Physical Therapy: A Case Study

Clinically proven treatments, evidence based practice, and extensive research has equipped our society with detailed knowledge on how to treat and prevent ailments that plague American society. I originally pursued a career in physical therapy because it provides patients with noninvasive alternatives to increase physical health and well-being. My interest developed further after experiencing this field from the perspective of a patient and a physical therapy aide. I witnessed interactions that demonstrated the importance of cultural competence and effective communication skills. For these reasons, it is imperative that health care systems accept and communicate effectively within these foreign medical practices. Physical therapists should …show more content…
Communication is imperative when evaluating patients and determining how each individual will interpret and manage their pain, disability, or illness. Pain which is described as a “fifth vital sign,” must be adequately assessed and evaluated before interventions can be initiated. Western healthcare systems stress that pain should be kept a a minimum and physical comfort maximized. Conversely, other ethnocultural groups approach pain as a necessary life experience((Lantazzi & Purnell, 2006). Due to existing cultural discrepancies, physical therapist must be conscientious of facial expressions and gestures when providing treatment. The use of numerical and visual analogue pain scales can assist in establishing a patient’s current pain …show more content…
Although the Dutch converse freely with close friends and family, they are abrupt, blunt, and efficient in business matters and negotiations. I have been told on occasion that I can seem hasty, impatient, and disinterested in conversation. In these circumstances I would never intentionally portray those responses. These moments reflect an obvious misunderstanding between American and Dutch communication habits. Furthermore, the dutch are conservative, rational, and private individuals who value discretion (Netherlands, n.d.). As a child, I distinctly remember that if I chose to throw a temper tantrum or initiate an emotionally fueled argument, my father would never engage. He would simply walk away and inform me he would discuss the problem with me once I regained my composure. Although I found this behavior so irritating, it is very typically “Dutch.” I do believe this cultural characteristic has truly benefitted my ability to communicate with others in stressful or emotional situations. I am able to remain calm and appropriately collect my thoughts. It has helped me foster and maintain healthy relationships with acquaintances, friends, and loved