Why We Share Decision Making in Physiotherapy- Falcon Health
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  • Writer's pictureBen Harris

Why We Share Decision Making in Physiotherapy

Updated: Apr 6, 2023

Sharing the decisions is important. Whilst a physiotherapist or chiropractor can recommend exercises and treatment, it is up to the client to agree and understand the diagnosis. We believe that this is the most important part of providing a comprehensive and effective service.


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The Importance of Shared Decision Making

What is Shared Decision Making?

Shared decision-making is the process of ensuring that the patient and their relatives are involved in the making of decisions regarding care and treatment. This includes informing them of all of the benefits or potential risks involved, and ensuring the patient is as informed as possible. In physiotherapy and chiropractic care, both the physiotherapist and the client must be on the same page when it comes to making decisions regarding the patient's care. This allows for a more collaborative relationship and a better treatment plan.


Why is Shared Decision Making Important in Physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy and chiropractic care, the therapist can use shared decision-making making to help the patient understand their condition, identify goals, and choose the best treatment option(s) based on the individual's unique circumstances. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve other healthcare professionals to come up with the best possible treatment plan.


Shared decision-making is beneficial for both the therapist and the patient. For the therapist, it allows them to better understand their patient's needs and preferences. This, in turn, can help to improve the quality of care that is provided. For the patient, it allows them to be more involved in their treatment and makes them feel like they are part of the decision-making process. This can lead to a more positive outcome and a better overall experience.


In physiotherapy and chiropractic care, being on the same page is crucial and communication ensures this. By educating the patient on their condition, a therapist can ensure that treatment is as effective as possible. Communicating with the patient ensures that all parties completely understand the condition and the prescribed therapies and exercises. In physiotherapy and chiropractic care, exercises play a massive part in therapy programmes. Sharing the decision-making between patients and therapists ensures that the most suitable exercises are being prescribed, and the patient understands why and how doing them will help.


When is Shared Decision Making Appropriate?

There are many situations in which shared decision-making may be appropriate. For example, when there is more than one treatment option available for a particular condition, or when the risks and benefits of treatment are not clear. In these cases, shared decision-making can help patients feel more involved in their care and can lead to better health outcomes.


There are times when sharing the decision makingdecision-makingdecidepatient'saboutdecision-making may not be as beneficial. Whilst it is ultimately down to the patient, in physiotherapy and chiropractic care, it is important to understand the therapists' point of view when providing a diagnosis. Physiotherapists and chiropractors are highly trained professionals who have the experience and knowledge to understand a patient's condition. In some cases, it may be better for the therapist to make the decision on treatment, rather than the patient.


Ultimately, the patients' comfort is crucial. This comfort derives from being informed and knowledgeable ondecision-making their condition and the therapists' opinions. In physiotherapy and chiropractic care, the physiotherapist or chiropractor should always aim to provide the patient with as much information as possible. This way, the patient can make an informed decision on their care and decision making is a mutual and shared experience. Therefore, everyone involved is satisfied with the care being provided and it can hence be as effective as possible.


Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care at Falcon Health

At Falcon Health, we value communication when providing physiotherapy and chiropractic care. We believe that educating our clients is of paramount importance so that they may be able to make sound decisions about their physiotherapy and chiropractic care.


What types of treatment techniques do physiotherapists use?

Physiotherapists may use a variety of treatment techniques, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and education and advice.


We are proud to offer shared decision making as a way for our clients to be involved in their physiotherapy and chiropractic care.


This process begins with the physiotherapist educating the client about their condition and the various treatment options available. The physiotherapist will then provide their professional recommendation, but ultimately it is up to the client to decide which treatment option is best for them. We urge our clients to follow our therapists' recommendations but will understand their decision regardless of what they choose.

Shared decision-making is an important part of physiotherapy and chiropractic care, and we at Falcon Health are committed to providing this level of care to our clients.


Ben

Our Consultant Chiropractor Ben is incredibly experienced at providing chiropractic care for clients. Ben specialises in Sacro Optical Technique. This is a gentle and effective way of treating the pelvis, which in turn can help to ease lower back pain, as well as improve other conditions such as sciatica, hip pain and also migraines. Ben has followed his passion and extended his qualification, becoming one of the 17 chiropractors trained in Advanced SOT. Ben is highly experienced at providing a range of chiropractic treatments to clients with a variety of ailments and conditions.


Marcin

Marcin, our chartered physiotherapist has extensive experience and qualifications in a variety of aspects of physiotherapy. He boasts a Master's degree in Physiotherapy and multiple qualifications in Sports Therapy. Marcin is also experienced in providing physiotherapy for Whiplash and various other injuries in both private care and the NHS. Marcin has experience working in a variety of sports clubs, providing sports therapy for multiple injuries. So, if you are suffering from a sporting injury or anything else, Marcin is certain to find a solution.


Katie

Our Sports Therapist, Katie is incredibly experienced in providing sports therapy at both elite and amateur levels of the sport. Katie is qualified in Sports and Remedial Massage. Furthermore, she also played lacrosse for Wales in two World Cups. Therefore, Katie understands the importance of sports therapy across sports at all levels. If you are suffering from a sporting injury, Katie can help you get back to your best in no time!


Contact Us

At Falcon Health, we value the importance of educating patients and sharing decisions in physiotherapy and chiropractic care.


If you would like to learn more about our physiotherapy and chiropractic care, explore our website or contact us at 01444 257555 or info@falcon-health.com. Our friendly team would be more than happy to discuss your condition with you and guide you through our physiotherapy and chiropractic care plans.


We look forward to hearing from you.


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