Weight Stigma in Physiotherapy: Inclusive Care and Communication Strategies

Overview

This course, presented at Congress 2021, explores the pervasive and often overlooked issue of weight stigma within physiotherapy practice. Led by Dr. Patricia Theel, Dr. Sandra Weber, and Liz Harvey, and moderated by Megan Griffiths, this session integrates research evidence, patient perspectives, and practical clinical strategies to support more inclusive, respectful care.

Through a multimethod study combining qualitative and quantitative research, the presenters examine how weight stigma manifests across interpersonal, structural, and internalized levels—and how it impacts both patient outcomes and clinician decision-making.

Clinicians will gain insight into common myths about weight, the limitations of weight-centric care, and the disconnect between positive attitudes and actual clinical behaviors. Importantly, the course emphasizes actionable steps to reduce stigma, including communication strategies, environmental adaptations, and behavior-focused care approaches.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define weight stigma and describe how it presents in physiotherapy practice.
2. Identify common myths and biases related to body weight and health.
3. Recognize the impact of weight stigma on patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.
4. Apply inclusive communication strategies when discussing weight and health.
5. Implement practical changes to create a more accessible and welcoming clinical environment.
6. Shift from weight-centric to behavior-focused treatment approaches.
7. Support patients experiencing internalized weight stigma with empathy and evidence-informed care.

Audience

This course is designed for:

• Physiotherapists and physical therapists
• Rehabilitation professionals
• Physiotherapy students and educators
• Healthcare providers interested in inclusive, patient-centered care

Why This Course Matters

Weight stigma is deeply embedded in healthcare systems and can negatively influence assessment, treatment decisions, and patient trust. Even well-intentioned clinicians may unknowingly perpetuate bias through language, assumptions, or clinical focus.

This course challenges those patterns by providing evidence-informed strategies to move beyond weight-centric care. By addressing stigma at multiple levels—individual, clinical, and structural—clinicians can improve therapeutic relationships, enhance patient engagement, and support better long-term health outcomes.

Ultimately, this training helps practitioners align their care with principles of equity, respect, and person-centered practice.

About the Presenters

Patricia Thille, PhD, BSc(PT), is a sociologist and physiotherapist, who works as an Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Thille applies critical social scientific theories and a range of qualitative methodologies in her health services and health professions education research. Her work focuses on stigmatization, health behaviour change, and chronic disease management in primary care and rehabilitation settings.

Elizabeth (Liz) Harvey is a physiotherapist and Senior Instructor at the University of Manitoba. She is also a PhD student and completed this work as part of her PhD studies.  

Dr. Sandra Webber is a physical therapist and researcher in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Manitoba. In her research, she frequently uses technology to provide objective measures of activity performance (what people do in their everyday lives in terms of physical activity and sedentary behaviour). She is also interested in studying educational issues relevant to physical therapy to ensure that future clinicians are able to meet the needs of the populations they serve.