Then I quickly add, ‘It seems like a nice place.’ Quietly I scold myself for not displaying more enthusiasm. ‘I am sorry that I sent you so many patients this morning. I did not know if physiotherapy could do something for them, but I thought you would try.’ He seems almost sincerely apologetic. More relaxed now, I wait for what is to come. ‘Could you explain to me why you gave Pasang those exercises?’ Here is my trap. Again I feel my body stiffening, but then I remember that he is the one who knows nothing about physiotherapy. 70 Buttertea at Sunrise_PROOF.indd 70 Buttertea at Sunrise_PROOF.indd 70 13/01/2006 14:59:11 13/01/2006 14:59:11 B A C K B R E A K I N G W O R K ‘From my examination I found that Pasang has a mechanical low back problem.’ I launch into a long explanation of mechanical back pain, its causes and applicable physiotherapy treatments. Dr. Bikul listens attentively. At one point, I feel like I am convincing myself, and not him. How do I explain the other mechanical back pain patients to whom we did not teach any exercises?
