Managing time: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of adherence to therapeutic exercise for low back pain

Abstract

Purpose. Physiotherapy for low back pain (LBP) includes exercise therapy. Unfortunately adherence is problematic. This study explores patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of exercise adherence.

Method. Nine LBP patients and eight physiotherapists were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore transcript data.

Results. The main theme ‘managing time’, reveals how pressure on time reflects society's view of time as a commodity. Theme components include ‘the bargaining process’: physiotherapists spend time listening, exploring patient beliefs, but modify patients' expectations of quick cures with the need to own their back care. ‘Reviewing the future’ identifies fears about long-term disability, highlighting the importance of recovery time knowledge.

Conclusions. Interpreting participants' stories illustrates how investing in routine exercise could help re-interpret LBP as part of everyday life.

• Interpretative phenomenological analysis
• low back pain
• exercise
• adherence