top of page

Person-centered physiotherapy explained. You're welcome.




A person-centered physiotherapy is an approach to care that focuses on the individual as a whole person, rather than just their physical condition or symptoms.


This approach recognizes that every person is unique and has their own individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.


In person-centered physiotherapy, the physiotherapist works collaboratively with the patient to understand their individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.


The physiotherapist then tailors the care plan to meet those needs and goals, using a range of evidence-based interventions that are appropriate for the individual.


This approach to care is rooted in the principles of patient-centered care, which emphasize the importance of involving the patient in their own care and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.


Person-centered physiotherapy recognizes that the patient is the expert on their own experience and encourages them to participate fully in their care.


Some of the key principles of person-centered physiotherapy include:

  1. Respect for the individual: The physiotherapist values the patient as a unique individual with their own needs, values, beliefs, and goals.

  2. Collaborative approach: The physiotherapist works in partnership with the patient to develop a care plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

  3. Empowerment: The physiotherapist empowers the patient to take an active role in their own care and to make informed decisions about their health.

  4. Holistic approach: The physiotherapist considers the whole person, including their physical, psychological, social, and emotional needs.

  5. Evidence-based practice: The physiotherapist uses interventions that are supported by the best available evidence and are appropriate for the individual.

Overall, person-centered physiotherapy aims to provide care that is individualized, respectful, empowering, and effective. By focusing on the person as a whole, rather than just their physical condition or symptoms, this approach can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.



 

Here are some references for further reading on person-centered physiotherapy:


Edwards I, Jones M, Carr J, et al. Clinical reasoning strategies in physical therapy. Phys Ther. 2004;84(4):312-330. doi: 10.1093/ptj/84.4.312.


Hudon C, Fortin M, Haggerty J, Lambert M, Poitras ME. Measuring patients' perceptions of patient-centered care: a systematic review of tools for family medicine. Ann Fam Med. 2011;9(2):155-164. doi: 10.1370/afm.1226.


Leplege A, Gzil F, Cammelli M, Lefeve C, Pachoud B, Ville I. Person-centredness: conceptual and historical perspectives. Disabil Rehabil. 2007;29(20-21):1555-1565. doi: 10.1080/09638280701618661.


O'Halloran R, Murphy N, Savva G, Kenny RA. Effectiveness of multifactorial interventions to prevent falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2014;43(4):478-484. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afu055.


World Health Organization. World report on ageing and health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2015. Available at: https://www.who.int/ageing/events/world-report-2015-launch/en/. Accessed March 2, 2021.

Comments


bottom of page