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

Physiotherapists are indispensable in our healthcare system, but their demanding work all too often leads to burnout. The physical and emotional pressure can quickly become overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for help.

In the following article, we will discuss the causes and effects of burnout and give you practical advice on preventing and dealing with burnout.

This blog post is about:

1. What is burnout? How does burnout develop?
1. Definition of burnout
2. Prevalence among physiotherapists
3. Signs and symptoms
4. diagnosis
2. How does burnout develop?
3. How can burnout be prevented?
4. I'm suffering from burnout – what now?
5. A personal account
6. Conclusion

1. What is burnout?

Physiotherapists are true healthcare heroes, performing invaluable work every day to help people suffering from physical injuries or illnesses. However, the demands of this challenging profession can often take their toll, impacting the mental and emotional well-being of these professionals. Burnout is an all-too-common reality for physiotherapists, and its consequences can be devastating.

a. Definition of burnout

To better understand burnout, imagine a light bulb. It shines brightly and intensely as long as it's powered. But if it's used for too long and too intensely without a break, it can overheat and eventually burn out.

Our bodies and minds function similarly – if we are under stress for too long and feel overwhelmed, without getting enough rest and relaxation, we can feel burned out and exhausted, completely lacking in energy. We then have difficulty concentrating, are tired, and often feel dissatisfied or even frustrated with our work or our lives in general.

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

b. Prevalence among physiotherapists

Unfortunately, burnout is a serious problem affecting many professions, including physiotherapy. The high prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists is particularly worrying. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that up to 50% of physiotherapists experience burnout at some point in their careers.

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

c. Signs and symptoms

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

If you are a physiotherapist suffering from burnout, the following symptoms may manifest:

1. Physical exhaustion: A physiotherapist suffering from burnout may feel physically exhausted, even after sufficient rest. They may feel that their body is heavy and sluggish, and even simple tasks such as moving objects or standing for extended periods are strenuous.
2. Emotional exhaustion: Burnout can also lead to emotional exhaustion. A physiotherapist may feel that they no longer have the emotional space to care for their patients. They may feel burned out and empty, and have difficulty feeling compassion or empathy for their patients.
3. Irritability: Burnout can lead to increased irritability. You are easily irritated and frustrated, even by small things. You may also feel like you are losing control of your emotions and that your mood changes rapidly.
4. Loss of motivation: A physiotherapist suffering from burnout may lose interest in their work. They may feel that their work is meaningless and that their efforts are not appreciated. They also find it difficult to concentrate on their work.
5. Withdrawal: Burnout can also lead to withdrawal. A physiotherapist might distance themselves from colleagues and isolate themselves. They may feel 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 unrested, even if you have gotten enough sleep.

Depending on the severity of the illness and individual symptoms, one or more of the signs may apply to you. However, you should also pay attention to minor symptoms, as these can be warning signs.

d. Diagnosis

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

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

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

If you experience several of these symptoms, it could be a sign of burnout. It is important to get a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider to receive proper treatment and begin the healing process.

2. How does burnout develop?

As a physiotherapist, you face one of the most demanding challenges: you need to be in top physical and mental condition to perform your work at the highest level. Despite your best efforts, burnout can occur, pulling you into a spiral of exhaustion and overwhelm. But where does burnout in physiotherapists come from?

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

To prevent or treat burnout among physiotherapists, both you and your employer, if you have one, need to take action. The following section explains which factors play a role.

3. How can burnout be prevented?

One of the most important measures physiotherapists can take to prevent burnout is to create a healthy work-life balance.

This could mean:

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

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

As a physiotherapist, it's important to work in an environment that provides you with the necessary resources to perform your job successfully. Whether it's the latest equipment or enough time to properly care for your patients, you need support to carry out your tasks 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's important to recognize that a positive work environment doesn't happen automatically. It requires effort and commitment from everyone involved, including managers and employees. Regular meetings and open discussions can help address problems and concerns and find solutions together. When everyone pulls together and supports one another, it can help keep everyone motivated and productive, preventing burnout.

4. I'm suffering 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, your work, and your relationships. There are many treatment options available that can help you recover and improve your quality of life.

As a first step, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family doctor or a psychologist. There, you can undergo 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: There you can learn strategies to alleviate your symptoms and cope 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 medication to improve your mood and energy levels or to treat sleep disorders.

A combination of psychotherapy and medication is also possible. This can help you temporarily alleviate symptoms and learn long-term coping strategies.

However, it's also important that you actively contribute to your recovery. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help you feel better and boost your energy levels.

There are many treatment options available for burnout. If you feel that burnout is impacting your life, you should definitely seek help and discuss your options with your doctor. The right treatment can help you recover faster and improve your quality of life.

5. A report on experiences

An anonymous reader of our blog has shared their own experiences with burnout:

“As a physiotherapist, I have unfortunately experienced burnout myself and therefore know firsthand how serious and stressful this situation can be. As part of my job, I regularly deal with patients who have pain, injuries, and physical limitations. Although I have the opportunity to help them and support their recovery, this profession can also be very demanding.”

Burnout is indeed not uncommon among physiotherapists. The work can be very strenuous and stressful, especially when working long hours or dealing with difficult cases. Added to this is the emotional strain that comes with caring for patients with serious injuries or chronic pain. It can be very difficult to process and maintain these emotions.

I've developed several 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

Physiotherapists are truly indispensable in our healthcare system. However, the high demands of their profession push many of them to the brink of burnout. This mindset of being overloaded can have serious consequences for both the health and well-being of physiotherapists 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 on preventing and dealing with burnout includes:

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

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

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