Physiotherapists and Evidence-Based Knee Osteoarthritis Care: What's the Hold-Up?

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing knee osteoarthritis. But why don't they always follow the latest evidence-based treatments? A recent study dug into this question. Instead of diving straight into treatment methods, researchers first looked at what influences physiotherapists' decisions. They found that personal beliefs and experiences were key players. What a physio has seen work in the past can overshadow the latest research.Patient preferences also mattered a lot. If a patient is set on a certain treatment, physios might go with it, even if it's not the most evidence-based option. The study also highlighted some practical hurdles. Busy clinics and lack of resources can make it tough to stick to ideal treatments. Plus, not all evidence is easily applied in real-world settings. So, while evidence-based care is the goal, it's not always the reality. This study reminds us that understanding and addressing these barriers is just as important as knowing the best treatments.