The industry’s taboo subject: Why 50% of all physiotherapists experience burnout

Physical therapists are vital to our healthcare system, but their demanding work too often leads to burnout. The physical and emotional pressures often quickly become too much, and it can be difficult to know where to turn.

In the following article, we will look at the causes and effects of burnout and give you practical advice on how to prevent and deal with burnout.

This is what this blog article is about:

1. What is burnout? How does burnout occur?
1. Definition of burnout
2. Prevalence among physiotherapists
3. Signs and symptoms
4. diagnosis
2. How does burnout occur?
3. How can burnout be prevented?
4. I suffer from burnout – what now?
5. A field report
6. Conclusion

1. What is burnout?

Physical therapists are true healthcare heroes who do valuable work every day to help people suffering from physical injury or illness. But the demands of this challenging profession can often take their toll, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of professionals. Burnout is an all too common reality for physical therapists, and the effects can be devastating.

a. Definition of burnout

To better understand burnout, imagine a lightbulb. It shines brightly and intensely as long as it has power. But if it is used too long and too intensely without a break, it can overheat and eventually burn out.

Our body and mind work in a similar way - if we are under stress and feel overwhelmed for too long without getting enough rest and relaxation, we can feel burned out and exhausted, completely drained of energy. We then have difficulty concentrating, are tired and often feel dissatisfied or even frustrated with our work or our life in general.

If left untreated, burnout can have serious consequences, so it is crucial to take preventative measures and seek help when necessary.

b. Prevalence among physiotherapists

Unfortunately, burnout is a serious problem that affects many professions, including physical therapy. Of concern is the high prevalence of burnout among physical therapists. A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that up to 50% of physical therapists experience burnout at some point in their careers.

Burnout not only impacts the health and well-being of physiotherapists, but also the quality of patient care. Therefore, both physiotherapists and their employers must take steps to prevent or treat burnout. We will return to prevention and treatment measures later.

c. Signs and symptoms

Burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by long-term stress. It often occurs in people who have to meet high expectations in professional or personal situations and feel overwhelmed.

If you suffer from burnout as a physiotherapist, the following symptoms may manifest:

1. Physical exhaustion: A physical therapist suffering from burnout may feel physically exhausted, even after adequate rest. They may feel that their body is heavy and sluggish, and even simple tasks such as moving objects or standing for long periods of time are exhausting.
2. Emotional exhaustion: Burnout can also lead to emotional exhaustion. A physical therapist may feel like he or she no longer has emotional space to care for patients. They may feel burned out and empty, and may have difficulty feeling compassion or empathy for their patients.
3. Irritability: Burnout can lead to increased irritability. You become easily irritated and frustrated, even over small things. You may also feel like you are losing control of your emotions and that your mood changes quickly.
4. Loss of motivation: A physical therapist suffering from burnout may lose interest in their work. They may feel that their work is pointless and that their efforts are not appreciated. They may also find it difficult to concentrate on their work.
5. Withdrawal: Burnout can also lead to withdrawal. A physical therapist may distance themselves from their colleagues and isolate themselves. They may feel like they have no one to talk to about their work or that they are no longer part of the team.
6. Sleep problems: Burnout can also lead to sleep problems. You may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You may also feel like you are not rested even if you have gotten enough sleep.

Depending on the extent of the disease and individual symptoms, one or more signs may apply to you. However, you should also be aware of smaller symptoms, as these can be warning signs.

d. diagnosis

Diagnosing burnout can be challenging because the symptoms are often not immediately obvious and can have other causes. It therefore requires careful listening and observation of the affected person.

To diagnose burnout in a physical therapist, several factors must be considered, such as changes in behavior, emotions, and physical condition. Here are some of the signs that may indicate burnout in physical therapists:

• Emotional exhaustion
• Low work ethic
• Withdrawal from social contacts
• sleep disorders
• Having physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems or muscle pain.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be a sign of burnout. It is important that you get a diagnosis from a professional healthcare provider to receive proper treatment and begin the healing process.

2. How does burnout occur?

As a physiotherapist, you face one of the most demanding challenges: you have to be in top shape not only physically, but also mentally in order to carry out your work at the highest level. But despite your efforts, burnout can occur and pull you into a spiral of exhaustion and overexertion. But where does burnout come from in physiotherapists?

