WHERE IS MY MAGIC WAND?

There seems to be a misconception about physical therapy.  Many folks must believe that we have a magic wand and we wave it over you on the first visit and all is better.  I admit we are awesome, we do make people feel better and function better and we can do amazing things as well as maintain our humility.  However,  there usually is a little homework for the patient, exercises or change of some habits that will aid in the recovery. Without the homework progress will take longer and possibly will just be too slow for some.

Here is a typical conversation......
"Good morning, how are you today?"  I might say.
"Not much better" the patient might say and then add, "those exercises do no help."
"Really?" I reply and then ask "did you do them 3 times a day everyday?"
"Well..... No.......,  But I did them once and they did not help"

WHERE IS MY MAGIC WAND?

My favorite was from a young boy about 10  years old.  He was shown a few simple exercises to be done at home 3 times a day. His mother was also given the written instructions so she could help him if necessary.  His response to the question of doing his exercises regularly was....
"Yes, I did the exercises....... one time, in the car on the way over here and I don't think they helped."

WHERE IS MY MAGIC WAND?

A few of the exercises given to a patient maybe hard to do or a little uncomfortable.  Those are usually the most important exercises to do because they address the problem.  Therefore a response I have heard several times goes like this.
" Yes I did my exercises, but not all of them.  A few of them were too hard to do and made me hurt a little so I just did the easy ones."

WHERE IS MY MAGIC WAND?

Lastly, I like to catch the individual in their little white lie when they say they did the exercises and I know they did not.  Here is a fun conversation.
"Go ahead and start the exercises that you are doing at home" I say at the beginning of a session.
The patient will ask "Which exercise do you want me to start with?"
" Oh just do them like you do them at home."  I reply.
After sitting on the table for a few seconds, looking a bit lost and not knowing what to do, the patient will finally reply "Ok, I did not do my exercises at home.  I don't know what to do."
Busted and

WHERE IS MY MAGIC WAND?