Have we all become armchair experts?

With our constant interaction on social media, have we all become armchair experts?

I will tell you I am an expert, but know very little. I know what I'm good at and I know what I don't know. In fact the more I learn, the more I realize how much more I have to learn.

We are very quick to share our opinion by copying and pasting YouTube videos, news articles, and thoughts without a moment's consideration for the impact that will have on somebody else.

We are all guilty of it. I have offended people at times, but I sometimes feel this is justified especially when I am talking about my own personal and professional views. I try to make it very clear that I am open to discussion and these views are strictly held by me.

I see people posting information regularly disguised as research that proves their point but when somebody contradicts them they are very quick to be aggressive, defensive and upset. I can guarantee you for every belief system we have, there is contradicting information and data out there.

As a Physiotherapist, I am very much a believer in education. I also believe in manual therapy but, I don't believe manual therapy solves all problems. In fact I believe home exercise programs are the answer. I think the only way to succeed in health care is by empowering the patient. I know there are people out there who believe only their touch and skill set is the answer. So,does that mean one of us is wrong?

I have friends who believe that keto is the best form of diet, but I also have friends who swear by Weight Watchers. I have colleagues who believe CrossFit is where it is at, yet I have some who say running is the answer. Who is right ?

I don't believe there's a right or wrong. I don't believe we live in a world where one person's opinion is better than the other. But I do believe we have to look at evidence.

We have to look deeper not only into the scientific findings, but who discovered the findings and where the resource came from. Is there hidden profit to be made with these findings? For example, many studies on acupuncture and dry needling are completed by people who teach the courses. There's a financial advantage for them to provide evidence proving these techniques work.

As a health care provider this can be very confusing, but nonetheless, we have to keep up to date on current evidence. I think it's our duty to be aware of what's changing and how to provide our clients with the best care available.

We must challenge our own beliefs and biases on a regular basis. I am not the same physiotherapist I was when I graduated. I have gone through phases where I have loved certain techniques, treatment protocols and ways of thinking. But on some occasions I have in fact got it wrong. By continuing to challenge my own belief system and biases, it makes me better by pushing me to admit my mistakes and be braver when it comes to change.

Change is hard but we have to be the voices of reason. Sometimes when a client requests a certain type of treatment and I know that this would not be my treatment of choice, I have to explain my reason backed up with research and supporting evidence. I then have to know what their best options are. If a client still believes they want a certain type of treatment and I do not believe that's correct, I am willing to compromise and offer a short course of what they request and a short course of what I request and we see what works best.

You're the expert with your body. I am the expert in my skills and knowledge.

Together we use our expertise to find the best means for you to meet your goals.

NIcola Robertson

Registered Physiotherapist