Symbolic Interaction In Physical Therapy

Growing up I always found a way to injure myself, not intentionally, but I was able to acquire some type of injury. The injuries tended to range from obtaining stitches from falling on a cabinet to jamming a finger playing a sport. With injuries, came individuals (i.e. doctors, nurses) willing to help me pull through the injury as I would do the same for them if they were injured. These aspects of my life have led me to the career path of a Physical Therapist. One of the many elements which draws me to this field of work, is that I enjoy science and learning the ways of the body as it is extremely fascinating to observe how all of the bodily functions work together. In physical therapy, it is important to understand the patient mentally as

For physical therapy, the most useful theory would be symbolic interaction as it again contributes to understanding society and social structure through the examination of interactions of individuals. Symbolic interaction, even exhibits how almost all human behavior is determined by symbolic meanings being attached to what people detect as facts. It can also help in understanding each patient by how they expect a physical therapist to help them with their injury; thus, helping myself be better at my line of work. However, symbolic interaction is not the only theory that can be applied to physical therapy, conflict theories may also play an interesting role. Conflict theories view society as a source of inequality that benefits some groups and not others. In physical therapy conflict theories is important in understanding why an individual may have a problem with the therapist or why the individual waited to meet a therapist for their injury. Conflict theories in the essence connect back to social and societal influence on the world. Therefore, they promote division among groups of people when in reality the therapist and the patient are the same, except one is more qualified for their line of work. In all, conflict theories suggest there is a prominent divide between patient and therapist, which allows me to prevent the divide when I am totally invested in my career. Finally, the third theory structural functionalism lacks usefulness in my career to a significant extent. Structural functionalism recognizes society as a complex system composed of various parts, which is true; however, it forgets the individual in relation to the parts. Yet, in physical therapy it is completely about the individual and helping them to a full recovery. However, structural functionalism can help my field as it explains the importance of social institutions playing