Door 4 – Tip: How do you find evidence-based physiotherapy?

Today there is no myth, but a practical tip:
As a patient, how do you find physiotherapy that is truly evidence-based?
There are still many outdated treatment concepts circulating in the fitness and physiotherapy world in particular. It is often difficult for patients to recognize a modern, scientifically sound practice.

What should you look out for?

Of course, it helps to look at the websites of various practices or read Google reviews. But what’s more important is what you pay close attention to.
A paper by Lynette All describes very well what modern physiotherapy for musculoskeletal complaints should look like.
Many points can only be assessed during the course of treatment – but they still help you to get a good orientation.

1. patient:internal focus

A key feature of evidence-based physiotherapy is that the treatment is focused on you as a person.
You can recognize this by the fact that the therapist:

• listens to you attentively
• asks specifically
• tries to find out what exactly your problem is
• does not offer standard solutions that do not suit your everyday life or your complaints

A detailed medical history is also a very good sign.

2. interest in your life situation

Modern, evidence-based therapy not only looks at the symptom, but at your entire life situation.
This includes, for example

• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Stress
• Social environment
• Occupational stress

Questionnaires can also be part of the assessment – this shows that the therapist wants to get a more comprehensive picture.

3. imaging only for clear medical reasons

X-rays or MRIs should not be routinely recommended right at the start.
An imaging examination only makes sense if there is a specific suspicion and this is clearly communicated – for example, to rule out a serious illness or injury.

4. thorough examination

Another important point:
The physiotherapist should examine you and carry out various assessments with you. This also includes movements that are currently painful – because they provide important information for treatment.