If you are or are close to anyone who works in healthcare, than you've probably heard the term "evidence based practice" at some point. All the rage in recent years, evidence-based practice is defined as:
"the integration of best-available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances related to patient and client management, practice management, and health policy decision making."
So what does that mean? And more importantly, what does that mean for you and your horse?
I know I'm going to upset some academia types with this next statement, but evidence based practice is only as good as your evidence. And "evidence" can be twisted to match your prerogative. For example, when looking at the use of percussion guns (massage guns) for therapeutic massage, you can find systemic reviews that both support and discredit their function.
In a systemic review published in 2023, Ferreira et al concluded, in part, "in strength, balance, acceleration, agility and explosive activities, it either did not have improvements or it even showed a decrease in performance." Conversely, a separate systemic review also published in 2023 by Sams et al concluded, in part, "PT delivered by massage guns can help improve acute muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce experiences of musculoskeletal pain."
This is why the second half of the definition is, in my opinion, more important than the first. It's almost like finding a good travel planner. You need to find someone who shares your opinions and beliefs, but knows when to push you out of your comfort zone just a little bit for the greater good. Similarly, a good provider with clinical expertise and an understanding of the situational factors that affect decisions and outcomes is one of the best investments you can make as an equine enthusiast.
If you have questions about physical therapy, rehabilitation, functional fitness, or how to decipher "good" research from "bad" research - fact from opinion - please get a hold of us!
Ferreira RM, Silva R, Vigário P, Martins PN, Casanova F, Fernandes RJ, Sampaio AR. The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2023; 8(3):138
Sams, Lorna; Langdown, Ben L.; Simons, Joan and Vseteckova, Jitka (2023). The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(2) pp. 309–327.
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