Imposter Syndrome: The Patient & The Therapist

What is imposter syndrome?

We have all been there, started a new job or gone to a friend’s party and not really known anyone – it makes you feel like you do not belong in that situation. For some individuals this is a persistent occurrence through different aspects of their everyday life, linked to a low self esteem and lack of confidence.

The phenomenon is called Impostor Syndrome, a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, accomplishments or themselves and has an internalised fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. It’s found in both males and females, but is more common in females, younger age groups and students. In the context of mental illness, individuals may see themselves as less ill (or less anxious/depressed/mentally unwell) compared to others and therefore do not seek medical attention, as they feel unworthy of doing so. 

“Someone else will have more severe symptoms than me, I do not want to call my GP as they need the time to treat others and treating me would be a waste of time.”

Theories of imposter syndrome within musculoskeletal medicine

This phenomenon can be cross referenced to those who suffer trauma or an injury after a significant event, causing a change in their belief system. Those who suffer an injury are at risk of impostor syndrome, as steps they take to recover from their injury are often attributed to another professional. As Therapists the individuals we see are often very thankful for our help, but we would not be doing our jobs properly if the individuals belief system was “My Therapist fixed me.” Here at goPhysio we educate an individual to ease their pain, avoid aggravating factors, understand the cause of their pain and demonstrate/educate on exercises to help manage their pain/injury or condition. Yes, some of the hands-on treatments are helpful but our main focus is always to empower the individual and be positive about what that individual is doing to help their condition. 

Another way to explain impostor syndrome in a musculoskeletal context, is looking at those who are in chronic pain. From experience, those who suffer with chronic pain are likely to see several medical professionals and sometimes a cause cannot be found for their pain. This can make them feel like a “Fraud” or an “Impostor” and that nobody believes that they have this chronic pain which is affecting their everyday life. This can feed back into the mental illness, that patients will see themselves as less worthy of medical help and will stop trying to seek it. 

That’s why as a medical professional it’s important to use the basic skills of a human being such as listening, communication & empathy before putting our ‘medical hats’ on. As a patient who has suffered trauma, injury or pain, its important to do everything you can to help yourself whether this is taking a GPs advice on painkillers, Therapist’s advice on exercises/what you should and shouldn’t do or have the self confidence to take charge of your rehabilitation process. 

Lets work together on educating and empowering you on your journey to a better wellbeing.

Reviews

What They Say

Antonia Perez
Antonia Perez
2023-11-25
We got an appointment promptly, the appointment went smoothly. Very nice physios. 👌
Fran Helen
Fran Helen
2023-11-06
Really knowledgeable and supportive, with clear advice to help. I feel so reassured after this appointment, highly recommended, they really listened to me. Thank you.
Brenda Hinnell
Brenda Hinnell
2023-10-27
First visit and in urgent need of physio as really suffering from not being able to run. Lottie was very patient and understanding with a lovely manner. She worked wonders and I am looking forward to my next visit.
James Grierson
James Grierson
2023-10-21
Great first appointment, really listened to my problems annd thorough anssessment and have come up with a clear rehab plan to get me back on track.
Nuisha Russo
Nuisha Russo
2023-10-21
I had a really good visit to GoPhysio. I have had sciatica for two months and it wasn't showing any signs of improvement. Sophie gave me a thorough assessment and then provided acupuncture and ultra sound. After one visit my sciatica has almost gone. I am really pleased.
kay luffman
kay luffman
2023-10-08
Everyone at go physio is so helpful & friendly. I have been receiving treatment for golfers elbow from Hannah Gelder, and couldn’t be happier, I wish I had gone earlier! She explains everything well, and guides you through exercises etc. very amiable and makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend
Chris Kitchen
Chris Kitchen
2023-10-07
They are a great friendly team who always manage to sort my sports injuries out. Can recommend them highly
Mark Dewey
Mark Dewey
2023-10-05
Go Physio definitely the place to go, came away feeling better and reassured and with a plan going forward.
Christine Raw
Christine Raw
2023-10-05
Very professional service and excellent treatment. Listened and gave good advice.
Kay Horton
Kay Horton
2023-10-05
I have been attending goPhysio for about two years. As a company they are very professional and provide a very good level of service to include efficiency and courtesy and are always consistent in their approach. This very much includes the admin /reception team whom are the first people you make contact with. My Physio has excellent knowledge and has assisted me with sound advice and ongoing exercise regimes which are achievable and realistic. This has supported me well in between appointments. Although always busy I am normally able to see Roz at a mutually convenient time. Thank you to all the team