Team work = Healing

I had the pleasure of going to the American Physical Therapy association convention this last week in Anaheim, California. What an amazing thing it is to be with more than 10,000 physical therapists, assistants and doctoral students from all over the country. Their passion for their patients is incredible.

One of our presenters, Dr. Philippon is one of the top hip surgeons in the country from the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. In his opening remarks he stated that his surgery does not work alone, it works in tandem with a good physical therapy team. I can’t tell you how wonderful that feels for a group a compassionate physical therapists to hear that surgery and physical therapy go hand and hand with each other. He went on to mention throughout his lecture how his team of surgeons work with the physical therapists in every aspect of their care creating such a supportive team of healing that the patients’ know they will get well. He says at their clinic they depend on this relationship because the patient wins with such positive input from everyone involved.

The desire of all physical therapists is to work in community with their doctors to produce the best outcomes for their patients. That entails open communication and respect for each other’s professions and a desire to heal patients above anything else.

Healing happens best when patients feel cared for and listened to by their health care providers. Often our patients tell us they are afraid and scared. These emotions often lead to a lot of anxiety. when they have to see the doctor, have surgery or come to rehab. They are often unsure what to expect and they feel out of control. Feeling out of control evokes poor healing mechanisms. Physical therapists deal with these emotions with their patients and via the human touch suddenly healing of their physical and emotional wounds can occur. That is what physical therapists do. They guide their patients in the healing journey due to the time they get to be with them.

Our teams of doctors and physical therapists in our community are dedicated to putting the patients and their health first. Our desire is provide comprehensive care where the patient can return to optimal health safely, quickly and with the best standards of care. It’s a commitment that our office and the other therapists I know make everyday in our community. As Dr. Philippon explained, it’s the teamwork between the doctors and the physical therapists that make the difference, because when are patients know we care,optimal healing can occur.

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Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her incredible staff believe every patient needs a optimal place to heal. They can be reached in their Coeur d’Alene office at (208) 667-1988, in Spokane Valley office at (509) 891-2623 and their Hayden office at (208) 762-2100.