A multidimensional scaling analysis of the techniques that physiotherapists use

Following the essentially 'hands-on' origin of the physiotherapy profession a century ago, the range of techniques available to practitioners has expanded considerably. While this expansion of techniques has been of research interest, the main focus has been upon individual techniques, thus neglecting the fundamental question of the use of techniques in combination. In addition, researchers have tended to treat the profession as homogeneous, thus overlooking possible differences in technique usage. The present study addressed these questions. It postulated that ordered combinations of techniques usage would be employed, and that a typology would exist that differentiates the profession according to patterns of use. The study comprised a questionnaire survey of 230 clinical physiotherapists in England. This sought information on the range and frequency of techniques used over the previous six months. Descriptive analysis indicated a high frequency of use of several techniques, notably exercise therapy, passive mobilisation techniques and ultrasound. A feature of the analysis was the use of two multivariate procedures, multidimensional scalogram analysis (MSA) and smallest space analysis (SSA). The SSAs revealed a clear structure concerning combinations of techniques used, and the MSAs provided a coherent typology based upon this usage. One feature of the techniques in combination that emerged was the frequent use of passive mobilising techniques, which was associated with equally frequent use of electrotherapy techniques. In contrast, respondents who employed neurological or respiratory techniques made little use of electrotherapy. Regarding the typology, differentiation of the profession according to use of particular combinations of techniques indicated probable specialisms. The specialist areas identified were neurological physiotherapy, respiratory physiotherapy and musculo-skeletal physiotherapy. The results reinforce the need for both future research and physiotherapy education to address the issue of techniques in combination. Finally, and on the basis of the analyses, elements of a theoretical model are advanced that may provide directions for future research.