As therapists, we understand the complexities of rehabilitation. But for our patients, caregivers, and even referring physicians, our technical language can often sound like jargon. Effectively explaining therapy is a critical skill for improving patient adherence, building trust, and ensuring continuity of care.
Are you struggling to break down complex concepts? A core part of our job is knowing how to explain therapy to patients. This guide provides 9 actionable tips for communicating with patients, caregivers, and referral sources with clarity and confidence.
The Foundation: 3 Core Strategies for How to Explain Therapy to Patients
1. Simplify Medical Jargon Without Losing Meaning
This is the most important skill.
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Use Plain Language: Instead of “gait training,” say “learning to walk more steadily and safely.”
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Define Necessary Terms: If you must use a term like “proprioception,” immediately follow it with a simple definition like, “your body’s ability to sense its position in space.”
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Use Short, Direct Sentences: Break down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-digest sentences.
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2. Structure Information for Clarity
In learning how to explain therapy to patients, how you present information is as important as what you say.
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Lead with the “Why”: Start with the most important information first what the condition is and how therapy will help.
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Use Headings and Lists: Break up long sections of text with clear subheadings and use bullet points for exercises or key takeaways.
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Tell a Story: Use relatable, hypothetical examples or (with consent) anonymous case studies to make abstract concepts tangible.
3. Incorporate Evidence to Build Trust
Backing up your claims with credible sources reassures all audiences that your information is accurate. Citing a reputable study or clinical guideline demonstrates that your plan is rooted in evidence-based practice.
Tailoring Your Communication for Each Audience
4. How to Explain Therapy to Patients: The Basics
Focus on reassurance, empowerment, and education.
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Use a Conversational Tone: Be approachable and supportive.
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Provide Visual Aids: Use diagrams or short videos to demonstrate exercises.
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Focus on the Benefit: Instead of “range-of-motion exercises,” say, “gentle movements to help you regain flexibility and move more comfortably.”
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5. Tips for Explaining Therapy to Caregivers
When communicating with caregivers, the focus should be on clear, actionable steps.
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Give Practical Instructions: Clearly outline how they can assist with home exercises.
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Offer Troubleshooting Advice: Prepare them for common challenges, like a patient’s resistance to therapy.
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Emphasize Emotional Support: Remind them of the crucial role they play in keeping the patient motivated.
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6. Tips for Communicating with Referral Sources
Focus on being concise, objective, and data-driven.
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Use a Professional Tone: Keep your reports objective and clinical.
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Highlight Measurable Progress: Use data and standardized outcome measures to demonstrate progress. Instead of “patient is feeling better,” write, “Patient has demonstrated a 30% improvement in grip strength.”
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Focus on Functional Outcomes: Clearly state how therapy has impacted the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks.
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Advanced Techniques for Better Communication
7. Utilize Multimedia Content
Enhance your blog posts and patient handouts with:
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Diagrams illustrating exercises.
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Infographics summarizing key points.
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Videos demonstrating proper technique.
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8. Ensure Accessibility for All
Make sure your content is easy for everyone to consume.
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Use clear, large fonts.
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Provide translations when necessary.
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Ensure your website is accessible for users with visual impairments.
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9. Use Your EMR to Standardize Communication
A modern EMR like HelloNote is a powerful tool that helps with how to explain therapy to patients by streamlining communication:
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Storing Patient Education Handouts: Attach pre-written, easy-to-understand handouts directly to the patient’s file in their portal.
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Generating Professional Reports: Create clean, data-rich progress reports for referring physicians with just a few clicks.
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Facilitating Secure Messaging: Use a patient portal for HIPAA-compliant communication with patients and caregivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Communication
- Q1: How do you explain therapy in simple terms?
Explain it as a partnership. In your own words, therapy is a guided process where a professional helps you regain strength, movement, or skills that were lost due to injury or illness. The goal is always to help you return to your daily activities safely and with confidence. The best explanation focuses on the patient’s personal goals.
- Q2: What are descriptive words to use in therapy notes?
Use objective and measurable words. Instead of “better,” use “improved strength by 1 grade (4/5).” Instead of “walks well,” use “ambulated 100 feet with modified independence.” Good descriptive words include: demonstrated, completed, required (e.g., minimal assistance), tolerated, and achieved.
- Q3: What is the 2-year rule for therapists?
The “2-year rule” is an ethical guideline from the American Psychological Association (APA) that generally prohibits psychologists from engaging in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after the cessation of therapy. While this specific rule is from the APA, all therapy disciplines (including PT, OT, and SLP) have strict codes of ethics regarding professional boundaries with current and former patients.
Conclusion
Mastering the skill of how to explain therapy to patients is essential for effective clinic management and superior patient care. By simplifying jargon, structuring information clearly, and tailoring your message to each audience, you can educate, empower, and foster better outcomes for everyone involved in the patient’s journey.
