Are “miracles” unjustly crucified?
Defining “Miracles”
“Miracle” versus Placebo
A placebo is a treatment that has no therapeutic value. Placebo’s are used in research studies to eliminate the placebo effect. The placebo effect is defined as a phenomena where some people have a positive health outcome as a result of the anticipation that a specific treatment will help. In a research study, the placebo effect might mean that some people responded favorably to a medication solely on the basis of the placebo effect and NOT because the treatment was effective. That being said, scientists will often include a placebo group in their study design. This group of test subjects receives a medication that has no therapeutic value. (Ie: a sugar pill, saline….etc). If a large percentage of the subjects in the placebo group have a net benefit from the treatment (despite receiving a treatment that has no therapeutic value), This would weaken the study results.
So, does this mean the Placebo effect is the equivalent of a “miracle”?
Can YOU Be A Placebo?
Final thoughts
More articles you may be interested in:
Stroke Recovery Essentials: 4 Non Negotiables For Brain Healing
We talk a lot about exercises in stroke recovery. But here’s the truth: recovery doesn’t start with movement—it starts with oxygen. When a stroke cuts off blood flow, your brain enters a chemical storm. Inflammation surges. Oxidative stress damages neurons. The...
3 Big Balance Mistakes After Stroke—and How to Fix Them
Have you ever felt like your balance is fine at home… but the moment you step outside, it’s a totally different story? You’re not alone—and there’s a good reason for that. I talk to a lot of people who say, “I feel pretty confident walking around my house, but the...
Neuroplasticity and Recovery: How Life’s Loops Shape Growth and Transformation
"The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change." — Unknown “Why run that far when you have a perfectly reliable car?” Back in my marathon days, this rhetorical question was something I heard more times than I can...
The Secret to Stroke Recovery Success
"The secret to winning is learning how to lose. That is, learning to bounce back from failure and disappointment—undeterred—and continuing to steadily march toward your potential. Your response to failure determines your capacity for success." -James Clear, author of...
How to Fix Knee Buckling Post Stroke
Why Your Knee Buckles—and How to Regain Control Say Goodbye to Knee Giving Way and Hello to Confident Walking https://youtu.be/wNZxiTXTz7QWhat Is Knee Buckling? Knee buckling refers to a sudden, unexpected loss of stability in the knee joint, often described as the...
Understanding and Fixing Leg Cramps Post Stroke
Clonus Explained: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It Stop Letting Leg Cramps Slow Your Recovery https://youtu.be/fGNGXoMSvT4 Can Clonus Affect the Way You Walk? Absolutely—Here’s What You Need to Know Have you ever felt your foot suddenly...
Why Your Hand Still Won’t Open After Stroke | 3 Mistakes to Fix
Why Forcing It Doesn't Work How to Stop Reinforcing the Wrong Patterns and Start Rewiring Your Brain for Real Recovery https://youtu.be/fDIgGLM8Kj0If you’ve had a stroke (or other neurologic injury), and your hand feels like it’s stuck in a fist or your arm just hangs...
Understanding Abnormal Synergy Patterns After Stroke: The Missing Puzzle Piece in Recovery
Understanding Abnormal Synergy Patterns After Stroke: The Missing Puzzle Piece in Recovery Stroke recovery is rarely straightforward.You might work on strength, balance, and mobility—yet your movements still feel awkward, stiff, or “robotic.” Why?One of the most...
The Pain-Avoidant Loop After Stroke: How Pain Can Stall Recovery
The Pain-Avoidant Loop After Stroke: How Pain Can Stall Recovery Pain after a stroke is real.It can be sharp, nagging, constant, or unpredictable.And it has a sneaky way of slowing down recovery in ways many people don’t realize. This is what I call the pain-avoidant...
The Cycle of Learned Non-Use
The Cycle of Learned Non-Use In the early days after a stroke, attempts to move the affected arm often fail or are painful. Naturally, the brain (and the person) adapts by relying more on the stronger, unaffected side. The result? The brain starts to “forget” the...