The Importance of Emotions in Physiotherapeutic Practice

Abstract

Emotions are a topic of great relevance, but are not frequently studied within physiotherapy. To identify and express emotions can be seen as a prerequisite for having emotional intelligence, an ability highly needed in treatment situations in physiotherapy. Within psychology, there is a tradition as well as a recognized fact that the identification and expression of emotions are important for good clinical outcomes. The aim of this paper is to review the literature within physiotherapy and psychology about the importance of emotions in treatment situations. Research has shown that physiotherapists have an awareness of underlying emotions in treatment situations, but often respond mostly on an intellectual level. Skills and awareness in identifying and expressing emotions in combination with cognitive and self-monitoring skills can be an effective way of improving the clinical reasoning process and treatment outcomes in physiotherapy. Identifying and expressing emotions in treatment situations may also increase positive treatment outcomes thanks to an increased adherence to transference and countertransference processes in treatment situations. More emphasis can be put on identifying and promoting verbal expression of emotions in treatment situations in physiotherapy practice.