Beyond the Imaging: Building Therapeutic Alliance in an Era of Imaging Overuse (Rogge - Live Interactive Webinar)

Course overview

Research consistently demonstrates that the therapeutic alliance between clinician and patient is one of the strongest predictors of successful rehabilitation outcomes. This course explores evidence-based communication strategies, patient-centered interviewing techniques, expectation management, and effective education regarding medical imaging findings to strengthen therapeutic relationships and improve outcomes across musculoskeletal practice. Participants will leave with immediately applicable techniques to build trust, improve adherence, communicate imaging findings confidently, reduce fear and catastrophization, and optimize patient engagement from the initial evaluation through discharge. This course integrates current research on therapeutic alliance, patient expectations, communication science, placebo/nocebo effects, and musculoskeletal imaging into practical clinical strategies that attendees can implement immediately. Participants will learn structured interviewing techniques, methods to establish rapport rapidly, approaches to discussing imaging findings without increasing fear, and communication strategies that improve patient confidence, engagement, adherence, and overall treatment outcomes.