I cant get no..satisfaction

I've only been working 4 years and already feel burnt out. patients who dont get better inspite of my best efforts and intentions. Doctors passing on the patients that they cant help, or refering patients too late for PT to be of any use. I am thinking maybee I need to do more courses to find somehing that works for back pain and the other frustrating recurrent complaints. Thinking maybe I should try to specialise in an area where PT "works" i.e. post op ortho. or, alas, im thinking I should switch professions, to something where your role and success are more easily defined (e.g. carpenter, pilot) Anyone else out there ever feel like this? How did you deal with it?

yes, there are quite a few PTs out there who feel frustrated by lack of outcomes and satisfaction. Some of us do get out, but quite a few like me, stay within the profession and try to find something more suited to us. Doing courses will help. Joining a special interest group will too; that is, if they are available. You could consider orthopaedics where the outcomes are predictable and fairly black and white. Maybe that is the best approach while you consolidate on spinal Rx.