Think about how much time you spent learning about the 'normal' body in physiotherapy school. Think about how much time you spend in clinical practice assessing people to see what's 'abnormal.' And all of those clinical trials that develop sensitive, reliable and valid measures of activity, bodily function, movement and pain; all based on some universal notion of normality. Tests and measures have to assume that there is one universal normal for them to be universal. So, in principal, a score of 13 on the Modified Borg Scale means the same thing in Afghanistan as it does in Alaska, and a BMI of 28 is obese no matter where you live. Physiotherapists learn the principal of … [Read more...] about New: Normals
Evidence-based medicine or micro-fascism?
We can already hear the objections. The term fascism represents an emotionally charged concept in both the political and religious arenas; it is the ugliest expression of life in the 20th century (180). Not my words, but those of Dave Holmes and Stuart Murray in their fabulous paper Deconstructing the evidence-based discourse in health sciences: Truth, power and fascism. The author's argument is that we desperately need to unmask the 'the hidden politics of evidence-based discourse' (181). A recent Australian report on the efficacy of homeopathy (link) has shown that "There was no reliable evidence from research in humans that homeopathy was effective for treating the range of health … [Read more...] about Evidence-based medicine or micro-fascism?
Some January highlights
In case you missed these notices during January, here are a few new things that you might be interested in: Breath A beautiful short video about breath from The Mercadantes, the husband-and-wife filmmakers Daniel and Katina Mercadante in California. The film explores the human breath and its innumerable forms – from the first gasping cries of a newborn to the sighed relief of a well-earned chance to rest. New book by Felix Guattari A new book edited by Gary Genosko collecting some of French philosopher Félix Guattari's work during his frequent visits to Japan in the 1980s. Guattari frequently visited Japan during the 1980s and organized exchanges between French and Japanese artists and … [Read more...] about Some January highlights
Metaphors in medicine
The Twitter post on Wednesday from Mike Stewart (@knowpainmike) followed on from our Tweet chat on philosophy and physiotherapy on Monday night, and quite a lot of work from people like Jack Chew (http://chewshealth.co.uk) to explore the role of metaphors in health care. It reminded me of a meeting I had some years ago with Alan Bleakley, Professor of Medical Education and Medical Humanities at the Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine in England (click here to read his profile on the International Health & Humanities Network website). We met in Reykjavik at my first In Sickness and In Health Conference and his presentation blew me away. Alan was talking about the power … [Read more...] about Metaphors in medicine