When you experience pain, an injury, or a long-standing health issue like low back pain, what your healthcare professional tells you can profoundly shape your understanding, expectations, and recovery. But what if the information you receive is inaccurate, outdated, or simply poorly explained?
This question lies at the heart of a fascinating article I recently read: “The Enduring Impact of What Clinicians Say to People with Low Back Pain.” It explores how the words, explanations, and advice from healthcare providers don’t just inform patients—they influence their beliefs, emotions, behaviours, and ultimately, their outcomes.
Why What You’re Told Matters More Than You Think
Research shows people tend to trust what their healthcare professionals tell them. That trust can be incredibly positive—if the information is evidence-based and clearly communicated. But it can also be harmful if the clinician is ill-informed or communicates poorly.
For example, statements like:
- “Your back is screwed.”
- “Your disc problem is severe.”
- “You’ll never work again with this injury.”
…are often said offhandedly or meant to convey seriousness, but they can have a devastating psychological impact. These words can create fear, hopelessness, and avoidance behaviours that delay recovery or worsen disability.
Misinformation: A Hidden Barrier to Healing
One of the most common misunderstandings I’ve come across in clinical practice is when a patient says, “My surgeon doesn’t want to operate because my back is too bad.” In reality, most of the time, a surgeon avoids surgery because the condition doesn’t require it—not because it’s beyond help. Conservative management, like physiotherapy and exercise-based rehab, is often far more effective in the long run than surgery for many musculoskeletal conditions.
If someone mistakenly believes they are “too far gone” for treatment, they may stop trying to improve, resign themselves to pain, or disengage from work and activities they love. This is why understanding your problem, prognosis, and evidence-based treatment options is essential to achieving the best possible recovery.
Clear Communication Build Confidence
At Logan Physio, we know that excellent communication is the foundation of great care. Our team prioritizes giving you clear, accurate explanations about:
- What your problem or injury actually is.
- Why it’s happening and what’s contributing to it.
- What research says about your prognosis.
- What treatment options exist and how effective they are.
- What you can do right now to start improving.
Having this understanding helps you take an active role in your recovery, reduces anxiety, and empowers you to make informed choices.
How Miscommunication Happens
So, why do well-meaning healthcare professionals sometimes say things that cause unnecessary fear?
Some reasons include:
- Outdated beliefs – Many clinicians were trained decades ago and haven’t kept up with modern pain science or evidence-based guidelines.
- Casual language – Using slang or dramatic phrases to emphasize seriousness can be misinterpreted by patients.
- Time constraints – Busy clinics can leave little time for thorough explanations.
- Complex conditions – Pain, especially chronic pain, is complicated. It’s not always easy to explain, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be.
This highlights the importance of choosing clinicians who prioritize continuous learning, clear communication, and patient education.
Your Right to Understand Your Condition
You deserve to fully understand what’s going on with your body. You should never leave an appointment feeling confused, scared, or hopeless. If you do, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or seek a second opinion.
Here are some questions you can ask your healthcare professional to ensure you leave with a clear understanding:
- What exactly is my diagnosis?
- What causes this problem?
- Is it something that can improve, or will it stay the same?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the risks and benefits of each option?
- What can I do to help my own recovery?
The Role of Evidence-Based Practice
Modern physiotherapy is guided by a growing body of research showing that most musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, is rarely caused by serious damage or “wear and tear” alone. Instead, pain often involves a combination of:
- Minor tissue injuries
- Sensitised nerves
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and physical activity
- Negative beliefs about pain
Effective treatment plans focus on education, exercise, lifestyle changes, and building confidence in movement, rather than relying on passive treatments or alarming language.
Why Logan Physio Focuses on Education First
At Logan Physio, our experienced team stays up-to-date with the latest research to ensure our assessments, explanations, and treatment plans are evidence-based. We believe clinical excellence doesn’t just mean having hands-on skills—it also means being able to:
- Accurately diagnose your problem
- Clearly communicate what that diagnosis means
- Provide realistic expectations for your recovery
- Empower you to take control of your health
This commitment to education helps reduce fear, improve outcomes, and get you back to doing what you love as quickly and safely as possible.
Creating a Personalised Treatment Plan
Everyone’s experience of pain or injury is unique. Two people with identical MRI findings can have completely different symptoms and levels of function. That’s why our consults are designed to identify your core problem, understand your personal goals, and create a tailored treatment plan that best suits your circumstances.
Your plan may include:
- Pain education
- Graded exercise therapy
- Manual therapy if appropriate
- Lifestyle advice (e.g., sleep, stress, work habits)
- Strategies for returning to work or sport
- Collaboration with other healthcare providers if needed
The Takeaway: Don’t Settle for Confusion
To get the best results from your rehabilitation, you need to truly understand your problem. Accepting vague or alarming explanations can limit your recovery, while clarity can set you on a path to success.
Remember: You deserve to know what’s going on with your body, what you can do about it, and what your future looks like.
Ready for a Clearer Diagnosis and Path Forward?
If you’re struggling with pain or injury and feel unsure about what’s really going on, our team at Logan Physio is here to help. We’ll take the time to explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options, and support you every step of the way so you can achieve the best possible outcome.
