Two points:
1) many patients will badger their doctors over inconsequential (and sometimes untreatable) conditions; the doctor will often write them a prescription just to shut them up (patients are happy when their doctor appears to be doing something for them, which is why it is something of a shame that doctors are no longer allowed to prescribe sugar pills)
2) most doctors won't have the time or resources (or expertise) to carry out a controlled study of every treatment that they prescribe, so if casual observation suggests that something is working (and there's an absence of outside guidance), it would be remiss of them not to continue with the treatment in question.

Other than that, congratulations on your understanding of the scientific method.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 20 Oct 2011, 9:57, 1 reply)

Your average
GP isn't there to research.

Not all doctors are doing what he's describing.
(username failed moderation, Thu 20 Oct 2011, 10:35, closed)

Quite.
Your average GP just wants you out of their sugery as fast as possible. If they can be confident that it won't actually make you worse, and if the budget will allow for it, prescribing an ineffective treatment is a win for all concerned (assuming that you really will get better on your own).
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 20 Oct 2011, 10:39, closed)