Finding Purpose In Physical Therapy
Purpose is the most powerful motivator we have in the workplace. When we see a larger purpose in our work, it taps into deeper sources of commitment, energy, and joy. For physical therapists, that purpose often lies in helping patients overcome pain, regain mobility, and improve their quality of life. But let’s pause for a moment—does your workplace help you focus on these meaningful outcomes? Or do you feel buried in processes, paperwork, and routines that distract from what truly matters?
The key to reconnecting with what’s meaningful starts by taking a moment to define what “meaningful work” looks like for you. What elements of your job fill your proverbial bucket? Is it seeing a patient achieve a new range of motion after weeks of hard work? Is it the personal relationships you build with patients? Or is it the intellectual challenge of problem-solving in complex cases? Identifying what brings you joy and fulfillment in your job is the first step toward making sure you’re spending more time on what matters most.
Establishing Meaningful Communication
Once you’ve defined this, the next step is just as important—communicate. Share your thoughts with your supervisor and coworkers. What brings them joy? What do they find most meaningful? In many cases, you’ll find your definitions align, and from there, you can work together to tweak systems, processes, or schedules to maximize your time spent on these meaningful elements. This can create a more fulfilling and engaging workplace for everyone.
But what if your definitions of meaningful work don’t align with your team? Or what if there’s little interest in adjusting the current processes to accommodate what matters most to you? It might be time to consider whether a different environment could be a better fit for your personal and professional goals.
Meeting and Setting Expectations
One thing is certain: don’t let misaligned expectations go unspoken. One of my favorite quotes is from Neil Strauss: “Uncommunicated expectations are premeditated resentments.” Failing to share what you need and quietly resenting your workplace for not delivering won’t improve your situation. Open, honest conversations about what fulfills you can help you find the clarity and path forward—whether that’s in your current role or somewhere new.
Conclusion
As physical therapists, we all want our work to be meaningful. We want to know that the hours we spend with patients each day are making a real difference, both for them and for us. You have the power to shape your experience by defining what meaningful work looks like for you and working with your team to maximize that—or finding a place that better aligns with your goals.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com
To learn more about The Jackson Clinics and to explore a career with us, please visit thejacksonclinics.com/careers