Chat gpt vs the method
It’s no secret that ChatGPT is taking over. But how does it measure up in the physical therapy world? Dr. McGuinness wanted to take a look for herself…ChatGPT vs The METHOD. Will physical therapy soon by taken over by AI? Read for yourself!
At The METHOD we strive to provide the highest quality of care. All of our therapists have their doctorates in physical therapy, and we only hire therapists with extensive experience and continuing education in the field. Our plan of care for our patients is never cookie cutter, and always focused on finding the root cause instead of treating the symptoms in isolation.
That being said, we wanted to put our skills to the test by battling the most extensive database out there, “chat GPT”. We ran a popular patient case that we see at The METHOD through chatGPT…this is what we found.
Question for Chat GPT: I have urinary incontinence when lifting weights at the gym, what exercises should I do?
Chat GPT first 3 exercises listed:
Kegel exercises
Pelvic tilts
Bridges
The METHOD Explains:
Kegels: Before be ever recommend kegels to a patient we would have to determine is if the pelvic floor is shortened/ tight and weak OR if it is lengthened and weak. Both of these scenarios can cause leakage with weightlifting. However, if a patient has more of a tight pelvic floor, and then adds Kegels to their routine without proper relax coordination training, this can actually make the leakage worse.
Pelvic Tilts: pelvic tilts are a very low level exercise typically performed unweighted and on the ground. Pelvic tilting would benefit an early stage prenatal/postpartum patient connecting with their core, but would be fair to low level for a weightlifter. The pelvic floor needs to be under significant load. Pelvic tilts are rarely used in isolation with weight lifting, so we would want a movement pattern that is more sport-specific.
Bridges: bridges are great for initial glute strength training, but again is not specific to this patient. As our patient is having leakage with weightlifting, they would need to train at a higher load with a standing exercise to challenge the pelvic floor against gravity.
Needless to say, we don’t love the chatGPT solution! However, what is more surprising is that many health care providers will give very similar advice (low level exercises and Kegels) as initial suggestions to our very active patients. We are here to help!
So what would a plan of care look like at The METHOD for this incontinent weightlifter?
START with a pelvic floor exam assessing coordination, strength, flexibility of the pelvic floor in both lying down AND standing positions. What is that pelvic floor doing while having symptoms?!
Assessment of lifting form and breathing mechanics of the lifts that cause leakage using video feedback.
Sport-specific strengthening routine to address root cause of the issue, whether it be pelvic floor tightness, pelvic floor weakness, lower extremity or core weakness. Let’s address what is actually going on!
Programming to work on between visits to make sure you are not making progress
If you are looking for a PT that looks at the big picture, and who is not cookie-cutter, reach out to us at hello@themethodpt.com or book a free discovery call to learn more!
