Feb 21 • Sean Overin

Beyond the Metrics: Integrating Heart Rate Variability into Patient Care

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🔍 What do patients actually value in their care? 

After participating in a study last month, one key takeaway stood out: Patients don’t just want treatment—they want to feel heard. Yes, many of you have probably heard this before, perhaps many times over, but unfortunately, it is not the norm in pain care. Many patient's expressed that their pain experiences weren’t validated, and before they could fully engage in treatment, they needed to feel that their clinician truly understood them. This is essential in a patient's journey to sense-making and recovery. 

I explored more of what the study found in a blog—check it out here:

👉 Read our latest blog
Since the study, I’ve been more mindful of my approach when I talk about pain—ensuring my conversations validate the experience first before moving into specific, nuanced education.

 Jumping straight into education without acknowledging their experience can lead to resistance. It’s like telling someone with a nail in their head to just focus on their communication skills—sure, there’s a solution, but until you acknowledge what they’re actually feeling, they won’t be ready to hear it.

 Been there, felt that, and have adapted my approach over time.

🚀 Here's my approach:

✅ Curiosity—asking what they think is going on.
✅ Validation—echoing their fears or frustrations.
✅ Summary—repeating back their experience before offering my perspective. 

The result? Less pushback, more trust, and hopefully better outcomes.
🚀 What phrases or approaches have you found that make patients feel truly understood before moving into education or treatment? 

💬 Join the discussion on our AMP Community Board!

👉 Jump into the conversation here
Secrets to Great Pain Care

Want to help your patients move with confidence? Pain isn’t always a stop sign. Learn the key principles to guide recovery, reduce fear, and improve outcomes.

 📩 Get your free guide here 

✅ Evidence-based strategies
✅ Simple pain management tools
✅ Know when to push, modify, or refer

Share this with a healthcare provider you collaborate with to ensure you're speaking the same language and keeping patient narratives aligned!
"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." – Theodore Roosevelt 

Validation isn’t just a “soft skill”—it’s a clinical skill. How we communicate can make or break the rehab experience.

Sean Overin, PT