Ask don't tell

People want to know how to change their life quickly, easily, and without thought.

In medical practice, we are taught, regardless of whether we are doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, or personal trainers, people want to know the answer. People want to know how to change their life quickly, easily, and without thought.

We head over to Google, when we have a headache. We ask our families and friends on Facebook or via text for their thoughts. We're always looking for the quick answer.

I don't believe, first off, that there is a quick answer, and second, that there is a right one. I'm a physiotherapist. I know lots of things. But the one thing I don't know is how and what you feel. My job is to try and help you change those things, but not by telling you what you should or should not be doing, but by making suggestions or working with you in your own comfort zone.

For example, I had a client recently who had been told to do yoga. She hates yoga. She also hates doing kegels. Does that mean those things are beneficial for her? Absolutely not. Her goal was to be able to run, not lie on her back or sit on her chair and do kegels or stretch in a way she quote unquote says is boring.

The only reason I knew these things is because I asked her, what do you like to do, what's important to you? And when it comes to being a physiotherapist, a business owner, or a human, perhaps we should ask people how they feel before we offer them advice.

It's hard to sit back and bite your tongue. This is not easy, and something I have struggled with. But by taking that moment to ask somebody how they feel, what they think, you're giving them power, you're giving them choice. You're giving them the opportunity to reflect on where they are going, and what they want from that.

So how about we start asking, not telling-opening our minds and that of those around us to options, rather than solid solutions.

NIcola Robertson

Registered Physiotherapist