Dooley Noted: 10/19/2015
My mom used the expression, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
She was referring to not throwing everything away when you’re trying to solve some small problems.
I never knew how literal this phrase could be until I met one of my patients.
She came to me with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, and she’d been to several therapists without a lot of resolution.
They had largely discouraged her from trying to get pregnant, since pregnant women often experience SI joint pain.
Rather than walk her through rehabilitative strategies, they scared her into the idea that she would have more pain if she got pregnant.
What bull.
They used crystal ball theories instead of treating her like an individual.
We focused on giving her movement confidence and gave her an effective rehabilitative strategy for her SI joint.
She was very nervous to announce to me she was pregnant, even contemplating terminating the pregnancy.
She made the decision to trust me and the strategies we were employing.
A few days ago, she brought this beautiful baby boy into the world.
Had she listened to her previous therapists, she would’ve bought into the idea that she never would’ve been able to tolerate pregnancy.
In actuality, I watched her pain lessen during pregnancy and watched her gain strength and SI joint stability.
She had a very healthy delivery, and both she and the baby are in impeccable health.
She was not left in debilitating pain after the delivery, as she was projected.
She has a level of happiness now that she did not know was achievable.
I can’t wait to watch my patient grow even stronger, as I watch her son go into the world with a very confident mother.
For the therapists who may be reading this:
Don’t underestimate your patients.
Treat the bathwater.
Leave the baby out of it.
Let your patients and clients surprise you with their capabilities, while you encourage them that the impossible is actually quite probable.
Leave your opinions to yourself if they are crystal ball theories.
You have the opportunity to encourage mobility, stability, and strength.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley