Movement Vocabulary

In the case of movement, we are talking about a complex thing. We all make it look fairly simple, and the rules of it are simple, but the ways it is created and produced are anything but simple. When I work with patients, one of the first things we begin to develop is a common language. A vocabulary that we can use to communicate our interpretation of the movement issue. 

Communicating clearly is difficult, we all have our own understanding of how things work and describing that unambiguously to others can be a challenge. This phenomenon is no different in physical therapy. When patients arrive for treatment, initially we spend time discussing the issue at hand. This is an opportunity to not only gain an understanding of how I can assist, but to also start to create a common language. From here we can build upon that language and start solving problems.

The most difficult aspect of the work comes next. Once I have had time to assess and examine a patient, I develop a hypothesis regarding the movement issue. It is crucial that communicating the issue and describing the solution be clear so that we both understand the next steps. We now have a foundation with which to work from.

Interventions going forward build on this foundation. The hands-on treatment, or exercises I prescribe utilize this and develop it further. Our vocabulary surrounding movement and how it impacts someone’s capabilities becomes more concise and clearer. As I start to challenge them more with exercises, the foundation built early on serves as a guide. The dynamics change, but the principles remain the same.

Movement is a requirement in all walks of life. Every patient of mine has different needs and perceptions, but the ability to communicate and understand those needs takes time. In that time, we develop a common ground. We use more concise language through a vocabulary that delivers our message. Once we have that established, we’re in it together.

Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist