When I work 1 to 1 with my physiotherapy clients, I take the role of a coach. Unlike the traditional physiotherapy-client relationship, I’m not telling you what to do, handing you a fixed plan to follow, or doing work “on you”.
Instead, we swap seats. With you as the captain and me as the co-captain, we narrow in on your physiotherapy-related goals and work towards them together. In practice, coaching in physiotherapy means you set the course based on what matters most to you, while I help you navigate.
I’ll ask questions, point out patterns or possibilities, and help you see connections. You’ll take what resonates and put it into action.
Coaching isn’t a common approach in physiotherapy so it’s likely that you haven’t come across it yet. Through an example, this blog post will show you what coaching in physiotherapy looks and feels like.
Let’s check it out.
A Coaching in Physiotherapy Case Study: Meet Sameera
I’d like to introduce you to Sameera, who is 49 years old.
Movement is a big part of her life – she loves biking, walking her dog, and her weekly Pilates classes. Recently, however, she’s spending more time taking care of her elderly parents, forcing her to take a big step back from her daily activities.
She’s feeling overwhelmed, stiff and has little to no energy. Sameera’s worried that if she doesn’t make time to take care of herself, she won’t be able to help her parents, or do the activities she loves.
But she feels guilty when she takes time for herself.
Embracing Self-Responsibility and Mindfulness
Sameera is ready to take responsibility for herself and is looking for someone to keep her accountable with getting back on track. She likes that mindfulness plays a big role in how I help my clients.
And with coaching in physiotherapy being for those ready to take action, we agree that it’s the best option for Sameera to move her forward quicker, keep her accountable and motivated.
Inside Our Physiotherapy Coaching Sessions
In our coaching sessions, Sameera and I have focused conversations.
Early on we spend time connecting on what’s most important to her. We do mindfulness practices together that help her tune into what matters to her the most.
I ask Sameera thought-provoking questions to help explore her current situation. She’s given time to think and process. We talk through the challenges that are most present for her.
Through this process, Sameera starts to look at her situation in a new way, and to see what may be preventing her from moving forward.
Taking the Captain’s Seat in Your Health
With my guidance and gentle prompting, Sameera takes the captain’s seat. She navigates through her challenges, and uncovers her own solutions to move forward.
As the co-captain, I support Sameera in identifying the next best step forward to reaching her goals. She leaves every session with a plan that she puts into action in her daily life.
She becomes confident in taking ownership of her situation.
Possible Results of Coaching in Physiotherapy
Through this coaching approach, Sameera gets unstuck.
She’s coping better with the stress of caring for loved ones.
She finds balance with taking care of herself and her parents.
Back doing what she loves, she feels lighter and more energetic.
By being in the captain’s seat, Sameera feels empowered, motivated, and accountable to herself. She stays in control of her health well beyond our time working together.
A Unique Approach Within Physiotherapy
In essence, coaching within physiotherapy can transform someone’s health journey. Through this collaborative and very individual process, clients like Sameera navigate challenges, embrace responsibility, and take charge of their health.
It is also a unique approach within physiotherapy, so it does take an open mind, as well as the willingness to put in the work.
Ready to Experience Coaching in Physiotherapy?
Being in the captain’s seat with the support of a co-captain is truly a powerful experience. But, as one of my clients said recently, you can read or watch all you want about something, but nothing is more valuable than experiencing it for yourself. Wise words!
If you’re ready to experience coaching in physiotherapy, book a free consultation to get things started. We’ll chat about what goals you have and whether they’re a good fit for this approach. I’m looking forward to supporting you in your health and wellness journey.
You can read more about what sets my approach to online physiotherapy apart on this page.