Don’t Mention It: The Physical Therapist in a Death-Denying Society

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Abstract
The physical therapist works in a death-denying society. His, his co-workers’, and his patients’ hesitance to discuss life-death matters sometimes hinders the therapist’s effectiveness. Terminally ill patients have special fears and concerns that affect their responses to the physical therapist. Most such patients progress through five stages of dying. The physical therapist should become knowledgeable of the terminally ill patient’s problems and be able to set attainable treatment goals. In this article, the patient’s problems are outlined and practical guidelines are provided for the physical therapist.

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