Time: The Undervalued Principle

Time, it is very simple, yet so profound and essential in our interactions.

As a physical therapist, I have chatted with many patients after doctor visits. A VAST majority of those patients report on the amount of time spent with the doctor.

Sometimes, patients report “the doctor came in and chatted for about 5 minutes” and are typically not thrown off by that. If the doctor gives them more time, upwards of 15 minutes, they are often surprised.

It is often a held belief in our health care system that we likely will not get much time with our health care providers and that is alright.

Is it though?

In my opinion…no.

To me, providing quality care means time. To listen, to understand, to problem solve; those things take time.

Time brings better quality of care as I can better understand the issues and understand how it affects the individual. That is a large part of the healing process.

Especially as runners, the health care systems and insurances often come to the conclusion, you don’t necessarily NEED to run to perform your every day activities.

But we WANT to, and that is just as valuable. Running provides an escape for some people, stress relief for others, and an opportunity to constantly improve.

Healing takes time, understanding takes time.

So I urge all runners to be picky: seek out quality care, seek out providers that look you in the eye, listen, and provide time.

When that happens you can be sure that you are in a place where healing is valued and the provider wants to help you and will stop at nothing to help you!

If you are looking for quality care for a running injury, contact Matt with the button below!