Newbie!

[Eilis]

Hello all... I have been a member here for a few months now... but have been hiding in the background.... One of my clinical educators introduced me to this site, which has been an eye opener... I have recently graduated from my MSc Physiotherapist course, with a great interest in alternative medicine... I would like to find a way to bridge the gap between the two as I feel that each can complement the other... However, while I was a student I found it difficult to express my interest in alternative med. because in many cases it is looked upon as insignificant because of the lack of ‘evidence based practice’.. but when you consider the placebo effect, can what we do not be described as placebo-therapists...and thus can Physio and alternative medicine not be merged under the same umbrella?
My undergraduate degree was in Social Science, where I studied psychology, sociology and philosophy... This has given me a more in depth understanding of people and the society they live in, which I find invaluable when it comes to evaluating patients, their perception of pain, and linking it to psycho-social factors....
I think this site will help me grow as a Physiotherapist..... Thank you all for sharing your knowledge!

[Sheffphysio]

Hi Ellis,

Nice to have you here, I hope you find a way that bidges that gap!

Which MSc did you do? Was it in the U.K or Ireland?

[zimney3pt]

Eilis, welcome to SS.

[Diane]

Hi Ellis,
Welcome to SomaSimple.

Originally Posted by Eilis

Hello all... I have been a member here for a few months now... but have been hiding in the background.... One of my clinical educators introduced me to this site, which has been an eye opener... I have recently graduated from my MSc Physiotherapist course, with a great interest in alternative medicine... I would like to find a way to bridge the gap between the two as I feel that each can complement the other... However, while I was a student I found it difficult to express my interest in alternative med. because in many cases it is looked upon as insignificant because of the lack of ‘evidence based practice’.. but when you consider the placebo effect, can what we do not be described as placebo-therapists...and thus can Physio and alternative medicine not be merged under the same umbrella?
My undergraduate degree was in Social Science, where I studied psychology, sociology and philosophy... This has given me a more in depth understanding of people and the society they live in, which I find invaluable when it comes to evaluating patients, their perception of pain, and linking it to psycho-social factors....
I think this site will help me grow as a Physiotherapist..... Thank you all for sharing your knowledge!

I used to think an umbrella that would cover the two might be a good idea, but the more I learned about the damage woo does to the human brain, the less I thought it was such a good idea. Instead, it's more important (in my opinion) to base what we do on solid information available from neuro and pain science. We can learn what to do with our hands, AND have better explanations, than the woo folk. They certainly are good with their hands, but what goes on between their ears is remarkably dense and murky and even sciencey-sounding yet full of conceptual rabbit holes, conceptual hallucinations they have made up out of thin air to match their perceptual fantasies. I don't want them under my umbrella.

[Barrett Dorko]

I was hoping that Diane would weigh in here. Our experiences have been very similar. If you decide to break away from their "reasoning" (scare quotes) expect to have the conversation veer off track very quickly.

There's always a price to pay.

[Eilis]

I did the MSc in Scotland...

Thank you for your advice... I agree with you Diane, I was a bit blasé with my umbrella term comment. PT's have worked too hard in their field to be grouped in with 'woo' people...

I'm hear to learn....and find the theory and practice behind neuro and pain science, as you said, really interesting! One of my clinical educators, Ian, introducted me to Explain Pain, dermoneuromodulation, and the TED clips.... which is something we didn't get taught in uni...and I think it's key in our treatment with patients, and in helping patients understand their pain..

[amacs]

Welcome Ellis,

Glasgow or Edinburgh for the MSc? I presume Edinburgh if Ian was one of your clinical tutors?

good to see another person from the Uk/Ireland on the board.

Enjoy the ride

regards

ANdy

[byronselorme]

Don't know if this is of any help Ellis,

But Rachel Remen M.D. has written a book (kitchen table wisdom) that gets at what I think you mean.

I think, personally, the Alt Med. crowd gains points when they create a warm environment, offer caring attention, and spend time with the person. This is the relationship part that should be in all therapy but is sadly missing very often. The explanations and logic should mostly be scrapped.

If you follow the advice of those here I am sure you will find the answer you are looking for.

Welcome!