There is no such thing as Time Management. There is only Self Management, time goes on as it will, no matter your intentions for it.

So what can happen over time? Time is one of these factors that is hard to account for, but does a lot of the treating of a patient for you. (see: It's not ALL about you).  The biology of tissue healing occurs over a timeline and it occurs at a pace that is affected, but not determined, by us or your patient. Over time we can see Maturation (internal changes that would take place over time) and Natural History (external events that would take place over time) change our patients.

Here are three stories of the types of things that can happen... because of time:

What's going on here? 1

Repetition is a wonderful way to work at an issue. Consistent, vigilant, methodical practice. This does not speak to magnitude. Small efforts, in time or intensity, aimed at a goal are a real meaningful attack.

This is a perspective shift for many. For clinicians and patients. People, humans, want a "fix," an immediate "undo" if you will. I find myself explaining that rehab is a process, not an event. So I will often try to tell a story about it.

Smooth round rocks? 2


What happened here? 3

Repetition can be used to break down and to build. The reps at the gym. Monthly investment deposits. A compliment for your staff.

Getting a patient on board with a repetitive process is always interesting, as they are all on a different spectrum of Readiness To Change. Many will intrinsically latch on to the repetition while others require a story, or a mind shift (Ex: Contemplative, Preparation).

Repetition has a time component, which makes it difficult to incorporate into daily habits. Find a meaningful analogy to spur on the behavior needed for change. Doing the right thing, once, is nice. Doing the right thing, over time, is magic.

-Matt Dancigers, DPT

Interested in live cases where I apply this approach and integrate it with pain science, manual therapy, repeated motions, IASTM, with emphasis on patient education? Check out Modern Manual Therapy!

Keeping it Eclectic...

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