What Should You Look For In A Healthcare Practitioner? (GP, Osteopath, Physio, Chiro, etc.)
I’ve had many people ask me over the years about what is the best modality of treatment… is it Chiropractic? Physiotherapy? Osteopathy? All 3 combined?
Well the answer is unfortunately more nuanced but we can simplify the answer as well.
Great treatments are provided by great practitioners.
Well, what makes a great practitioner then you might ask?
Let’s explore my (and many others around) common beliefs about what seperates the ‘good’ from the ‘great’ when it comes to healthcare.
Having Similar Experiences
I don’t mean that your healthcare provider has to have travelled to the same European holiday destinations as you, nor grew up in the same town.
What I am referring to is asking the question: ‘Has this healthcare provider had similar experiences to me in terms of injuries, rehab/recovery, and actually understand my goals and what it takes to be able to return to those goals?’
Seeing a healthcare provider for advice on how to start powerlifting who has never lifted a barbell in their life is probably not the right choice, right?
Neither is asking the powerlifting osteopathy in-depth questions regarding pelvic floor health during pregnancy.
You can see my direction with this. You want your healthcare professional to have a level of understanding, either through education or first-hand experience, in both what you’re experiencing injury/pain wise and in regards to what you want to achieve going forward in the future.
Effective Communication
When choosing a healthcare practitioner, effective communication is a fundamental aspect to consider. A good practitioner should be able to articulate their findings and recommendations clearly, ensuring that you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
It's essential that they listen to your concerns and questions, creating an open dialogue where you feel heard and valued. This not only builds trust but also ensures that your care is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
They should provide avenues for contacting them - whether that’s through email/WhatsApp/phone or otherwise, healthcare is a team game and allowing a line of communication where ideas can be bounced off each other creates an incredible space of learning and understanding that is mutually beneficial to both the client and practitioner.
If you EVER leave an appointment with a medical practitioner feeling unsure or even more confused than when you walked in, I am sorry but you have seen a terrible practitioner.
Education
You’ve booked an appointment with someone who has completed at minimum 4 years of university study and training. You should leave the session armed with more knowledge (even if it’s only ONE thing you learned) than when you walked in.
Patient education is more than just the medical practitioner showing off their intelligence (which may or may not be high 😂 ), but educating clients in fields surrounding health literacy (injury prevention, stress management, movement strategies, tips/tricks, etc.) has long lasting changes on the health of clients… much longer lasting changes than a simple massage can have.
Additionally, a practitioner should be willing to share educational resources, helping empower you to take an active role in your health journey.
Look for someone who encourages questions and provides informative insights, as this reflects a commitment to your health and well-being.
Honesty
Honesty? Are you saying doctors and medical practitioners lie?
Well, the truth is maybe some… but sometimes they like to live in ignorance as well!
I can recall MULTIPLE instances of medical practitioners not having the ability (whether due to ego or ignorance) to actually raise their hand and say ‘I don’t know what is happening to cause these symptoms for you currently’.
This almost falls into a new category of ‘Humbleness’ - when a medical practitioner can actually admit they aren’t fully sure why something is happening the way it is.
So how could it possibly be a good thing for your medical practitioner to NOT KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Well, don’t misunderstand me. If they are completely unsure about everything, all the time, ever…. yes that is a big problem.
But, if for example an injury arises and they look at you square in the eye and say ‘I don’t know exactly what may have caused this currently’…. that takes a level of honesty and bravery to admit and allows the conversation to be opened up as to how to tackle the issue TOGETHER as a team while further exploring the reasonings behind the issue over time.
Even in situations where the issue is totally understood by the practitioner, honest professionals will provide you with truthful information about your health, potential risks, and expected outcomes of treatments. They should be transparent about their qualifications, experience, and any fees involved in your care. A healthcare provider who is upfront about this information fosters a trusting relationship, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health.
Having a practitioner openly state they are unaware of certain things is really positive as great practitioners will often take it upon themselves to research and learn about it after the session has ended…. prompting our next incredible quality.
Continuing Professional Development
Healthcare is a quickly changing, constantly evolving sector of science. So many of the health beliefs we had a mere 50 years ago, have been completely rebuked and found out to be totally false (ie. Smoking being healthy).
Continuing professional development is vital in the ever-evolving field of healthcare. A dedicated practitioner actively engages in ongoing education and training to stay current with the latest research, techniques, and best practices. This commitment to professional growth ensures that you receive the most effective and evidence-based care. An open discussion about their learning and development endeavours can provide insights into their dedication and passion for their field.
Someone who provides the same care for multiple years without adding new strategies, techniques, movements, advice should be a RED FLAG, as things change.
The last thing you want is a medical professional who doesn’t care anymore and no longer stays current with new research (really old GP’s closing in on retirement…. I am looking at you).
Empathy
Arguably this is the most important quality of a great healthcare professional.
Empathy should also play a significant role in your selection process. A healthcare practitioner who demonstrates genuine understanding and compassion towards your situation can make a substantial difference in your care experience.
They should be able to acknowledge your feelings and perspectives, creating a supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing your health concerns. An empathetic approach not only enhances communication but can also lead to improved patient outcomes, as practitioners who connect with their patients are often more attuned to their needs.
If your healthcare professional is constantly looking at the clock, isn’t remembering details about you and it feels like you’re more in a factory with revolving doors where you go in, don’t get listened to, and come out… you need to find someone new.
Because I promise, there are healthcare practitioners that care about you and your progress out there….
If you can find someone who displays these qualities, takes an interest in you and your progress, and encourages you to be self-sufficient (not dependent on them or their treatment)… they are almost definitely the right healthcare practitioner for you.
If your current provider does not do these things, very respectfully, you deserve more and should seek more. Get in contact if you would like my assistance in finding a caring healthcare practitioner.
