PT + ChatGPT = ?

Put a finger down if you’ve already come up with a list of goals and resolutions.

While the “new year, new me” echoes louder than a firework display, one universal truth is that change has to be evoked by sheer will not timing.

This year, let’s try something different: shaking up our approach to your personal and physiotherapy goals with a little spice—ChatGPT.

But before you let the tech takeover your imagination, let’s clear the air: ChatGPT is not your physiotherapist.

Chatgpt doesn’t have hands to provide soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy. Its “hands-on” approach is strictly metaphorical. It can’t feel your tight hamstrings or test your joint range of motion. And while it can whip up witty quips and creative solutions, empathy and clinical intuition remain firmly in the realm of your trusted human physiotherapist.

That said, ChatGPT can be a game-changer in boosting your physiotherapy journey. It’s like having a resource library, brainstorming partner, and motivational coach all in one. From simplifying complex treatment plans to making sessions more engaging with creative ideas, it works to complement—not replace—the magic of human care.

Here's an open secret, there isn't much difference in the access of information that chatgpt provides that isn't on Google. So why should we trust chatgpt?

The magic is not the access to information but how it presents it.

While Google might provide a list of links on Achilles tendinopathy, ChatGPT could generate a structured rehabilitation plan or explain treatment options step-by-step. This reduces the need to sift through dense medical articles or unrelated information.

The super power of chatgpt is in your prompts. And for physiotherapists, ChatGPT can help streamline ideas and expand possibilities.

Imagine you’re seeing multiple patients with different rehabilitation needs. ChatGPT can help you brainstorm personalized exercise ideas for each one.

Example: “I’m treating a runner with Achilles tendinopathy. Can you suggest some effective exercises that won’t aggravate the condition?”

Sometimes, explaining a complex diagnosis in layman’s terms is tough. ChatGPT can help you craft easy-to-understand explanations and analogies.

Example: “Can you explain how a herniated disc works in a way that a 16-year-old would get?”

Other prompts, I've sneakily used in the past, include,

“Suggest ways to make post-stroke rehab fun for a young adult.”

“Help me draft a patient-friendly explanation of sciatica.”

“What’s the latest research on shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?”

“How can I creatively use balloons in coordination training?”

And this isn't just limited to physiotherapists. Patients can ask ChatGPT to break down treatment plans or explain what to expect during certain procedures.

Example: “Explain how dry needling helps with muscle pain and what I should expect during my first session.”

These prompts, among many others, have inspired fresh perspectives, provided insights into new trends, and helped craft better patient communication.

Naysayers might say that using chatgpt might imply less competency, limit critical thinking and overall affect practice but I say...

But on a professional note, I believe what makes one a worthwhile physiotherapist isn't just critical thinking and reasoning independently but constantly integrating and applying advancements and technology.Far from limiting critical thinking, using ChatGPT can spark new ideas and help physiotherapists stay updated with recent trends. For instance, you can quickly draft a presentation on the benefits of shockwave therapy, which you can refine with your clinical expertise.

With ChatGPT, patients can take charge of their care journey by learning and engaging in ways that go beyond the clinic and you get to learn as well. Just like wearable tech revolutionized monitoring patient progress, ChatGPT offers a new layer of support.

While it can help patients understand their treatment plans, the personalized care, experience and motivation provided by a physiotherapist are irreplaceable.

In 2025, let’s redefine physiotherapy goals by blending human care with AI insights. Whether you're a patient curious about your recovery journey or a physiotherapist brainstorming creative treatments, ChatGPT can be your ally—not your replacement.

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