Conversations in physiotherapy practice – an observational study of first encounters

Abstract

Background: Medically unexplained musculoskeletal disorders are common among women, and many female patients are referred to physiotherapists for such complaints. This study investigates conversations in first encounters between physiotherapists and women with medically unexplained musculoskeletal disorders. The aim is to gain an insight into the topics that are explored and emphasized. Method: Non-participating observations of two first encounters between physiotherapists and their patients were conducted. Results: One topic from each conversation is presented and discussed. The first regards a mismatch between the understanding of the patient’s health problem expressed in the discharge summary from a physician, and the patient’s own experience. The other subject discussed in this article deals with family relations and –care. The therapists are attentive to and take the patients’ concerns seriously. During the conversation they gather information which is decisive for further examination and treatment. Conclusion: This article contributes to knowledge about the physiotherapists’ understanding of connections between body, gender and the patients’ situation in life. Moreover, it is demonstrated how the patients’ experiences function as a central source of knowledge.

Keywords

• Physiotherapy
• conversation
• women
• medically unexplained musculoskeletal disorders
• discharge summary