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The Busy PT's Guide to Finding Balance

Those Who Can't Do, Teach

Published January 12, 2011 6:04 PM by Janey Goude

I'm walking proof of the idiom, "Those who can't do, teach." Recently I broke my foot. After trying to "walk it out," it became apparent that I was going to need medical intervention. Two hours later I was getting ready to leave Urgent Care with a temporary splint and crutches. The nurse asked if I knew how to use the crutches and I said, "Yes, I used to teach people how to use them. I've got this."

Correction, I so don't got this. It is much easier said than done, and it is nothing like riding a bike. Those motor memories just weren't there. I've never been very coordinated; but apparently what little coordination I had 15 years ago, no longer exists. My deficits aside, it is much easier to demonstrate crutch-walking when you know you can put weight on your foot if you have to. As opposed to performing crutch-walking with a splinted foot and the knowledge that waves of electric shocks will pulse into that foot if you put any weight on it.

As you are teaching others, take into account which differences exist between teacher and student. Walking with two healthy feet is not the same as walking with one injured foot. Using crutches at 25 years old is nothing like walking with crutches at 45 years old. Even if you had two 25-year olds with two healthy - or injured - feet, those two people would not be working with the same skill set. Sadly, practice does not always make perfect.

While my example is specific to the medical field, it can be generalized to any business. Until you have walked in your clients' shoes, assume you would have difficulty with every task you are trying to teach them. Be patient. Be compassionate. Be encouraging.

2 comments

Julie,

Thanks for your thoughts.  You are right, sometimes situations override our will.  I'll answer that final question of yours for myself.  Looking back now, I am certain I could NOT have done as well as most of my patients have done.

I've realized that there have been times I haven't given my patients nearly enough credit for their achievements.  Because of my "fit" status, I was completely unable to comprehend the magnitude of what they were accomplishing.  I allowed for advanced age, medical issues, and decreased fitness level, but I truly had no concept of the extent those impacted ability.

In these past few weeks, I've thought more than once of a home health patient I treated in Charleston.  She had both knees replaced at the same time.  She had at least 100 pounds and 20 years on me.  I remember marveling at how much effort went into her movements.  

She lived alone in a high-end apartment.  She did have hired help for housework and home health aides to assist with personal hygiene.  But for much of the day she was alone.  These past weeks, I have been even more profoundly impressed with her ability to live alone under such circumstances.  

Janey Goude January 13, 2011 8:56 PM

Go Bat Man!!!  (Or Bat Woman!!)  ABSOLUTELY!!  I remember two incidents one was with horrifying side effects form medications and another was with memory impairment caused by medical concerns.  I had always thought that will or a strong constitution could override anything.  NOT THE CASE! I think it's a good lesson for us when we are put int heir shoes.  Very humbling.  I wonder, could I have done as well as they have?!?

Julie January 13, 2011 12:03 PM

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