The misguided profession

[physiobob]

And although I do not agree on all points above I think I understand your frustration. The MOST important thing for all students and recent undergraduates to understand is that if a technique or 'exercise' has not yet been subjected to the research then it DOES NOT discount it as a valid, reliable and effective tool. One can only comment on those that have been tested, with specific note to their methods and subject group, as to whether they were effective or not (or more effective than other comparative groups).

I feel the recent graduates and the new students are being brainwashed into the notion that if it is not yet endorsed by an RCT etc that it has no value. I can say for sure that the better and more skilled clinicians techniques that truly help their patients have never been put to an RCT or other clinical trial. We SHOULD NOT base our professional practice on the research of the common or the average. We should strive to learn more, try more and develop more.

Perhaps as you say, we should look a little more at the similarities across things that seem to work and why, but not base that on techniques limited to the research. I feel that although starting with good intentions the profession has lost it's way due to the pressures of government and private medical insurers all trying to save a dollar....... but then that is a new topic of conversation.