When we develop a new discomfort or limitation, most of us want a label to hang our hat on, a name that we can Google, an "answer". ⠀

I personally avoid giving a client a very specific diagnosis - not because I don’t know what is happening, but because I find that it can hinder recovery. A narrow diagnosis often creates anxiety and fear of movement, and can lead to tunnel vision for both client and clinician. ⠀

My approach is to outline all of the areas that are contributing to the dysfunction and how we are going to tackle them. I find that breaking it down into attainable objectives is reassuring and motivating for clients. I focus on friendlier language like “strength” and “stability”, rather than a diagnosis like “labral tear”, which creates immediate thoughts of surgery and disability.⠀

So think big picture, focus on what you can control and change, and stay optimistic. Don’t let a label get in the way of your recovery.

(November 20 2020)