25 Nov Movement Matters: Are You Being Treated by a Master Chef?

I frequently see patients who have been unsuccessful in therapy elsewhere, and who are naturally quite frustrated. Sometimes, things were missed in the diagnostic process. Sometimes, the therapy was not specific enough to resolve the problem. Sometimes, the issues were complex and a full resolution of the problem was unlikely. Sometimes, everything was done correctly, but the time necessary to recover was not appropriate.

As I have pondered this situation, it reminds me of how a chef makes a cake (not that I have any relevant personal knowledge…) First, the ingredients must be specific and suited for the type of cake being made. Flour, sugar, eggs, milk, baking powder, vanilla, etc. Probably no turnips, right? Second, the pan must be properly selected for the purpose, and greased and floured. Third, the appropriate oven temperature must be selected, and the rack should probably be in the center of the oven. And finally, arguably the most important ingredient is the sufficient time to bake the cake thoroughly without burning the exterior. All in all, a very delicate balance with many variables that could alter the outcome.

Well, you heard it here first: good therapy is like good cooking. But how would you know if you are being treated by a master Chef or a short order cook? Consider these factors:

1. Does your provider develop a rapport with you as an individual in order to understand your specific problems and concerns?
2. Does the provider complete a thorough examination to determine the specific nature of your situation?
3. Does the provider develop a plan that targets the problems that you have identified and that the examination has uncovered?
4. Does the provider explain the process and what is likely to happen, discussing what factors will lead to an better outcome, and what factors might prevent a rapid or full recovery?
5. And finally, does your provider assess and re-assess factors related to your recovery in order to tailor the therapy to your specific needs and condition?

Other ingredients to a well-made recovery rest in your hands. Do you:

1. Believe that therapy will be beneficial?
2. Communicate all of your concerns to your provider?
3. Attend therapy and perform home exercises with the frequency and intensity suggested by your provider?
4. Allow time for therapy to be effective before testing the outcome?

Therapy, like good cooking, takes precise methods, teamwork, and time. We believe that gathering appropriate and relevant information, selecting therapy methods that positively affect the involved area, and re-assess your condition as it evolves will provide you with the most time and cost effective therapy. This Thanksgiving, you are sure to whip up some delicious recipes to enjoy with your family. We hope that if you are in need of ongoing or future therapy, we can whip something up for you at Body One.

To your painfree movement and hearty appetite,

Brian