As a physical therapist, I know the importance of observation. Observation provides valuable information for questioning or testing when working with a person seeking physical therapy. Observation also helps me identify whether I’ve explained something well or I need to try again. Observation also reveals whether a certain exercise or treatment plan is helping or not. I can learn a lot through observation.

We are working to put our first rehabilitation promoter course in a video format. Students will still get in-person training, but we hope the videos will allow some flexibility with scheduling and easy access for reviewing the information.

Last week, I went to look for a place to film a clip for one of our videos. I found just the place and met up with a friend the next day to record the video. I knew the next day could be problematic with rain in the forecast. However, though the skies were gray, the rain held off, and we met at the designated time. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I heard it. 

Traffic.

How had I not heard it the day before? The area where we were hoping to film is next to a four-lane major highway, and I had to wait to cross some of the heavy traffic to enter the parking lot. It really seemed much quieter the other day. Or did it? Had I listened  for traffic noise?

Since we were there, we went ahead and shot the videos. It didn’t take long. You can see the unedited results of one of them below.

I reached out to a contact to see if he could edit out the traffic noise. Unfortunately, traffic noise is on the same decibel level as talking, so though he could decrease it some, he couldn’t get it to a level where it still wasn’t distracting. Lesson learned. 

How interesting that I was so busy observing the physical, much as I do in physical therapy, that I had missed what else was happening around me. It’s a great reminder as a PT and a person to expand what I’m observing so I don’t miss something important. It also reminds me I’ll miss what I don’t know or give attention to.

Recording these videos is teaching me new things about observation, both externally and internally. Things I might not have seen or paid attention to before are becoming obvious. I’ll admit it is sometimes frustrating, but I’m deciding to embrace the opportunity to observe, learn, and grow. I hope, finally, it will help others, too.