Don’t Believe Everything You Read
All we are hearing about these days are stories about ‘fake news’. It’s hard to determine what is the truth and what are lies. If you are like me, you find yourself doubting every news story that comes across your feed. The fact of the matter is that around the time O.J. Simpson hopped into a white Ford Bronco, mainstream media realized that people would believe whatever narrative fit their personal opinions. Facts are secondary and often we seek the answers that fit our beliefs.
The same holds true for what we experience in healthcare. Too often, we have patients who share stories of unnecessary surgeries that were recommended due to poor diagnostic examinations. I also read stories about therapists who should have never laid a single finger on someone without doing a proper evaluation. The fact is that not all structural abnormalities indicate a root cause. There are often times when there are no structural abnormalities, yet pain is unbearable to the patient, but all testing is negative.
It’s important to note here that this is not a slam on Doctors or any other professionals. We should all have thick enough skin to understand that it is up to all of us to ‘first, do no harm.’ We must all continue to review new research and adapt our practices accordingly.
A recent study posted on Pub Med reported on the variability in diagnostic error rates of 10 MRI centers performing lumbar spine MRI’s. The study concluded “marked variability in the reported interpretive findings and a high prevalence of interpretive errors in radiologists’ reports of an MRI examination of the lumbar spine performed on the same patient at 10 different MRI centers over a short time period. As a result, the authors conclude that where a patient obtains his or her MRI examination and which radiologist interprets the examination may have a direct impact on radiological diagnosis, subsequent choice of treatment, and clinical outcome.”
Can you imagine getting 10 different diagnoses from a single MRI? Who can you trust is right? As Bon Jovi’ said, this is “Bad Medicine”. There is an expression that I have heard that holds true; “You have whom you see.” In other words, depending on the professional (Dr.,PT, LMT, DC etc.) you will have whatever it is that they know how to treat. The bottom line is, when dealing with your personal health, it’s never impolite or rude to ask for a second or third opinion. This is your health. Sometimes the best answer you can get is “I don’t know.” You should always ask questions until you get answers that are based upon real facts and not opinions that conveniently fit the narrative of what you or the professional may think.
Ready to #feelbetter?
You're just a click away from a wicked good massage!
-
60 Minute Massage Gift Card
$170.00 Add to cart -
90 Minute Massage Gift Card
$255.00 Add to cart -
Mini Aer Small Room Air Purifier
$149.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
Thera-Pearl Sports Pack/Hot Cold
Original price was: $14.99.$12.99Current price is: $12.99. Add to cart -
3 Somadome Sessions Gift Card
$135.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
TheraBand® Stretch Strap
Original price was: $19.99.$14.99Current price is: $14.99. Add to cart -
20 Minute Somadome Gift Card
$45.00 Add to cart -
TheraBand CLX Connective Loop
$14.99 Select options
Energy Boosters
Energy Boosters Ways to Get You Through the Day No amount of coaxing, pleading, or pedal pumping could get the engine in the rental car to turn over. It was going nowhere. The travelers had filled the car with unleaded fuel, but it had a diesel engine. It had been able to run a little…
Read MoreWhat is Qi?
What is Qi? A fundamental concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back over 3,000 years, qi (pronounced “chee”) is the Chinese word for energy, which also carries with it connotations of “air,” “breath,” and “life force.” In TCM, it is understood that everything from humans and animals to rocks and trees is filled with…
Read MoreWhy Buy Organic?
Why Buy Organic? Is the Higher Price Worth It? While shopping in your grocery store’s produce section, you may notice the organically grown apples are pocked and not as big and perfectly round as the conventional produce, but they are more expensive. What’s the difference, and which do you choose? Your decision may significantly impact…
Read MoreAre You Making the Most of Your Massage?
Are You Making the Most of Your Massage? How to Prolong the Benefits of Bodywork A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels…
Read MoreThe Case for Chocolate
The Case for Chocolate New Studies Show Health Benefits It’s not like we need a specific reason to eat chocolate, but it doesn’t hurt that studies are finding increasing health benefits associated with the popular indulgence. While chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat, it does contain chemical compounds with proven benefits, so enjoy–in…
Read MoreThe Wonders of Water
The Wonders of Water For Skin Health and More Shelley Burns, N.D. Creams, nutritional supplements, treatments, lotions, and potions. We are always looking for the next miracle product to keep skin looking healthy and young. However, there is one essential, inexpensive, and often overlooked nutrient right at your fingertips:water. Just as a car cannot function…
Read MoreInvest In Your Health
Invest in Your Health Massage Offers Excellent Return onInvestment “Invest for the long term” is great financial advice, but it’s also great healthcare advice. Never is investing for the long term more important than when you are making day-to-day decisions about your health. There are short-term gains from taking care of your health, to be…
Read MoreLife Hack: Iced Cubes
Life Hack: Coffee Cubes (Redux) As usual in New England, we have gone from Winter to Summer, with Spring being an absentee season (again). Since it feels like Summer is already here, I thought it best to give you a Life Hack that is an oldy, but a goody! Iced Coffee…..CUBES! #mindblown Yes. I have offered this…
Read MoreMake a Great Save to Avoid Back Pain
Make a Great Save to Avoid Back Pain 7- Stretches in 7-Minutes I was speaking the other day with one of our therapists and we were discussing our role in helping our patients. I was explaining that a comment I often tell new patients is; “These are hands, not magic wands”. Patients often seek out…
Read MoreTime for Sleep
Time for Sleep As a nation, we may be divided, but there is one common bond that unites us all around the world; sleep. We all need sleep in order to be capable of performing every day tasks. Sleep is an imperative part of the human experience. Without a good night’s sleep, our bodies will slowly…
Read More