Complementary therapies - choosing a practitioner

Complementary therapies are used alongside mainstream or conventional medical treatment to help improve a person’s health and wellbeing. A complementary therapy is generally based on long-standing cultural practices and uses natural methods and products. These approaches are sometimes known collectively as “traditional medicine” or “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM).

Complementary therapies that are popular in many parts of the world include acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and massage. Before choosing a CAM therapy or therapist, it is wise to ask your doctor for advice and recommendations. Your first step is deciding which therapy you would like to try.

Types of complementary therapy#

The many complementary therapies available can be grouped into a few broad categories:

• Natural products, herbs and nutritional products — among the most popular complementary therapies. These include herbal or botanical medicines, certain vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements and probiotics.
• “Hands on” therapies or body work — based on touch or manipulation of soft tissue, muscles and joints, such as massage and Bowen therapy. (Osteopathy and chiropractic are sometimes spoken of as complementary therapies, but in many places they are classed as allied health treatments.)
• Mind-body therapies — aim to influence physical functioning and promote health using the mind, thoughts and feelings, drawing on the interactions among the brain, mind, body and behavior. These include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, guided imagery and support groups.
• Energy-based therapies — based on working with “energy fields” in the body, such as reiki, kinesiology, and magnet and light therapies.
• Movement therapies — such as the Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, pilates, Rolfing and Trager integration.
• Whole (alternative) medical systems — such as ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), naturopathy and homeopathy.

Your doctor is the best person to advise which therapies may be most helpful for your particular condition, and your own likes and dislikes will narrow the list further.

Be clear on your goals#

Think about what you expect to gain from treatment before you start a complementary therapy. For example, you may hope to cure or manage a condition, relieve pain, reduce your risk of complications, reduce your risk of disease, or simply feel more relaxed.

Complementary therapies are unlikely to achieve all of these goals on their own. Combined with conventional medical treatment, however, they can often be a powerful tool. Your doctor can help you to form realistic expectations.

How to find a therapist#

Ask your doctor, nurse or another registered health professional to recommend a reputable therapist. Pharmacists and disease support organizations can also offer helpful advice.

Most complementary therapies have a professional association. You can contact the relevant association and ask for a list of members near you. The association may be able to tell you, for example, whether a member speaks more than one language or practices more than one therapy. Check whether there are guidelines or codes of practice that set out the type and level of service expected from members.

During your first visit#

Issues to consider during your first visit may include:

• Accessibility — for example, whether the clinic has enough parking and is close to home or public transport.
• First impressions — whether the building and grounds are well kept and the waiting and treatment areas are hygienic.
• Level of professionalism — how you are treated, for example when you tell the receptionist that you are a new client.
• Qualifications — find out whether the therapist belongs to a professional organization and whether that organization has a code of ethics. Membership may be voluntary, but it suggests a commitment to maintaining appropriate standards of practice.
• Personal manner — your rapport with the therapist matters. Do you feel relaxed and welcome? Does the therapist listen to you? Are you comfortable seeing this person regularly?

Questions to ask about treatment#

During the initial consultation, the therapist will recommend treatment. You may wish to ask:

• How does the treatment work?
• Is there any proof that it works?
• Will it interfere with any conventional medical treatment I am having, including prescription or over-the-counter medicines?

Some herbal medicines or vitamin supplements can interact with prescription medicines and cause unwanted side effects, so be sure to mention any treatment you are already having.

A complementary therapist is not a doctor#

Registered medical doctors may train in one or more complementary therapies, which is often called “integrative” or “integrated” medicine. However, complementary therapists are not necessarily required to have any conventional medical training, registration or qualifications. The title “doctor” does not always mean a person is a trained and registered medical practitioner. If you are unsure, ask the therapist to explain or show evidence of their qualifications and experience.

Keep your doctor informed#

It is very important to tell your regular doctor that you wish to see, or are seeing, a complementary therapist, and about any treatments you receive. This helps to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Be wary of some therapists#

Not all therapists are reputable. Be cautious of any therapist who:

• claims that their treatment is the only one that works
• disagrees with your doctor and advises you to abandon conventional medical treatment
• receives a commission for selling a particular product, which may mean the product they promote is not the most suitable
• charges very high fees or introduces hidden costs
• talks to you in inappropriate ways
• touches you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable

Key points#

• Think about what you expect to gain from treatment before you start a complementary therapy.
• Combined with conventional medical treatment, complementary therapies can often be a powerful tool.
• Professional association membership may be voluntary, but it suggests a commitment to maintaining appropriate standards of practice.
• Your rapport with the therapist is important.
• Some herbal medicines or vitamin supplements can interact with prescription medicines and cause unwanted side effects.

Where to get help#