I’ve been having conversations with new and long term Sunshine Coast patients recently about what makes them decide to go see a certain health practitioner over another.
What’s the stats?
- 80% say they’ll ask a friend if they know of someone because they trust that person has had a positive experience
- 10% do a quick google search for who is local and available NOW
- The other 10% just plod on and try to figure it out and hope it all gets better. (I’m sure we’ve all been in each percentage for different things at different times).
Last week a semi-new patient returned for a monthly appointment. She was telling me about her 2 colleagues at work who also suffered migraines (which was this patients main complaint that’s now been resolved from treatment). One of the colleagues was just at her wits end with constant migraines, not knowing where to turn that she is now taking stress leave from work. Hallelujah for proper rest! However, please, if you have good results with any local Sunshine Coast health businesses in all fields – TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND HELP THEM OUT!
My top tips for choosing the right health practitioner
- Someone close to you goes to them and has had a positive experience.
- The practitioners appointment availability fits your schedule (there’s no point trying to see an ‘amazing practitioner’ referral who isn’t available on a specific day that you need/prefer.
- The practitioner is honest about whether they can help you, is willing to research how they can help you or can find you the right referral if they can’t help you.
- What are your needs that need to be met? Are you looking for a quick fix or someone to guide to you wellness with the treatment that suits you as an individual and also teaches you lifestyle adjustments for preventative health.
- The practitioner is qualified and experienced in their field, holds current insurances and certificates for their modality and does continuing education each year.
- The practitioner explains the treatment clearly to you (if it’s new to you), how it works, how long your condition may take to resolve and even reactions that can occur as your body tries to heal and adjust.
- You have a friendly connection and can hold a good conversation with your practitioner – this may happen down the track but it is important to connect.
- For eg. You may see an Acupuncturist to help manage anxiety (there is good scientific evidence encouraging acupuncture therapy to treat anxiety disorders as it yields effective outcomes, with fewer side effects than conventional treatment). However, you are needing psychology/counselling support to talk to someone in a therapeutic way. It is the practitioners duty of care to practice within their scope of practice and find someone who can assist in that area of your health.
- Ask your other health related modalities if they know of someone – your pilates teacher may know a good counsellor, your naturopath may know a good GP. *Not only should health practitioners take care of themselves, but they invest time and energy to source local health referrals to connect with.
If you’re unsure about going to someone new :
- Research
- Know what they specialise in
- Their experience
- Training and credentials
- Appointment availability.
- Most importantly, call them and talk to them or ask if you can meet them in person prior to making an appointment.
We need to make some failures before we find the right fit sometimes. Don’t sweat it if a ‘great referral’ doesn’t feel right you for – just find someone else. Persist! Your health is your life.
Your local community are there to support you so ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations. If you’re unsure about continuing care with a practitioner, communicate with them about what is and isn’t working. They should be able to change the treatment approach, make some suggestions and respect what you want to do.
Newcomers to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture have A LOT of questions – feel free to share this info here.
For more information about how I can help with your health, you can contact me
or you can now book online
Hi, I’m Tanya, an Acupuncturist and health practitioner in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia. I practice Chinese medicine because its safe, logical, relevant and has effectively shown methods of natural wellness for thousands of years (read more about my training here). Life doesn’t need to be complicated and nor does the treatment approaches to get people feeling vibrant and well. I’ve seen people gain a lot from treatments, much more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s exciting to connect with people and share deep wisdom from the classics of ancient and traditional medicine, with modern protocols for todays mind-body living. See you in the clinic !
Research:
Amorim D, Amado J, Brito I, Fiuza SM, Amorim N, Costeira C, Machado J. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2018 May;31:31-37.