Defending the art of physical therapy: Expanding inquiry and crafting culture in support of therapeutic alliance

The successful practice of physical therapy requires a professional culture that places value on the interpersonal relationships that foster healing, and the face time required to build those relationships. Pressures on current practice are not facilitating this approach. The drive for increased productivity, cost effectiveness and ultimately, profit, are changing the landscape in which we practice. This phenomenon is fueled by an overemphasis on quantitative research in evidence-based medicine and an underappreciation of clinical expertise and patient values. This imbalance undermines the holistic, patient-centered approach that has been the basis for physical therapy since its inception. Authors suggest that in order to preserve defining characteristics of the profession, there is an urgent need to redirect our research agenda and PT education with a focus on the study of contextual and psychosocial factors that influence treatment outcomes. Recent research findings indicate that the effect of therapeutic alliance may be as important to outcomes as the chosen intervention. The authors suggest that excellence in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education must incorporate education addressing the vital importance of therapeutic alliance and also include training in the skills for developing such unique intentional relationships.