When considering medical treatment, four critical questions arise:
- What advantages and disadvantages does a treatment have?
- Is it necessary and are there any alternatives?
- Is it based on scientific proof, and not just theories or expert opinions?
- Will the treatment lead to a faster recovery?
Core Definition
Evidence-based practice is how we, the health professional, integrate our clinical knowledge with the best available research evidence; with your individual values and circumstances, to assess and manage your healthcare complaint.
Implementation varies among individual therapists and isn't universally consistent across the profession.
Research Standards
Physiotherapy relies on peer-reviewed scientific journals. A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) represents the highest research standard, utilising experimental and control groups with random participant assignment to minimise bias.
Historical Examples of Practice Evolution
Back Pain Treatment
- Then: Bed rest and pain medication
- Now: Early movement aids recovery; immobility causes stiffness, muscle wasting, and bone density loss
Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Then: Popular treatment since the 1940s for muscle injuries
- Now: Research shows it merely functions as a pain reliever, not a tissue healer
Our Approach
We emphasise that science alone doesn't explain everything — mind-body connections and individual life circumstances matter. Our team conducts regular "Journal Club" sessions to evaluate the latest research for practice integration.