Nonverbal Communication During Physical Therapy

This study was designed to investigate nonverbal communication in a physical therapy setting. The investigation was accomplished by observing patient-physical therapist interaction during treatment sessions, recording nonverbal behaviors capable of communicating, and interviewing the patient and therapist to discuss the nonverbal communication that occurred during the treatment. Nonverbal communication was present in the physical therapy setting, although both patient and therapist were aware of nonverbal behavior only 50 percent of the time. Nonverbal communication was used to maintain or establish an emotionally supportive treatment setting and to clarify or explain treatment instruction. Nonverbal communication in this setting and for these purposes was deemed effective.