Padawan Lesson: The Applied Philosophy of James Dalton and Why All PT Students Need to Watch Road House

A Padawan Lesson…

Physical therapy, fitness training, or physical preparation for sport exist in the complex domain. This is the domain of many unknowns.

Traumatic events affect individuals differently, and the interpretation is in the eye of the beholder. What may paralyze one person to a life of withdrawal, anxiety, or depression may motivate another to do great work for others. One’s history helps evolve their response to any interaction. You as a stranger to your new client may be perceived as a threat or friend. You just never know.

Offense is the responsibility of the offended. This is by no means permission to intentionally insult or express some ignorant judgment on someone else’s physiology, decisions, or worldview. Your words must, therefore, be chosen wisely. You may hope to establish rapport with a new client by interjecting some humor with absolute kindness that ultimately backfires due to a lack of understanding or misinterpretation. Your client is now defensive and is incapable of the essential trust that assures a successful interaction. You just never know.

A patient or client that would sue you for some perceived wrongdoing has already decided to sue you before even meeting you. They are merely waiting for an opportunity. On the flip side of the coin, there are those that would never consider suing you under any circumstances. Which of the two are now before you? You just never know.

So how to do we avoid the possible negative consequences of any patient/therapist or coach/client relationship?

The answer lies in the Philosophy of James Dalton.

Dalton lived by three simple rules:

Rule #1: Never underestimate your opponent; expect the unexpected.
Rule #2: Take it outside; never start anything inside the bar unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Rule #3: Be nice.

Of Dalton’s three rules, it is the third rule that carries the most weight in a patient or client interaction. The patient’s perception of the success of that interaction is dependent on whether your patient thinks you are nice.

Much like the application of universal precautions in regard to infection control and exposure to human bodily fluids, Dalton’s Third Rule is the universal precautions of personal and professional interaction.

So be nice.

You cannot predict your patient or client’s personal history nor their response to it.

So be nice.

A truly successful treatment outcome depends on establishing trust with your client or patient.

So be nice.