Crossroads in Physio

https://www.csp.org.uk/frontline/30/12/01-dec-2024

I think this is a really interesting article in the divide you might be experiencing within physiotherapy care. I have worked in both NHS and private practice settings for over 25 years. I see two very different styles of physiotherapy and its not just about funding its about philosophies in how we deliver Musculoskeletal care.

Back in 2001 we started to see a shift into Evidenced Based only Care. As a profession we have struggled to show how our therapies make a difference to you through scientific research, yet in practice we see great results. There are just so many variables behind what we do, for us to get reliable evidence that science accepts. Lets face it to be a skilled clinician in manual therapy requires an art to our practice, feeling, adapting and delivering a unique reaction to your tissues is not easily quantifiable. Life is just not that simple.

Yet over time the scientific community have simplified its ideas on how you recover in favour of cost effective care. This downgraded some of the science we had further, and I think this has created a huge shift in our practice, which means traditional therapies like manual therapy, massage, taping, acupuncture and Pilates was dropped from the fundamental core practices within the NHS. The emphasis now has put on self care ideas instead, which lets face it are a lot cheaper. Private practice and sport having more freedom and resources have not adopted this cost saving philosophy, instead they continue delivering the good results they have witnessed in practice and these therapies still remain a fundamental part of their service hence the cross road and disparity in care between sectors.

So here at Dorset physio we offer you a fusion of all the latest science behind our practice but we will continue like our private practice colleagues throughout the UK to ensure you still have access to traditional physiotherapies if you want to try them. So if you found benefit and enjoyment from hands on manual therapy, massage, taping, electrotherapy, and gained valuable help from our movement based rehabilitation ideas then we want you to know we continue to offer these practices on top of the science and evidence that underpins our practice as safe, effective and personalised to you.