Yup, that's it. The specific treatment mode I would use would be different most likely, but the idea - considering the whole context of the problem and allowing the affected parts to recover by themselves - is spot on.
You can apply this principle to many things. To illustrate: if a stomach ulcer was suspected, there'd be nothing to gain by rubbing the stomach. So with a whiplash, you might consider how the whole body has reacted, and sometimes you might not want to touch the neck at all, especially in the early stages.
The answer is quite simple
We are not trained physicians and therefore should never attempt to diagnose. Patients should be referred to their GP.
Namaste
Interesting discussion. Good input kvdp. I too would treat the rest of the body and leave the injured/painful part as well as suggesting a trip to a GP perhaps.
Oh yes, I wouldn't argue with getting a more highly qualified opinion if there are doubts or concerns about eg. hidden pathology. Certainly try and cultivate a relationship with a more experienced mentor. I have colleagues with whom I discuss confusing cases all the time.
Looking back through the thread, this was mainly about the conceptual point of how we manage those times when there is confusion. We're on the spot, we have to make a decision about whether to proceed. We have to remember 'do no harm', at the same time, we are there to help, and sending the patient around the houses isn't always the best thing, for them or our learning.
Even with every piece of knowledge, the scope for error remains. It is likely that we occasionally see people with completely hidden pathology who seem completely well. Yet we don't have epidemics of patients suffering fatal gut perforations on the way home from the refelxologist.
It is very common when starting out to see every situation as a major pathology, and this can be a crippling experience. We could justify getting a doctor's certificate from every single patient, but that would be waste of time, a constraint to freedoms, and wouldn't guarantee anything anyway. I hope this issue of perception has been addressed, at least to a point.
For more specific information, I would agree, consider referring any time you feel out of your depth. At the same time, let's not be afraid to help people with problems - they're the ones who come to us.
On a practical point, don't exceed what you know their body can cope with. If the person is walking in, then already you have an idea of how much that is.