Managing time: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of adherence to therapeutic exercise for low back pain

PURPOSE: Physiotherapy for low back pain (LBP) includes exercise therapy. Unfortunately adherence is problematic. This study explores patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of exercise adherence. METHOD: Nine LBP patients and eight physiotherapists were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore transcript data. RESULTS: The main theme 'managing time', reveals how pressure on time reflects society's view of time as a commodity. Theme components include 'the bargaining process': physiotherapists spend time listening, exploring patient beliefs, but modify patients' expectations of quick cures with the need to own their back care. 'Reviewing the future' identifies fears about long-term disability, highlighting the importance of recovery time knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Interpreting participants' stories illustrates how investing in routine exercise could help re-interpret LBP as part of everyday life.