Beware The Possible Pitfalls Of Complementary Treatments

Today's short post from nccih.nih.gov (see link below) is an extremely sensible piece of advice for those people looking for alternative or complementary therapies. Although good advice in general, it especially applies to neuropathy patients. When a disease doesn't have a cure and the medications are of limited benefit, people start searching for alternatives to relieve their condition. Nerve damage patients will recognise themselves here. However, not all complementary therapies or therapists are safe and it's vital for your safety (and for your wallet!) that you do your research first. This article is nothing but common sense. You may feel that your home doctor, or specialist will somehow frown on your efforts but they are fully aware of the failings of neuropathy treatment and should support you by giving you the information they have available...without criticism. Also, if something goes wrong and you suffer some adverse medical reaction, it's important that they know what course you've been on so that they can better identify and help with any problems.

6 Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner
This page last modified October 11, 2016

If you’re looking for a complementary health practitioner to help treat a medical problem, it is important to be as careful and thorough in your search as you are when looking for conventional care.

Here are some tips to help you in your search:
 
If you need names of practitioners in your area, first check with your doctor or other health care provider. A nearby hospital or medical school, professional organizations, state regulatory agencies or licensing boards, or even your health insurance provider may be helpful. Unfortunately, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cannot refer you to practitioners.

Find out as much as you can about any potential practitioner, including education, training, licensing, and certifications. The credentials required for complementary health practitioners vary tremendously from state to state and from discipline to discipline.

Once you have found a possible practitioner, here are some tips about deciding whether he or she is right for you: 

Find out whether the practitioner is willing to work together with your conventional health care providers. For safe, coordinated care, it’s important for all of the professionals involved in your health to communicate and cooperate.

Explain all of your health conditions to the practitioner, and find out about the practitioner’s training and experience in working with people who have your conditions. Choose a practitioner who understands how to work with people with your specific needs, even if general well-being is your goal. And, remember that health conditions can affect the safety of complementary approaches; for example, if you have glaucoma, some yoga poses may not be safe for you.

Don’t assume that your health insurance will cover the practitioner’s services. Contact your health insurance provider and ask. Insurance plans differ greatly in what complementary health approaches they cover, and even if they cover a particular approach, restrictions may apply.

Tell all your health care providers about the complementary approaches you use and about all practitioners who are treating you. Keeping your health care providers fully informed helps you to stay in control and effectively manage your health.

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/selecting