5 Ways to Prevent Burnout as a Physical Therapist
Leave a CommentIf you’ve ever felt drained at the end of the day, wondering if you can keep up with the pace, you’re not alone. Many PTs feel this way, but at Athletico, we believe no clinician should have to sacrifice their well-being for their career. Burnout is a widespread issue in the physical therapy industry – high patient loads, demanding schedules, and administrative burdens leave many PTs feeling emotionally and physically drained. At Athletico, we recognize these challenges and are committed to supporting our clinicians with manageable workloads, strong leadership support, and a culture that prioritizes well-being. In this blog, we will share five strategies to help prevent burnout and maintain a fulfilling career in physical therapy.
1. Create Connections with Your Patients
As a provider, you see many patients each day, and each one requires different support. Every patient comes with a unique story and journey that leads them to your clinic. At Athletico, we believe quality care starts with meaningful connections, which is why we prioritize manageable schedules that give clinicians the time they need to truly engage with their patients. By maintaining clear communication, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding each patient’s goals, you can create a more positive experience for both you and your patients – leading to stronger, more impactful connections in the long run.
2. Communicate Your Needs
Growing up, we each learned different ways of communicating with others, using unique words and expressions to share our thoughts and feelings. In a team setting, clear communication is essential – not just for creating an efficient and enjoyable work environment but also for fostering a space where patients feel comfortable healing and growing. At Athletico, we believe open dialogue between clinicians and leadership is key to maintaining a supportive workplace. We encourage our team members to share their needs, concerns, and ideas, ensuring they feel heard and valued. By being clear with your manager and colleagues about what you need to succeed, you can strengthen your team, reduce stress, and provide the best possible care for your patients.
3. Practice Gratitude
Stressful days are inevitable, and when they pile up, it’s easy for negative thoughts to take over. The challenges of patient care, documentation, and a busy schedule can sometimes overshadow the rewards of the job. This is where practicing gratitude can make a difference. At Athletico, we recognize the power of a positive mindset and foster a work environment that encourages reflection and appreciation. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to list five to ten things you’re grateful for – whether it’s a breakthrough with a patient, the support of your colleagues, or simply a moment of laughter in the clinic. Some days, gratitude will come easily; other days, it may take effort. But the more you practice, the more you’ll realize that great things aren’t just happening around you – they’re happening because of you.
4. Remember Your Purpose
Throughout your journey to becoming a physical therapist, you set goals, overcame challenges, and worked hard to build your career. But as time goes on, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of what first inspired you. At Athletico, we believe in helping our clinicians continue growing – whether that means becoming a mentor, pursuing a specialty or even teaching at the university level. Take a moment to reflect: Where do you see yourself in five years? What excites you about the future of your career? Setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each milestone can help reignite your passion and keep you moving forward. No matter what path you choose, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
5. Manage Your Time
Did you know that multitasking can reduce your productivity by 40%2? With constant notifications and a packed schedule, it’s easy to get distracted throughout the workday – especially when it comes to completing notes. At Athletico, we understand the importance of work-life balance and provide resources to help clinicians manage their time effectively. Imagine wrapping up your day with all your notes completed, giving you time to relax and recharge. Now, compare that to staying late or stressing over unfished documentation. Which scenario feels better? By setting dedicated time blocks for key tasks – whether it’s patient care documentation, or even short breaks – you can create a more structured and efficient workflow. Small adjustments can lead to big improvements, helping you stay focused and making your day feel more manageable.
Burnout can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people experience it in different areas of their lives, but by implementing these five strategies, you can regain energy, refocus your purpose, and build more meaningful connections – with your patients, colleagues, and yourself. At Athletico, we don’t just acknowledge burnout; we take real action to prevent it. From leadership that listens to balanced schedules and a team-driven culture, we’re committed to creating a workplace where clinicians feel supported and valued. If you’re ready to work somewhere that puts your well-being first, explore career opportunities with Athletico today.
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
References:
1. Edú-Valsania, Sergio, et al. “Burnout: A review of theory and measurement.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 3, 4 Feb. 2022, p. 1780, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031780.
2. Robbins, Tony. “Tony Robbins RPM| The Rapid Planning Method.” July19–21, 2024, Online.
3. Plisky, Phil, and Jenna Gourlay. “Optimize Your Career and Beat Burnout Part 1: Identify Your Ideal.” 13 Dec. 2024, Https://Www.Medbridge.Com/Courses/Details/Optimize-Your-Career-and-Beat-Burnout-Part-1-Identify-Your-Ideal-Jenna-Gourlay-and-Phil-Plisky.
4. Tully, Salena, et al. “Gratitude practice to decrease stress and burnout in acute-care health professionals.” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, vol. 28, no. 3, 23 Sept. 2023, https://doi.org/10.3912/ojin.vol28no03ppt75b.
