What is the biopsychosocial model and how it is relevant to physical therapy
What is the biopsychosocial model?
The biopsychosocial model is a framework that integrates the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of illness and health.
Developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist George Engel, it challenges the traditionally narrow biomedical approach that focuses solely on physical processes[1].
This model recognizes that a person’s recovery from injury or illness is often influenced by their mental health, lifestyle, cultural background, and interpersonal relationships.
How this applies to injury and rehab
Imagine two people named Anika and Marino who have a history of chronic ankle sprains.
They both injured themselves while on a run and they haven’t been totally the same since.
Anika works in the service industry, is on their feet for over 12 hours a day, and works six days a week. Anika is a single parent and while she can barely afford her expenses, she understands the importance of her health and is willing to invest in these resources. As a result, she has a consistent amount of debt that weighs on her.
Marino is lawyer clocking 50-60 hour work weeks in a high-stress corporate law setting. Marino has their own office and assistant and is ultimately very successful in their work. However, Marino is an ethnic minority in their workplace and while they are ultimately able to live a comfortable life outside their job, they experience constant microaggressions in their workplace.
A patient like Marino or Anika could walk into your typical PT mill and be given the same exercise program as they are both dealing with chronic ankle sprains.
However, we at Moment PT apply a biopsychosocial model lens to our care because we understand that injury is far more than just the diagnosis you are given on a piece of paper.
How it changes what happens in physical therapy
In physical therapy, the biopsychosocial model is particularly relevant because it addresses the multifaceted nature of pain and injury[1].
Here is how your physical therapist might apply each aspect of the model:
Biological: This involves the direct management of the physical or biological aspects of a condition. Therapists assess and address the physical symptoms. This is probably what you expect when you visit a physical therapist.
Psychological: Physical therapists are aware of the role mental health plays in physical recovery. Your PT might include pain education, relaxation techniques, and motivational interviewing as part of your first visit to provide a safe starting point and help you work to feel more confident.
Social: Social factors, including your work environment, family dynamics, and cultural beliefs, also significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes. Your PT may explore how these factors support or hinder recovery, advising on modifications or advocating supportive community resources.
By understanding the wider context of your life and the various factors that affect your health, therapists can improve patient engagement and compliance, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes.
Additionally, this approach helps identify barriers to recovery that may not be immediately apparent under a traditional biomedical model.
How it looks in practice
Anika and Marino could come into Moment for the same injury and leave with completely different plans to execute on their own.
Anika may get short 8-10 exercise snacks to do during her long breaks. Her therapist may suggest free or low-cost mental health resources like meditation apps and may check up more frequently to show they are a constant source of support.
Marino may have more resources available to them and in addition to a training plan they can execute in the gym, may also be able to speak to a mental health therapist to address other concerns they have.
They might stay in contact with their PT although less frequently because they have many other additional sources of support.
Your care is individualized to you, especially when your PT is taking a very holistic approach and is sensitive to your unique context.
Want help? You can schedule an evaluation here.
Our team can help support you in a way that is unique to you as an individual.
Citations:
Engel, G. L. (1978b). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Dimensions of Behavior, 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-409-95009-0.50006-1