The placebo effect is typically well-known as a positive effect that is achieved from a sham treatment that offers no therapeutic benefit. However, there is also the nocebo effect that is not as well known, which is essentially the opposite of the placebo effect. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the impact a patient’s positive or negative beliefs may have on their recovery process while providing care for an injury or surgery. When educating a patient on their condition the words utilized can either have a helpful or harmful effect.  A patient’s health is directly related to their expectations as well as experiences, which are influenced by their beliefs. If the language used to educate a patient instills fear and subsequent negative thoughts, then they will often have a poor prognosis. This increases the chance that a patient will then develop chronic pain as well as long-term disability and loss of independence. Ultimately a patient can develop learned helplessness if their negative thoughts continue to develop. This occurs when a lack of control to make positive change is perceived due to past negative experiences. Success is then based upon luck and fate rather than making an effort to succeed based on personal ability. Each of these mindsets will motivate a person to make either positive or negative decisions based on their expectations. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, which will ultimately determine a patient’s recovery outcome during their plan of care.

Kyle S. Kasman, PT, DPT

Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
484-781-5341
Lightthepathphysicaltherapy.com