Practical measuresPractical measures Practical measuresPractical measures
You can also correct mistakes by pointing out
even the smallest changes that lead in the desired
direction, and affirming the patient’s progress.
Through a large number of small steps the patient
improves slowly but surely, and the feeling of
success persists.Control of therapeutic behavior
Of course, you should be able to explain why an
exercise is performed. This rational explanation
helps patients strengthen their motivation.
You also need to ask patients whether they under-
stand an exercise to make sure they will practice
the exercise correctly. It is even more important
to let patients demonstrate all exercises while you
are watching. If patients are to work on their own,
write down the exercises or make a simple drawing
of them to help them remember.
Finally it is essential to inquire how patients have
got on while they were exercising on their own,
before asking them to demonstrate the exercises
once more. Then you can affirm the exercise behav-
ior by pointing out success and correcting mistakes
that have crept in. If a patient has failed to exercise,
ask what were the obstacles and what would help.
For some patients it is useful to keep a list of their
successes.References
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