Empathy in PT for post-polio includes which behaviors?

• A. Overly aggressive pacing
• B. Active listening and validating patient concerns
• C. Ignoring patient concerns
• D. Only addressing physical symptoms

Answer: (B)

Empathy in physical therapy for post-polio means truly engaging with the patient by listening closely to what they say, acknowledging their fears, frustrations, and goals, and reflecting that understanding back to them. This approach builds trust and helps the therapist tailor the plan to the patient’s lived experience, which is especially important when post-polio involves unpredictable fatigue, pain, and functional concerns. When you actively listen and validate concerns, the patient feels heard and respected, which encourages open reporting of symptoms, barriers, and preferences, leading to a more effective, collaborative treatment plan.

The other approaches miss that empathetic connection: pushing pacing aggressively can feel coercive and may worsen fatigue or pain, undermining trust. Ignoring patient concerns signals a lack of regard for the patient’s experience, which damages rapport. Focusing only on physical symptoms disregards the emotional and psychosocial aspects that often accompany chronic conditions like post-polio, reducing the quality of care.