Physiotherapy & Deliberate Practice

What Is Deliberate Practice?

Deliberate practice is defined as being effortful in nature with the main goal of personal improvement of performance rather than enjoyment. Additionally, deliberate practice is often performed without immediate reward and gratification. There is a natural build towards an overarching goal which can be as complex as competing in the Olympics or as simple as walking for 30 minutes without low back pain. Deliberate practice is more than simply going through the motions - it’s about pushing yourself to improve in a purposeful, intentional and structured way to achieve your goals.

Deliberate Practice in Physiotherapy

In the scope of physiotherapy, deliberate practice is essential for completion of therapeutic goals. It might seem a little over the top to use a methodology catered towards high performing individuals; however, deliberate practice at its core forms the foundation for goal achievement. Therapeutic goals must be grounded within specific values, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. That is, we cannot simply show up to physiotherapy sessions or participate in a physiotherapy treatment plan solely relying on the hope of improving our health. Both physiotherapist and client need to be mindful of the clinical problem and devise a plan together that allows for measured and objective improvement. One of the biggest issues that people face when they begin rehabilitation is that there is no over-arching timeline or goal to gauge improvement and many people cease attending treatment, typically more frustrated than when they started. Hence, deliberate practice and goal setting helps keep the physiotherapist and client accountable to ensure that progress is actually achieved.

Key Features of Deliberate Practice

Here is a look at how deliberate practice within the physiotherapy setting can benefit your recovery.

1. Specific Goals: Work with your physiotherapist to define clear and specific goals for improvement. These goals should be challenging yet achievable, pushing you slightly beyond your skill level or comfort zone without being overwhelmed.
2. Focused Attention: Practitioners (physiotherapist and you) must concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. This requires full engagement and mindfulness throughout treatment sessions.
3. Feedback: Your physiotherapist must provide immediate and constructive feedback, which is crucial for your improvement. Feedback helps you identify areas for correction and adjust performance accordingly.
4. Repetition: Ensure completion of prescribed exercises and pain-free movements that allow you to refine and automate specific aspects of the movement or functional task you are trying to achieve. This repetition is purposeful and aimed at continuous improvement or progression of exercises once they become easy to perform.
5. Adaptation: You need to be willing to adapt and adjust your approach based on feedback from your physiotherapist. This flexibility is essential for overcoming challenges and refining the new skills you learn over time. Your physiotherapist must work with you to observe any barriers that may present themselves over the course of the treatment plan.
6. Expert Guidance: Your physiotherapist must be competent and an expert in the area that you are seeking treatment for. Guidance from someone with expertise in the field helps you navigate your learning journey more effectively.

Deliberate practice can apply to many different areas of our life in which we want to improve. However, in the rehabilitation setting it is essential that your physiotherapist or health care practitioner provides guided and structured treatment for you. If you find that your current treatment plan is unsuccessful it could be that it lacks the above framework. Remember, your physiotherapist must individualize their treatment approach to your health and goals to ensure that you are successful. At Rebel Rehab we prioritize the individual and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

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