10/10/2024
Formal research is insanely limited. If we limit ourselves to a practice based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies only, then our practice is that limited.
It should inform our practice, not limit it.
I love research. I am constantly browsing pubmed and the others, but it’s just a brick in the whole wall.
The patient experience and the practitioners knowledge are equally important and should equally inform.
If something works for a patient, but I’m not willing to continue that modality because it’s not “evidence based” then why am I even treating them.
Research takes an average of 20 years to “catch up” with what is working in the field.
I have done research in grad school, I do not enjoy the process and some of the very most brilliant people I know feel the exact same way.
That means there are brilliant practitioners literally changing and improving lives every day that are not actually doing formal research. They don’t want to jump the hoops. They’d rather continue changing lives with boots on the ground.
I see hoof care practitioners keeping hundreds of horses sound and teaching the masses how to do so, without any peer reviewed and published evidence of their work. That's valuable research too.
Formal research has a limited scope in what it includes per study. Research questions have to be targeted and very often will overlook the whole body connection.
We need more research for so many modalities in horses and I hope more practitioners choose to do so, but I won’t be “waiting” on it to make horses feel better.
Don’t be stubborn about trying new things. Take the class, try the thing, and see what results you get.
The power of your intention is always a factor as well.
Research should inform our practice, not limit it.
📸 I love this application by Topline Equine Services, LLC
