The time of health care professionals holding themselves above the public is over.
The best providers I know, whether they are doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, or other paramedical disciplines, are people first. They connect with patients and the public, and once they’ve connected with someone, they use their niche skills and expertise to empower that person through their journey to recovery. Connection first, skills second: it’s the magic recipe that makes the best providers so effective, and it all starts with professionals ditching the “white coat” and spending a little more time in the shoes of their patients.
So let’s make one thing very clear: I. Am. HUMAN. Just like you - and that’s an important part of the perspective I take when it comes to treatment. It often feels like providers are put on a pedestal, or perhaps they put themselves there, and the result is someone who is, at first glance, seemingly immune to pain or injury, and making all the right decisions when it comes to health, fitness and nutrition. The fact of the matter is, we’re all just people, and that is an experience that clinicians and patients share.
Yes, I’ve had back pain, I’ve had back pain so badly I couldn’t run or lift weights. I’ve injured every limb there is to injure from a lifetime of athletics, competition, and just plain pushing myself. Because of my education, I know exactly what I SHOULD be doing when it comes to rehabbing an injury and preventing them in the future, but I’d be lying if I said that I stick to it 100% of the time.
I’ve tweaked my back, torqued my knee, sprained my ankles, broken a collarbone, injured both of my rotator cuffs, dealt with concussions, hurt myself lifting at the gym, jammed my wrists, and woke up with a crick in my neck (and that’s all by your average Wednesday!). If you can name it or find it on Dr. Google, I’ve probably hurt it, had to work through it, and often come out of it stronger than before. The fact is, getting hurt keeps me honest as a clinician, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Part of my confidence in diagnosing, treating, and helping someone manage their pain comes from the fact that I’ve probably lived it, felt what you’re feeling, know how it’s affecting your day-to-day, and how it’s likely to progress. I know what helped me, and what didn’t, and I use those experiences to help guide you along your journey to recovery, whatever "recovery" means to you. Trust me when I say that understanding what to expect and how to troubleshoot problems on your own is as critical in our empowered approach as hands-on treatment is.
This is the mentality that I take with each and every person who steps into my office.
So, are you struggling with an injury?
… is it still affecting the things you need to or want to do?
…. is it just not going away despite your best efforts?
… are you frustrated and not sure where to turn?
Give me a call, let's chat, and let’s see if we can’t just CONNECT over it.
Reach out to Dr. Nick on Instagram: @themovement.doc
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