Returning to Movement

Consider you have a client who has been working with you but takes a break due to a medical situation. They are ready to return to working with you, but how do you proceed? Or perhaps you have run into a personal situation that leaves you returning to movement after a significant event with your body.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach or set guidelines to this situation but there are things you can consider to best support yourself or your returning client.

• before meeting with your client, try to gain as much information as you can so that you’re prepared for their return:

  • do they have a physical therapist or doctor who you could contact in advance of your session?

  • do they have instructions, limitations, or recommendations from their therapist or doctor to consider?

  • have their goals changed since the last time you’ve worked with them?

• consider having your client fill out your intake form before returning in order to have records you can track changing information over time

• treat the first return session as though it is a first session with a new client. Do your screening and assessment, ask all of the questions you might have. Avoid expectations or comparing to past performance but instead focus on the present moment and where the client would like to work towards

• avoid “toxic positivity” or any judgmental phrases with regards to their experience. Toxic positivity, when somebody maintains unrelenting positivity to a degree that can be invalidating, can be discouraging and alienating to somebody’s healing process. Instead, listen, be thoughtful, and only offer ideas within the scope of your practice

As with any session, it is a good idea to keep diligent notes and records. If you encounter concerns related to your client’s situation that they’re recovering from, reach out to their healthcare team. As always, work within the scope of your practice!