It’s not about working out. What matters is moving.

A conversation with a physical therapist

When we hear physical therapy we all associate many different things with this profession: Massage, pain, working out, but also help and support. While this is all very true, physical therapists can as well earn the title life savers. They support people to go back into their old lives after their accidents or more simple issues they are dealing with, and therefore help them I had a conversation with Alex, who used to be my physical therapist. We talked about his profession and why he avoids to use the word sport in his practice.

What was your motivation to become a physical therapist?

My mum is a non- medical practitioner, and my dad an osteopath and physical therapist so I basically grew up with it. As a child I jumped around in their practice and it would be a general topic at home.

What value does working out and moving have in your life?

Sport has always been a big component in my life, which is important in your job as a physical therapist since you also have a exemplary function and you should practice what you preach. Although I do always highlight: It isn’t necessarily about working out, but moving instead.

Some of the healthiest people never workout but instead, move every single day.

How do you personally benefit from working out?

Firstly, it’s certainly a great compensation from working and being in the practice. I also do have a lot more energy, my diet is a lot healthier and my mood a lot lighter when I work out, compared to when I don’t.

What do you like about your job?

I love that I am in contact with so many different people. I get to know many different life stories and also learn a lot from them. Of course, I also love that I can help people. When they step into my practice they come with a problem and are looking for someone who is able to solve it. I am happy that I can be the one being able to help so many people.

What do you dislike about your job?

Sometimes I don’t love that I am tied to this practice. My job is always happening here, and there’s no possibility to get out of here. Other than that, I have nothing to complain about.

What is the general perception of your patients about physical therapy and about working out?

The first thing that people associate with physical therapy are massages HAHA. The topic sport is a difficult one. Many people who come to his practice don’t work out, which is why they have the problems. Generally, the topic is touchy though, which is why he doesn’t use the word in the practice since many people have a guilty conscience in terms of this topic: They know that they should be doing it more, but they do not, which just makes them feel bad.

Do you see a pattern? As in younger people generally workout more, older people less?

No, the contrary. What I noticed, is that the elderly are usually even more active and consistent since they realize how good it is for their bodies. The younger ones on the other side, usually work out less, since they don’t have any complaints yet so they only learn later on when something is bothering them, that working out would’ve been beneficial.

How do you motivate your clients?

I try to infect them with my own passion in sport. I talk a lot about it and tell stories. Being direct about it and telling them that they need to work out doesn’t work, they feel bad immediately. This is why I am trying to show them how much my sport is giving me and how beneficial it is for my physical and mental health, and I hope I can have a good influence on them this way.

I hope this gave you a good insight into the profession of physical therapists. Do you have any other questions about the profession or about moving in general? Let me know in the comments below!