Hi Gerry the Neck
I have no problem with people expressing an opinion and do not take offence against comments made about the physiotherapy profession - heaven knows I make my own opinions known on such topics at various times, including within this forum. The scientific method is a way of progressing knowledge within a framework of ongoing assessment. For all its faults (some alluded to by you) it is better than no system at all. The method can be slow, cumbersome and mistakes occur due to the human frailities of system overseers. The human body has a limited number of ways to convey ill health or dysfunction but a myriad of causes for the few presentations given. Assessment is a detection process only as good and experienced as the detective and their current knowledge base. Sometimes it is necessary to test the assessment and wait to see what occurs before a new idea is formulated that better fits the presentation, then treating on that basis. The most elegant treatment is the simplest one that works, remembering that a lot of effort may be required before the 'simple' end result eventuates.
Having said all the above, the human body is so complex that no one knows enough to be correct all the time in relation to treatment interventions. Does that mean that we do not take educated and calculated risks in treatment provision? Of course we do, but within an accepted framework of judgemental peers that tend to be conservative (unlike the non scientific disciplines) and try to temper the excesses of exuberant practitioners theories.

There is so much information being generated these days and despite internet searches linking to new information and validations of old treatments there can be a disconnect between implementation or discovery and the tried and true past (which can be less true knowledge than assumtion based upon longevity eg use of cortisone to treat tennis elbow by reason of it being an anti inflammatory medication when the tendon was not inflamed but rather a tendinopathy). Overall an open mind attached to the generally accepted knowledge base is the best combiination - although as stated previously this does not always work eg Look up 'Miasma and the Houses of Parliament' to do with Londons water supply;infection control in hospitals / midwifery; Joseph Listers story; as well as the English medical response to a nurse discussing polio rehabilitation. All mistakes that the scientific community learnt from and incorporated - such as your comments regarding ideas unaccepted today being mainstream in 20 years.

Cervical spondylosis is but one area where treatments can be improved.

Anyway, these are my comments, for what they are worth.
Cheers,
MrPhysio+