The importance of using the right language while talking science

The importance of using the right language while talking science

One of the biggest concern for me in PT (especially in India) is the advent of newer terminologies in describing- well either imaginary things or already existing things.

1.       The first example is a classic- the trigger point release. When I went to college it was called like in any sensible medical literature as tender spot. Along came the 2000s and with than came in fancy treatment-  TRp release.

The first issue is whether it is the Ashi point as they called in magic (I am referring to acupuncture) or trigger point as they call in some neo-magic (I am referring to chiro or something) is –why do we have to call it as trigger point and not tenderness. There are some half baked studies which looked into the histopathology of it and proven- well we don’t know for sure. However, there are also many studies which have consistently proven that reliability of finding them poor at the best. The next issue with the word release- what the hell is wrong with us to call something as release. These words come from a magical treatment called chiropractors – who studied magic rather than physiology when they wrote the term. However, we now are in the era of -free or easy access to knowledge, and we should know better. Muscle or pain is not something you release, it is such a complex phenomenon it is scholars are grappling with it for many years, but we are just, “I released the trigger point and the patient is alright”. This reflects very poorly on worth, we are more intelligent then that. 

                So, pray what should we refer to ask my friend? Well, the muscles relaxes, beautifully named as “Hold and relax” by Knott and Voss. Relaxation is a phenomenon of the muscle- not release. As for trigger point, well pray –Sarwathi visits us and we all read medical literature other than Facebook posts.

Of course there are 100s of therapist who are going to say- well this guy is a moron, I have seen it, I have seen people getting better etc.

     

2.       Bone has eroded- (you know what we say in our vernacular). It is high time we talk about back pain, OA as a disease not as pathology. Talking it as a p athology makes you want to change the pathology, it creates so much anxiety in the patients mind. We need to have a better language in patient education regarding these diseases. Just, keep the x-ray or MRI in the cover rather than seeing it.

3.       Facebook- it is a proper noun- it cannot be called as முக- நூல்- come on people Hariohm is Hariohm in any language. Thank god we did not translate- google,  cognizant (which again can be translated unlike google)

4.            

My 2 cents on associations of physiotherapy

I usually don’t write about any of the associations in India or Tamil Nadu (TN). Reason one, well I have a life. But this Saturday afternoon, did not have anything to say so- here is my take on our precious associations.

The first thing I find in TN is there are 2 many associations. The general feeling I get is everyone seem to think they are here to lead and they don’t want to follow any one. The second is everyone thinks there aim is more – how do I put it- has a higher purpose.

The first thing I see all the associations do is –well this is in vogue for the past few years – is conduct a National conference. I don’t have anything against it – but I can distinctively remember in the late 90s we all complained that is what IAP did and nothing else. Well the all the associations have fallen into the same pattern. As we say in non-linear theory- they have all fallen into the same attractor state.

The next thing I remember what all the association meetings were about:

1.       Getting government job

2.       Getting a council

3.       Talking bad about-The Man (the one person who is stopping  us from achieving the goal)

I have not gone to any meeting for quite some time but, I am assuming this is what is discussed and also from all the cry babies writing in face book.  Well what is wrong you ask me? Well don’t worry any of the people who took the time to read this is going to get it. We are more in numbers and the government jobs are never going to enough. Please understand medical economics if you are one of those “leaders”. The government’s policy on health is complex and it depends on burden of illness, resource and who can lobby well. So don’t be gullible in thinking 10- 200 people are going to get you to change all that easily.

Getting the council, Well a must need for PTs but it is not a panacea for all our woes. It is not going to bring more jobs, more money, not change your salary if you are working even in a college. Come on people read market economy; we have a right wing government in the centre and a centre to right in TN.

Well not writing about the last one because- I may be the man in the next meeting who is stopping you from growing.

What do I think associations should do?

Well the good things first- I see some association doing clinical meeting or CME. AS you can imagine I think that is a wonderful step. However, my personal opinion is get people from your own city, own association to do the talk. (This is also for the conferences) Why call some idiot from Mumbai or some place else).

Lots of associations have a dedicated people –who are leaders and follower- but I just can’t get over the feeling there is a lack in understanding of rudimentary things. I can remember being like that also after when I came out of college. Use them for something constrictive and think real issues- like training us to do be first contact practioners before asking for that.

Stop telling us diploma is bad, correspondence course is bad- of course we know that, more importantly that is how most of the regular colleges are running. Sad part is some of the “leader” have got there degree by not stepping into the college even to use the loo.

Stop being talk shops. I see many of the association becoming talk shops-getting the troops rallied up all the bull shit but with no substance. The common thing I see people talk is the universal cliché since Marx times- “Unity”. When the great Marx said unity he wrote a 3 volume book- which after trying for 7 years could not understand it- sold it back to the old book store. But most of the time when I see therapist say it is without doubt- without any substances. Why do you want us to be in union? Fight for what? What right am i not given? What is your goal? If your goal is get united and fight for unity, justice, get a council, get us jobs- well may be I will join justice the league  and fight crime at night along with superman et al.   

Of course there are also other association/ cults in this mess- the NDT cult, Mulligan cult and the overall manual therapist cult-well don’t get me started on those idiots.

Disclaimer: I have participated in some associations functioning before realizing –what a waste of my energy and intellect.

Homer Simpson- Old people don't need companionship. They need to be isolated and studied so it can be determined what nutrients they have that might be extracted for our personal use.