HEMME APPROACH TO SOFT-TISSUE THERAPY

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HISTORY
The first step in the HEMME APPROACH is HISTORY. Background
information such as vital statistics, lifestyle, and general health should be
entered by the patient on a standard form before the interview starts. Other
items to include are previous injuries, operations, and past medical treatments.
In particular, have patients advise if they are currently under medical care or
aware of any conditions that might contraindicate soft-tissue therapy. There
should be a blank space at the bottom of the form for the patient to add further
information if needed. A practitioner should always read the completed
medical history form prior to interviewing a patient.
During the first few minutes of contact between the practitioner and
patient, both parties form impressions that are difficult to change. Practitioners
will evaluate the patient's honesty, intelligence, personality, and motivation.
Patients will evaluate the practitioner's competency, attitude, demeanor, and
communication skills. Negative opinions formed by either party can adversely
affect the entire course of therapy.
If practitioners decide too early that patients are motivated by litigation or
secondary gain, legitimate signs of illness or injury may not be acknowledged.
A premature diagnosis of hysteric conversion may cause practitioners to
identify psychogenic symptoms but totally disregard organic signs. The initial
interview is a time for collecting information, not making final decisions. The
mind should remain open, objective, and focused.
If patients, on the other hand, decide too early that practitioners are
incompetent, uncaring, or unprofessional, subsequent attempts to regain the
patient's confidence may be futile. Even if patients continue to use the services
of someone they dislike or distrust, their willingness to cooperate will be less,
especially in cases requiring self-care.
Although difficult to say how much of any treatment is physical versus
psychological, placebo effects cannot be overlooked. Since the effectiveness
of any placebo depends on what the patient believes, and belief depends
largely on the patient's attitude toward the person recommending treatment, the
relationship between the practitioner and patient can clearly affect the final
outcomes. Good relationships often produce good therapeutic results.
HEMME Approach to Soft-Tissue Therapy