I know what you're talking about, Crankin. Everytime I go for PT, my therapist is amazed that 1) I can explain where my pain is coming from and what makes it feel better or worse; 2) that I understand the exercises he gives me, and 3) that I'm actually able to do the exercises - apparently the general public doesn't have the flexibility or core strength that I have (and I'm not even in the middle of training yet!)

My chiropractor is amazed at my body awareness, as is my PCP. None of these three talk to me like I'm a moron - it's more like a relief to them. Not to say I haven't had a bad doctor; I've ended up in the ER because of a doctor who dismissed patients (she told me I was crazy and to stop doing research online - only to find after switching doctors that I DO have an autoimmune disease like I feared!)

I think it has to do with the obesity epidemic in our country, and a lack of people who are proactive in their personal health and well being. It's one thing if you're in a busy ER or urgent care; but when you're in a clinic for a PT exam, I wouldn't expect to be treated like I'm in pain or drugged to a point where I'm not coherent.