What makes a therapy controversial? (Part 1)

On our last podcast episode “how to ask for a second opinion” I mentioned a therapy we tried when our son was younger, saying I wished I had done more research and asked for second opinions from our medical team. This brought about more questions and conversation about all the therapies available and families wanting to know, what does the research say?

I ask Dayna, why are there controversial therapies out there available to families and why are they considered to be controversial? We start with covering off Vojta and Bobath (Neurodevelopmental treatment - NDT).

Dayna explained how the controversy around these therapies came from the mix of new knowledge and old knowledge and how it all came about with the best intentions.

Dayna also discussed Bobath therapy (NDT) and how instrumental the Bobaths were in helping understand cerebral palsy. Dayna was a Bobath practitioner and can look at it herself and acknowledge that she didn't see the outcomes she had hoped for and can understand why it is now below the “worth it line”.

All this to say, this is why continuing to research and staying up to date on research outcomes is so important as a duty of care in the role of an allied health professional.

Visit the TheraBytes blog at:

www.healthystridesfoundation.com/podcasts

This week's podcast episode focused on a question that I'm sure many parents have asked themselves: how to politely but confidently ask for a second opinion when unsure or unhappy with a medical diagnosis, outcome, or lack of outcome.

If you have concerns about the care of your child or loved one, don't hesitate to voice them. You can politely ask for a second opinion by expressing your worries and requesting a referral to another specialist. We also discussed the importance of seeking out evidence-based interventions and not being swayed by anecdotal evidence or personal testimonials.

By staying informed, asking the right questions, and trusting our instincts, we can work together with healthcare professionals to ensure our children receive the best possible care.

As a parent of a child with a neurodisability, I'm always looking for ways to make therapy more effective and meaningful, and the concept of the "six Fs" really resonated with me.

What I loved most was how practical the F-words are. They remind us to consider the bigger picture when setting goals – not just focusing on physical achievements like walking, but also on things like function (what will this skill help my child DO in their daily life?), friends (how will this goal impact their social interactions?), and family (how will this affect our family dynamic and routines?).

It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but the F-words really encourage us to think long-term and make choices that support our child's overall well-being.

And can we talk about fun? It doesn't have to be all giggles and rainbows all the time, but finding ways to make therapy engaging and motivating is crucial. As we pointed out, seeing our kids content and willing to participate is a HUGE win!

The F-words really are a fantastic tool for any parent navigating the world of therapy.