Exploring the old “If all you have is a hammer” idea in a recent blog post, Seth Godin writes: “One study found that when confronted with a patient with back pain, surgeons prescribed surgery, physical therapists thought that therapy was indicated and yes, acupuncturists were sure needles were the answer. Across the entire universe of patients, the single largest indicator of treatment wasn’t symptoms or patient background, it was the background of the [practitioner].”
I try really hard not to think like this. I truly believe that an eclectic, holistic (and humble) approach best serves my folks, and I routinely refer them to doctors, physical therapists, naturopaths, nutritionists, and other practitioners who know a lot more than I do.
I’m well aware that all I have is a hammer (albeit a really fancy and effective one). In fact, several times a week I say to my folks (in almost these exact words), “I’m not sure of what’s going on with you, and even if I was it would be outside my scope of practice to say, but I can tell you that if your problem is caused by – or exacerbated by – muscle tension, postural distortion, or other factors that I can address with massage therapy, I may be able to help you find relief.”
I always want you to address your health and wellness issues with the fullest toolbox possible.
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