Physiotherapist Barry Connor
It’s human nature to avoid things you fear failing at. Some people are so terrified of failing at different ventures that they never even give them a try. Potential relationships, higher education degrees, and business opportunities are often sabotaged before they get off the ground by people who don’t think they have what it takes to succeed.
Have you ever felt this way?
The Two Things Needed to Be a Successful Physiotherapy Patient
For some, the fear of failing as a physiotherapy patient holds them back from participating in a physiotherapy program. This can be extremely damaging as it can prevent the resolution of health problems that are limiting. The good new is that it doesn’t take much to be a successful physiotherapy patient. In fact, according to physiotherapist Barry Connor, a person only needs two qualities to make it through a physiotherapy program with flying colors: self-determination and a willingness to participate in the active component of the program. That’s it!
Interview with Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapist Barry Connor
Physiotherapist Barry Connor, who works at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics in Winnipeg, MB doesn’t want potential patients to be scared of trying physiotherapy, even if they’ve had a bad experience with it in the past or fear failure. In an exclusive interview, he made it clear that there’s nothing special about the most successful physiotherapy patients. These individuals simply possess grit.
Connor, who has been a physiotherapist for nearly two decades, is an invaluable part of the Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics’ team. According to Elite’s website, he “has completed post-graduate training in acupuncture, manual and manipulative therapy and regularly participates in continuing medical education to provide his patients with the most current evidence-based treatment techniques.” Below you’ll find an interview with Barry, and hopefully some answers to your pressing questions about physiotherapy.
Q) What is one thing you’d like average people to understand about physiotherapy and how it can benefit them?
A) Physiotherapy is a regulated profession. Physiotherapists are experts in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Also, physiotherapists are considered primary care providers. Early assessment/intervention by a physiotherapist often leads to a quicker diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan that will get individuals on the path to recovery sooner. If further medical investigation is indicated, the physiotherapist can help to facilitate this process by communicating with other members of a patient’s healthcare team.
Q) What questions should a new patient ask a physiotherapist whom they are just getting to know? What qualities should they look for in a physiotherapist?
A)
- “How many years of experience have you had working in orthopedics?”
- “What type of post-graduate training have you had?”
- “How many visits will it take to restore my function?”
- (If you are not getting better, ask why and what to do next.)
- “Are you familiar with this condition?”
Remember, you should feel comfortable with your physiotherapist. He or she should provide you an explanation of your diagnosis and treatment plan in a way that makes sense to you.
Q) What are some of the main reasons you think people choose not to participate in a physiotherapy program?
A) Two reasons:
— They are not aware of how physiotherapy will benefit them.
— They or a friend/family member have had an unfavorable physiotherapy experience in the past.
Q) Physiotherapy, for some, can be a long road. What is the common denominator among all the patients you’ve seen who have been the most successful? What do they have in common?
A) The common denominator is the self-determination to get better and a willingness to participate in the active component of the physiotherapy program.
Q) In what areas have you received specialized training?
A) I worked my entire career (close to 20 years) in outpatient orthopedics and have specialized training in manual therapy, acupuncture, and exercise prescription.
Q) What ailments and conditions do you most enjoy treating?
A) I enjoy treating people. Everybody is an individual and that means no two injuries impact everyone in the same way. That is what makes treating people so enjoyable for me.
Q) Tell us a little bit about the clinic you work in. Why do you like working there? What type of atmosphere can patients expect to encounter when they walk through the doors?
A) I work at Elite on Meadowood. It is a bright, open concept clinic staffed with positive, upbeat people. The clinic is well equipped with the latest exercise equipment and treatment modalities to assist with recovery. People can expect a warm greeting and a professional, personalized treatment plan provided in an active-based environment.
Q) What conditions do you think people suffer with simply because they don’t know that physiotherapy could help them?
A) This question is too general to answer. If people are not sure if physiotherapy can help them, they are best to call the clinic and ask to speak to a physiotherapist. If we cannot answer your treatment question over the phone, we may recommend an assessment. Following an assessment, a physiotherapist will advise you if treatment is appropriate or not.
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If you take anything away from this interview, let it be this advice: don’t let the fear of failure prevent you from giving physiotherapy a try. Take the time to seek out a great physiotherapist who can help you achieve your health goals. If you live near Winnipeg, the talented and experienced staff at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics would be happy to hear from you — contact them today.
As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” When contemplating your potential journey with physiotherapy, don’t look at the big picture. Instead, just focus on the first step, which is reaching out to a physiotherapist near you.