Inquisitive.me

I have to confess: I’m a bit of a know-it-all.

I love learning. I love sharing what I know (obviously – lol).

For the longest time I believed I needed to have an opinion about everything.

But here’s the truth: I don’t.

And as a healthcare professional, that’s not always easy. Myths and half-truths about health float around everywhere—especially on social media.

The other day, for example, a friend of my mother told me that after her big dog gave a sudden tug on the leash, she dislocated her pelvis. Her physio supposedly said so.

I had to bite my tongue and remember a quote from Ryan Holiday:

Remember. You don’t have to have an opinion about this.

He’s right.

Sure, I could have explained that a pelvis simply can’t dislocate—if it really had, she’d be in a wheelchair. But I didn’t. Because even as a physiotherapist, I’m allowed to have time off. I don’t need to swoop in like a superhero, handing out unsolicited advice.

In fact, I don’t even have to give advice in my free time when people ask for it.

And sometimes, let’s be honest, they don’t even really ask.

Have you ever been in that awkward situation where someone casually mentions their back or shoulder pain—just because they know you’re a physio—without actually seeking help? Almost like they’re nudging your “helper instinct” on purpose?

Resist it.

I know it’s hard. But you can.

Keep it casual:

“Yeah, that happens sometimes.”

“Probably nothing serious—it might settle on its own.”

They’ll probably keep talking. Stay cool. And if they genuinely want to do something about it, invite them to book a proper appointment.

It’s the same when someone starts raving about a miracle cure or a “game-changing” treatment plan and you feel the urge to educate them. Resist that too.

It’s not your job to fight every myth in your free time.

You don’t have to be a physio 24/7.

Don’t get me wrong: if someone sincerely asks for my opinion, I’m happy to explain or share advice. If asked.

That’s the key.

Because here’s what we sometimes forget: not everyone actually wants to know.

Some people don’t want their worldview shaken.

When people mention their back pain, sometimes they’re not looking for a solution at all—they just want reassurance from a professional that there’s nothing they can do.

I first noticed this years ago when I worked as a ski instructor. Some guests booked lessons not to improve their technique but simply to hear from a professional that they were already great— even if they weren’t.

It’s the same in physiotherapy.

They’re looking for approval, not advice.

So don’t hand out free reassurance and don’t waste energy explaining when it’s clear they don’t care about the answer.

Because sometimes the most professional thing you can say is nothing at all.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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You don’t have to be “on duty” every time someone hints at their aches or shares a questionable health claim.

Easier said than done, right? If you’re used to stepping in, staying quiet can feel almost impossible. Here’s a small experiment to practice it.

🎯 Try This:

• Pause first. When someone starts a “by the way, my back…” story, take a slow breath before reacting.
• Acknowledge without fixing. Try phrases like “That sounds uncomfortable” or “Yeah, that happens sometimes,” and leave it there.
• Redirect if needed. If they really want help, say something like, “Happy to talk more during a session—let’s book a time.”
• Notice your urge. Pay attention to what it feels like to not give advice. Does it make you restless? Relieved? If it feels uncomfortable, remind yourself of Ryan Holiday’s words: “You don’t have to have an opinion about this.”

🧠 Final Thought:

You’re not withholding care—you’re protecting your energy and making sure the advice you do give is intentional and welcomed. Sometimes the most helpful response is simply giving yourself (and them) the space to ask for it.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