dear All,
I have followed up the argument regarding the use of acupuncture from
physiotherapists and I was quite pleased to see the reactions of people
to the suggestion that physios should not practice acupuncture. From my
view point as Vice Chairman of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered
Physiotherapists, an active researcher in the area of acupuncture induced
analgesia and an educator of physiotherapists, I will reiterate the fact
that physios are very adequately qualified to carry out many assessments
and provide a safe practice. I dissagree with the notion which implies
that only medics should practice acupuncture due to their ability to
carry out a diagnosis. This issue has now been disproven, since there is
Evidence to suggest that 58% of diagnosis made in primary care are wrong
and I cannot remember the last time I saw some GP doing something
meaningful to an acute back pain before it reached the physio service. In
addition the holistic approach of the chinese medicine claims, is
integral to physiotherapy practice since physios are the (or amongst the)
health professionals that spent most of their time with the patients. The
therapeutic interaction is not limited to the therapy intervention alone
but is expanded by the touch and concern most of us will show to our
patients. I therefore believe that, with sufficient training and
maintainance of a safe practice, the physiotherapist can utilise
acupucnture very effectively in his/hers everyday practice for a
multitude of conditions. Given the recent statistics (Ernst et al 1998,
Arch Int Med, in press) is has been also demonstrated that inexperienced
acupucnture practitioners are more effective in alleviating the symptoms
of acute back pain than the experienced ones. Hence following recent
research findings and a sound anatomical knowledge along with clinical
reasoning is all we need to maintain this skill within the ranks of
physios with relative effectivenes.
Some food for thought, I will be looking forward for responses.
Panos Barlas, BSc(Hons)PDD, DPhil, MCSP, SRP, LicAc
Lecturer
Department of Physiotherapy
School of Health and Social Sciences,
Coventry University,
Priory Street,Coventry, CV1 5FB
Tel: +44- (0)1203- 838980
Fax: +44- (0)1203- 838020
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
On Wed, 25 Mar 1998, Lenkir wrote:
> To Thomas,
>
> I have been told that there are a few good meta-analyses on the effectiveness
> of acupuncture. I would check medline using the keywords acupuncture and
> meta-anaylysis if you already haven't done so.
>
> I myself, am a PT who will shortly be working with an acupuncturist. In his
> experience, he has treated many patients who had been seen by other health
> professionals (including PT's) and had not yet experienced pain relief. In
> many cases, it only took 2 acupuncture treatment sessions for complete
> resolution of symptoms.
>
> I believe that acupuncture has its place in physiotherapy, however, I will
> hopefully have a better idea in the near future of how it can be used
> effectively with other modes of treatment.
>
> Good luck with the lit review and let me know if you find anything worth
> reporting.
>
> Len Kiroplis, PT
>
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