Relation of Psychology to Physical Therapy

Gorog, Dianne, ROLE OF SPORT PSYCHOLOGY IN A PHYSICAL THERAPY SETTING
This article highlights the role psychology plays in physical therapy. Gorog begins by explaining how bodily injury effects weaken the muscle and a person’s mental wellbeing. The recovery process takes a significant toll on the patient’s mental health is often overlooked. Gorog states a need to complement physical healing with psychological healing to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Athletic patients can receive overall mental and physical healing by focusing on the critical psychological skills essential during rehabilitation. One of the most common psychological skills employed with athletes is mental imagery which plays a crucial role in minimizing fear and anxiety through relaxation exercises before and after surgery. Experts also recommend imagery before transitioning back to the sport to reduce the fear of re-injury. According to research, negative/positive self-talk strongly influences physical and mental recovery. Therefore, the integrated response model should be based on mental imagery, coping skills, goal setting, and positive self-talk. Although many physical therapists have minimal knowledge of psychological skills, a positive attitude towards learning facilitates comprehensive psychology programs in physical therapy settings. This source is credible as it references a scientifically-backed integrated response model to interpreting an athlete’s behavioral and emotional response to injury. This source is helpful in my project because it explains the role psychologists have historically performed on physical therapy, and it offers the opportunity to improve in the future.
Knuth, A., Stewart, L. R., Brent, C., & Salerno, R. (2018). Psychological aspects of rehabilitation as perceived by physical therapists. J. Phys. Fitness Med. Treat. Sports, 2(1), 1-8.
This journal article explores the determining factor between the success or failure of physical therapy based on patient’s behavior, psychosocial strategies physical therapists are currently using, psychosocial approaches physical therapists desire to learn, and the existing counseling program. Behavioral, emotional, and situational factors influence an individual mental and physical recovery. Today, psychosocial factors draw insights into the success or failure of patients coping mechanisms. However, the recent shift in using the biopsychological model has caused myriad challenges in the physical therapist’s profession. First, physical therapists argue that the biopsychological model ignores factors such as psychosocial aspects within this practice. Also, physical therapists lack a rigid understanding of core psychological skills needed to ensure mental wellbeing. Second, the existing screening tools are lengthy and complicated to score, giving definitive results. Third, the majority of the psychosocial issues require outside intervention. Fourth, physical therapists work...