Communication Skills PTs Need But Don’t Learn

About this episode

This episode explores essential communication skills for physical therapists to effectively advocate for patients and navigate workplace dynamics.

This episode dives into one of the biggest frustrations in physical therapy: feeling unheard at work. Rebecca Griffith breaks down how to communicate with leadership, advocate for patients, and avoid being labeled “difficult.” Key Insights: • Most leadership decisions are system-driven, not personal • Curiosity beats criticism in tough conversations • Timing, tone, and delivery matter as much as the message • Not all feedback moments are created equal • Small organizations allow more personalized communication What This Means for PTs & Clinic Owners: • You can advocate without damaging relationships • Better communication leads to more influence—not less • Understanding the system helps you navigate it • Emotional reactions can sabotage valid concerns • Leadership communication is a learnable skill Tactical Takeaways: • Ask: “Help me understand the goal of this decision” • Write questions first—don’t react in the moment • Clarify: is this decision final or open for input? • Choose the right time and setting for feedback • Focus on system impact—not just personal impact Guest Rebecca Griffith, PT, DPT Sponsors SaRA Health – patient engagement solutions EMPOWER EMR – faster…

People in this episode

Guest: Rebecca Griffith, Pt, Dpt

Topics covered

• communication skills
• physical therapy
• advocacy
• leadership
• patient care

Keywords

• feeling unheard
• leadership decisions
• curiosity beats criticism
• timing and tone
• advocating without damaging relationships

Sponsors

SaRA Health, EMPOWER EMR, U.S. Physical Therapy

Mentioned in this episode

Products: EMPOWER EMR

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