Top 13 Posts Of 2011

It is hard to believe that the end of 2011 is upon us. Over the past year, I challenged myself to write more, and more consistently. I managed to accomplish this goal – writing 181 posts and articles (including the piece you are consuming right now). What this amounts to is about 1700 words per week. Prior to 2011, my most productive writing year was 2008 when I posted a mere 72 articles.

Writing has not just been limited to blogging. This spring saw the completion of a book chapter (co-authored with Bridget Clark, PT) entitled “Running Injuries: Etiology And Recovery-Based Treatment” which appears in the recently released third edition of "Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Approach" by S. Brent Brotzman, MD and Robert C. Manske, PT. In the upcoming year, there are a number of writing projects brewing – both non-fiction and fiction. 

The number of readers of this blog has grown significantly over the past year as well. I am always flattered and humbled that you, the reader, have taken the time during your day to stop by this website.

As far as projects go, most notably the Smart Life Project, exciting things are ahead for 2012. This site will become the home of discussion forums and groups related to the Smart Life Project. I hope that you will continue to participate in the discussions that directly affect our system of health in this country and competent self care globally. Together, we can change the world.

With much fanfare, here are my top 13 posts of 2011 (initials in parentheses indicate the category – Rhubarb Diaries or Smart Physio):

Top 13 Posts Of 2011

1. The BCS And The Little Sisters Of The Poor (RD) – The BCS has been a hot topic for me over the years. It is time for a true college football playoff. ‘Nuff said.

2. Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Health Care Reform (SP) – Health care reform is another prominent topic on these pages. Unconstitutional? Really?

3. Breaking News: HB 637 Direct Access To PT Public Hearing Set For 4/20/11 (SP) – It was a legislative year in Texas, and with that came yet another attempt to make Direct Access to Physical Therapy a reality.

4. Longhorns Update: Out of The Phog (RD) – I have been an avid supporter of the University of Texas football and men’s basketball programs since moving to Austin in 1990. This was a report on their long overdue win against Big 12 rival the University of Kansas.

5. 365 Valentines A Year (RD) – This was one of my personal favorites this year. Why just one day of the year to share love with the world?

6. Patient-Centered Health Care Begins With Access To Care (SP) – Health care, especially patient-centered health care, requires access to care. This is one of the foundations for an effective system of health.

7. A Quantum Leap Disguised As Clinical Reasoning (SP) – Physical therapists and health care providers speak of biomechanical mal-alignments as the cause of injury, but the clinical reasoning is flawed. Here’s why.

8. Direct Access To Physical Therapy: You Have It, Or You Don't (SP) – The physical therapy profession in the US speaks of various forms and levels of Direct Access. Either the patient can see you directly, or they can’t.

9. Direct Access To Physical Therapy: Lessons From The Global Village (SP) – The accepted standard for the profession of physical therapy globally is to have direct access to the physical therapist – with the exception of the United States. There are many lessons we can learn from the global experience.

10. Manual Therapy And Mechanical Therapy - The Great Perceptual Divide (SP) – Clinicians debate the pros and cons of manual therapy and mechanical therapy. Is this a clinical issue, or a perceptual one?

11. Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 11 (RD) – A Rumination that has a mix of music, politics, health care, and sports. What more could you ask for?

12. Four Reasons To Reject Palpation-Based Models Of Care (SP) – Palpation-based models of care are the accepted standard. But does the scientific literature support this standard? Doubts ensue.

13. Five Important Questions For Your Health Care Provider (SP) – If you are immersed in the health care world as a patient, you may feel lost regarding your options. Be a good consumer and ask your provider these five questions.

I hope that you have enjoyed 2011, and I look forward to having you join me here for an exciting year ahead. Variety is the spice of life here at AllanBesselink.com.

Photo credits: zigazou76