The relevance of non-verbal skills in physiotherapy

Non-verbal behaviour forms the major part of communication; responses in interactions are based on the subconscious perception and interpretation of non-verbal messages. Through intuition and experience, most physiotherapists develop the skills necessary to aid their understanding of the behaviour and responses of patients. Increased awareness of non-verbal skills and the importance of their use will enhance both the physiotherapist-patient relationship and the quality of treatment. This paper discusses the relevance of these skills and the rationale for their implementation in a professional setting.