It is important for Medicare guidelines and patient understanding to relate the patient's condition to function and then relate it to help stretching exercises prescribed for their condition. If we focus on function and NOT PAIN, then the patients will have to function and realize even more that they are not completely healed when the pain stops.

The entire goal is to help patient! . . . . . by giving them great, quality service and concentrating on their main complaint and increasing the perceived value and quality service through not only our treatment methods but also through our communication.

SIMPLE AND EASY TABLE TALK

(FUNCTION and home stretching talk with every patient before TX)

A. How has your NECK (SHOULDER, LOW BACK, HAND, ETC) been since Monday (over the weekend).....................

If getting better, say . . . . . "great, continue doing the exercises. It takes time, and you are doing all the right things to help the movement"

If getting worse or no change, say .......... "Are you doing the stretching exercises? It takes time, and you are doing all the right things to help the movement" (can remind of the chronicity of their problem. i.e. "remember you have had this for 2 years

ASIDE: We will come up with a number of stretching exercises for a body region. We will keep it effective, quick, and easy. These three things patients and practitioners love hearing. These exercises will help gage patients stretches; it will help the practitioner to keep focus on the FUNCTIONAL treatment. By asking the patient about their stretches, it will help them you be proactive about their help. We have specific handouts already for NECK and LOW back and shoulder put together.

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSEMENT......

Have patients fill out self evaluation form that quantifies their progress. This reinforces the effectiveness and benefits of coming to receive PT/ CHIRO care on a regular basis. It will give an exact percentage of improvement which patients can relate to.