensated with another movement in a bad way. By establishing the real reason for the pain, we manage to prevent possible injuries that could reappear repeatedly.
The second level is listening to the body of the person in front of you. During the treatment,it is important to take into account the responses and reactions that the body may have. Sometimes the body can react in a way that is not expected and it is important to make the necessary changes. Each body is unique, so it is normal to pay particular attention to each of the movements of the muscles that are treated. Each treatment is different from person to person.
EMPATHY
Knowing how to be empathetic is a great strenght. As a health professional, knowing how to put oneself in the other person’s shoes and understanding their needs allows the therapist to carry out the appropriate treatments, while paying attention to the patient’s condition. Empathy and listening are 2 qualities that are intimately linked because without one, the other would be impossible.
Empathy also makes it possible to anticipate the whishes of the patient and to respond to them proactively. This way, the therapist can thus do a preventive type of treatment, treat a place on the body that will be put to the test in the coming days, or even weeks. This allows the patient to reduce their risk of injury.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Self-confidence allows the therapist to affirm his professionalism. Thus, this allows him to establish diagnoses beyond any doubt and advise his patient on the procedure to follow for a speedy recovery.
Self-confidence also means recognizing that sometimes you can be wrong. Taking time with the patient and knowing how to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, allows the patient an optimal healing.
RECOGNITION OF YOUR LIMITATIONS
Recognition of one’s limitations is probably the most essential quality. Know how far our knowledge can be used to help a patient. Don’t try something new out of pride. Fortunately, when you know how to recognize your limits, there is no embarrassment or shame in providing references to other professionals who have the necessary expertise to help the patient’s recovery.
CURIOSITY
Curiosity can be a nasty flaw when not used wisely. However, as a therapist, curiosity is a very big asset. Having an inquisitive therapist means that they seek to constantly learn about new advances and ways of doing things. Curiosity is intimately linked with the desire to perform and offer the best of oneself.
And you, what do you think are the essential qualities that a good therapist should have ?