‘Managing the Chaos’ of Patients and Parenthood: Burnout Prevention Strategies for Rehab Therapy Moms

By Jamie McMichael, OTR/L, CPM
ReDoc Product Manager, Net Health

As a working mom who once doubled as a rehab therapy director, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle both worlds. It’s not just about balancing work and home life — it’s often about simply managing the chaos. Whether I was caring for my patients, training and mentoring rehab therapists, or racing to pick up the kids, the demands never really stopped. And really, they often bled into one another.

In the rehab therapy world, where nearly three-quarters of all practitioners and assistants are women, so many of us are walking this tightrope every day. This is why it’s crucial for clinics, operations, departments, and leadership teams step up to support working moms. If we’re going to avoid burnout while staying engaged and excelling within our careers, leadership must provide flexibility, understanding, and proactive strategies for managing both sides of our lives effectively and successfully.

Women: The Foundation and Future of Rehab Therapy

Women have long been leaders in the establishing, promoting, and growing rehab therapy into the vital and respected field it is today. In fact, two women by the names of Marguerite Sanderson and Mary McMillan are considered to be the first physical therapists in the country, serving as “reconstruction aides” during World War I. Then in 1921, McMillan was instrumental in creating the American Women’s Physical Therapy Association — the precursor to the current American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Today, the APTA estimates that women continue to dominate the profession, with 65% of physical therapists (PTs) and 71% of physical therapist aids (PTAs) being women. The ratio is even larger in occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP), where collectively around 90% of the profession is made up of women.

With such a significant majority, it’s clear the rehab therapy profession must continue to evolve in ways that support women, including working moms. While much of the talk around burnout focuses on healthcare professionals in general, working moms experience a distinct set of pressures.

Moms not only navigate the fast-paced, patient-centered demands of the clinic, but they must also juggle maternity leave, family responsibilities, childcare, and household management. It should come as no surprise that without the right support, burnout can quickly set in, becoming a threat for many working moms.

7 Tips for Supporting Working Moms in Rehab Therapy

To prevent this, it’s essential that rehab therapy operations take a proactive approach to creating an environment that respects — even celebrates — the needs of women and mothers. This means creating a work atmosphere where working moms aren’t just expected to get by, but are empowered to thrive, excel with patients, and continue advancing as leaders within the profession.

In the following sections, I offer seven practical tips and strategies for building a work environment that accommodates the realities of working moms. These suggestions are designed to help rehab therapy clinics, departments, and operations create a culture where women can balance their roles effectively — where they can grow into leadership positions and continue to meaningfully contribute to the success of their teams and their patients.

1. Offer Flexible Work Schedules

One of the biggest challenges working moms face is juggling their work responsibilities with their family’s schedule. Offering flexible work options, such as adjusted start or end times, compressed workweeks, or even remote administrative days, can significantly reduce stress.

Flexibility allows moms to handle school drop-offs, childcare, and emergencies without feeling guilty about leaving work. This not only supports better work-life balance but also ensures that when they are working, they can be fully present and engaged. By providing flexible scheduling, clinics and departments create an atmosphere where all working parents feel valued and supported.

2. Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries

It’s important that rehab therapy leaders establish realistic expectations for working moms. Encouraging them to set boundaries — perhaps defined work hours and not responding to work emails during personal time — helps prevent burnout. Leaders should communicate clearly about what is expected but also be open to adjusting schedules to accommodate life events.

If a mom can’t start patient care until 8:30 a.m. due to school drop-offs, that should be a reasonable accommodation, not a point of stress. Setting realistic goals for performance and flexibility in scheduling creates a balanced, supportive work environment where moms can thrive.

3. Foster a Supportive Team Environment

A supportive team environment is critical for working moms. Therapists often rely on teamwork to provide high-quality care, and a collaborative approach allows for more flexibility. If one team member is running late due to family obligations, another can step in to ensure patient care isn’t disrupted.

This team-based culture also helps reduce the stress of balancing work and home life. Knowing that there’s someone to lean on during tough times can make all the difference. Leaders can foster this type of environment by actively encouraging teamwork, cross-coverage, and open communication among colleagues.

4. Encourage Growth and Continuous Learning

Professional growth often takes a back seat when working moms are focused on managing both family and work demands. However, it’s essential to encourage continuous learning to keep them engaged and avoid stagnation. Therapy operations can provide this by offering flexible learning options such as online courses, webinars, or access to podcasts.

Providing time during the workday for professional development shows your rehab therapists that you value both their personal and professional growth. In turn, this can keep therapists inspired and up to date with the latest advancements in their field, helping them feel fulfilled and supported in their roles.

5. Promote Self-Care and Work-Life Balance

Self-care is essential for preventing burnout, yet it’s often the first thing sacrificed by working moms. Rehab therapy leaders should actively promote the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing mental and physical well-being.

Encourage moms to take their full lunch break, go for a walk, or take a few minutes to reset during the day. Leaders can model this behavior by ensuring they also take time for self-care, which can shift the workplace culture toward a healthier balance. When moms feel refreshed, they’re better able to handle both their professional responsibilities and family duties, reducing overall stress.

6. Create a Culture of Open Communication

Open communication is key to creating a supportive work environment for working moms. Leaders should strive to create an atmosphere where moms feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of judgment or repercussions. Whether it’s needing to adjust hours, asking for help with workload, or seeking guidance on balancing work and home life, an open dialogue is essential.

Rehab therapy leaders should not only listen but also actively seek input from working moms on how to make the workplace more accommodating. By creating a culture of transparency, rehab therapy operations can build trust and loyalty among their employees.

7. Provide Opportunities for Leadership and Advancement

Working moms often feel that taking on leadership roles isn’t an option due to family responsibilities. To counter this, rehab therapy leaders should offer clear pathways for advancement that accommodate the needs of moms.

Flexible leadership tracks, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities can help working moms grow professionally without sacrificing their personal lives. By recognizing their potential and supporting them as they advance, organizations not only empower their workforce but also benefit from diverse leadership perspectives.

Empower Your Entire Rehab Therapy Team

When working moms are supported in rehab therapy, the benefits extend far beyond individual well-being. A flexible, understanding work environment allows these professionals to thrive, not just as therapists but also as mothers, leading to better patient care and stronger team dynamics. By recognizing the challenges they face and providing the right support, leaders foster a more engaged, motivated, and resilient workforce.

Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles further strengthens the profession, bringing in diverse perspectives and making teams more inclusive and dynamic. Creating opportunities for growth and leadership development ensures that talented therapists can rise through the ranks, contributing to a richer, more innovative approach to patient care and clinic management.

While this advice is especially helpful for working moms, many working dads who balance professional responsibilities with family life will also find value in these strategies. A more flexible, family-friendly workplace culture benefits everyone, allowing the entire team to thrive and succeed.