Verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal skills in the patient-kinetotherapist relationship

Human being's existence is closely related to communication, how the individual interacts and interacts with others. By communicating, an individual conveys information and interests, attitudes, values, beliefs and feelings, sharing them with others, thus creating a contexture of relationships. Communication means not only speaking, writing, but also silencing, listening or acting. Both the patient and the physiotherapist communicate verbally, non-verbal and paraverbal to respond to and understand the behavior of the communication partner. In addition to professional skills, acquiring communication skills by physiotherapist can lead to patient adherence and satisfaction to the therapeutic program.

Aim: In this paper, we aim to highlight the important aspects of the verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal skills of the physical therapist to promote communication with the patient in the therapeutic relationship.

Methods: Literature review was the method of this study and were considered eligible only articles with statistically significant data.

Results: Verbal communication essentially validates the message transmitted, non-verbal skills confirm and at the same time strongly influence communication partners. By form, paraverbal and non-verbal communication are concurrent with the verbal, respectively confirming it, but by content and interpretation, they can give other meanings to the relationship.