Scientific Development Methods in Physical Therapy

Abstract

This paper discusses the possibility that the scientific nature of physical therapy can be enhanced through the promotion of research programs centered on the clinical reasoning and case reports of therapists in the field. Additionally, it clarifies, from a philosophy of science perspective, that science in physical therapy requires a socially constructivist approach to clinical practice and a clinical attitude that understands patients as complex systems. The scientific nature of physical therapy is not based on true/false or right/wrong, but rather uses the sharing of clinical reasoning through case reports as a criterion to judge whether it is progressing/stagnating.