6/12/2023 0 Comments Gif machine that goes ping![]() We have a range of wonderful research to support our clinical practice, which continues to be augmented by the non-specific treatment effect. Well, most of us have, and we have left the magical machines behind. Fortunately, our profession has moved on. ![]() Non-specific Treatment Effect: Therapist care and attention Explanation of therapeutic effect and even safety advice and expectations of the outcome. These are all having quite powerful effects on our neurophysiology. Sensation-enhanced placebo: Tingling, vibrating or tightening and relaxing of the tissues. Visually enhanced placebo: The flashing lights, the coils the pads and straps the suction cups, and even the after-effects of marks on the skin. These include:Īuditory enhanced placebo: The noises and sounds of pinging, whirring and ticking. Some changes can be attributed to natural healing processes.Ī whole range of inputs impacts the electrotherapy treatment's expectation effect (Placebo). Now that we know that electrophysical agents do not impact our tissues to promote long-term healing and recovery, it leaves us with many more questions about why some people responded. Not unsurprisingly then, in the past 30 years, research has practically debunked everything that I learned in my electrotherapy classes at Physio school. ![]() Sometimes the machines that go “ping” seemed to do what the manufacturers attested. I believed it, so why wouldn't the patient? It was all very technical and persuasive. Whilst all this prep was going on, the physiotherapist would be busy giving the patient an explanation of what to expect, safety information if things got a bit “hairy”, and what the machine was allegedly doing to them. Soaking pads and applying them with straps warming gel and applying to the skin lamp-rays set out at precise distances (all measured for maximum effect and safety) suction cups which would leave an impressive pattern of subcutaneous bruising to the skin. The application of the modalities was a key part of the treatment. You certainly did not want to be behind the 8-ball and not have one in your practice. Ultrasound was the exception because, generally, the patient did not feel anything at all except for the sensation of gel being rubbed over the skin. They emitted a range of sounds, including buzzing, whirring and pinging, along with a fantastical light display in time with the sounds or changing current. Those who have visited physiotherapy practices might know some of the more familiar ones, such as Ultrasound, Interferential or Laser. When I graduated and worked in Private Practice, I was even treated to convincing demonstrations by the manufacturers of these so-called magic machines. We learned about their alleged therapeutic benefits, including reducing pain, stimulating circulation, reducing swelling, breaking down scar tissue and promoting healing. At my physio school, up to four hours a week were spent learning the physical and physiological properties of various forms of electrotherapy equipment. Way back in 1983, Physiotherapy practice was based on anecdotal evidence and some crude animal studies masquerading as evidence-based medicine. ![]()
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