Give an example of nonverbal communication that supports patient-centered PT care.

• A. Avoid nonverbal communication and rely on words only.
• B. Maintaining eye contact, open posture, and nodding to show understanding.
• C. Avoiding eye contact during a conversation.
• D. Using aggressive body language to convey confidence.

Answer: (B)

In patient-centered PT care, nonverbal communication communicates empathy, engagement, and partnership. The best example is maintaining eye contact, an open posture, and nodding to show understanding because these cues reinforce that the clinician is present, listening, and validating the patient’s experiences and goals. Eye contact signals attention and safety, helping the patient feel seen and heard. An open posture indicates approachability and willingness to engage, inviting the patient to participate in decisions about care. Nodding provides micro-affirmations that you’re following along and encourages the patient to share more or clarify. Together, these nonverbal signals build trust, psychological safety, and collaborative decision-making, which are central to patient-centered care. Relying on words alone can feel clinical or distant, avoiding eye contact can signal disinterest, and aggressive body language can intimidate and undermine trust; nonverbal cues should be supportive and tailored to the individual patient.