1. High work pressure: Physical therapists often work under high pressure to provide optimal care to their patients. They must adhere to tight schedules, manage many tasks simultaneously and often perform their work in a stressful environment.
2. Long working hours: Physical therapists often work long shifts, sometimes on weekends. This can lead to exhaustion and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
3. Lack of support from supervisors or colleagues: If physical therapists feel that their supervisors or colleagues do not support them, this can lead to frustration and isolation and may also increase workload.
4. High expectations from patients and the healthcare system: Patients often expect quick and effective results from their treatment and the healthcare system also places great value on quick recovery and short waiting times. These expectations often lead to a feeling of failure and being overwhelmed.
5. Constantly striving for perfectionism: Physical therapists are often very performance-oriented and strive for perfection in their work. If they feel that they are not living up to this ideal, it can lead to stress and burnout.

To prevent or treat burnout in physical therapists, both you and your employer, if you have one, need to take action. In the following section, you'll learn what factors play a role.

3. How can burnout be prevented?

One of the most important steps physical therapists can take to prevent burnout is to create a healthy work-life balance.

This can mean:

• Time for hobbies
• Leisure activities for relaxation
• regular breaks during work
• enough good sleep

A positive work culture is also crucial. What exactly does that mean?

As a physical therapist, it's important to work in an environment that provides you with the resources you need to do your job successfully. Whether it's having the latest equipment or having enough time to properly care for your patients, you need support to do your job effectively.

But it's not just about what you need, it's also about what you deserve. A positive work environment is based on support and collaboration and can help keep you and your colleagues motivated and engaged, even in stressful situations.

It is important to recognize that a positive work environment does not happen on its own. It requires work and commitment from everyone involved, including managers and employees. Regular meetings and open discussions can help to address problems and concerns and find solutions together. When everyone pulls together and supports each other, it can help keep everyone motivated and productive and prevent burnout.

4. I suffer from burnout – what now?

If you feel you are suffering from burnout, it is important to seek help. Burnout is a serious condition and can negatively impact your health, work and relationships. There are many treatment options that can help you recover and improve your quality of life.

As a first step, it is advisable to make an appointment with your GP or a mental health professional. They can carry out a thorough examination to ensure that there are no other health problems that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor can also give you advice on how to manage stress and relax.

Three proven treatment options for burnout are:

1. Psychotherapy: Here you can learn strategies to relieve your symptoms and deal with stress. In therapy, you will learn how to better control your thoughts and feelings in order to develop a positive attitude and strengthen your resilience.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy: You learn to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that can contribute to you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
3. Drug treatment: This involves using medications to improve your mood and energy or to treat sleep problems.

A combination of psychotherapy and medication is also possible. This allows you to alleviate symptoms in the short term and learn strategies in the long term.

But it's also important that you play a part in your recovery. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help you feel better and increase your energy.

Overall, there are many treatment options for burnout. If you feel like burnout is affecting your life, be sure to seek help and talk to your doctor about your options. The right treatment can help you recover faster and improve your quality of life again.

5. A report on our experience

An anonymous reader of our blog shared his own experience with burnout:

“As a physiotherapist, I have unfortunately experienced burnout myself and therefore know first-hand how serious and stressful this situation can be. As part of my job, I regularly deal with patients who are in pain, injured and physically limited. Although I have the opportunity to help them and support their recovery, this job can also be very stressful.

In fact, burnout is not uncommon among physical therapists. The job can be very demanding and stressful, especially when working long hours or dealing with difficult cases. Add to that the emotional strain that comes with caring for patients with serious injuries or chronic pain, and it can be very difficult to process and maintain these emotions.

I've developed some strategies to avoid burnout and protect myself. For example, I pay more attention to my sleep and diet and exercise more. At work, I've learned to set better boundaries. I avoid overtime and take regular breaks."

6. Conclusion

Physical therapists are truly irreplaceable in our healthcare system. But the high demands of their profession push many of them to the brink of burnout. This overwork mentality can have serious consequences for both the health and well-being of physical therapists and the quality of patient care. It is therefore crucial that both you and your employers take steps to prevent or treat burnout.

Practical advice for preventing and managing burnout includes:

• Self-care and stress management
• setting boundaries
• the development of a support system
• prioritizing sleep and nutrition.

But if burnout has already set in, it is of utmost importance to seek help and receive appropriate treatment.

We should be aware that being a physical therapist is not an easy job. They work tirelessly every day to heal us and improve our health. Raising awareness and understanding of burnout can help ensure that you and your colleagues receive the support you deserve.