Integrating spirituality into physical therapy: exploring its emerging role as a recognized determinant of health

Abstract

This masterclass explores the increasing recognition of spirituality as a vital aspect of patient care, alongside other Social Determinants of Health (SDH) such as economic stability and education. The distinction between spirituality and religion is clarified, with spirituality described as a broader, more personal experience that can exist both within and outside of religious contexts. Research demonstrates that spirituality influences health in mostly positive ways, particularly in areas like mental health, resilience, and coping, making it a critical component of holistic, patient-centered care. In physical therapy, incorporating a patient’s spirituality into their plan of care can enhance cultural competence and foster a more holistic care approach. However, many Physical Therapists (PTs) express uncertainty in addressing spiritual concerns, often due to limited training or unclear role expectations. The authors suggest that integrating tools like the Inclusive Spiritual Connection Scale (ISCS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ), the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM), or the Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS), along with enhanced education, could help therapists incorporate spirituality into practice more seamlessly. Integration of spirituality enables PTs to deliver more complete, personalized care that addresses the whole person. Ultimately, the authors advocate for recognizing spirituality as a key determinant of health and an important component of healthcare to ensure more inclusive treatment.