Can't quite bring yourself to book a consultation over Skype about bodily problems or psychosomatics? No wonder! Doubts and questions come up, for example:
- How does a consultation go?
- What are the advantages of a consultation online and what might the drawbacks be?
- How do I choose a specialist? and so on.
An important sign, when choosing a specialist in any field, is good reviews and recommendations. But do not be too trusting either: a good reputation is of course a real help in choosing, yet do not forget that the specialist has to match your own needs. A good specialist is not only a professional of a high order but also your ally in dealing with the ailment or the problem that has come up
How does a PROPER consultation go?
First, the specialist will calmly and unhurriedly ask you questions and listen to you. Before the consultation you may be offered a form (a questionnaire, a test) that helps to build a more precise picture of the case and helps you focus on the main problem A detailed conversation is needed to build a full picture, not only of today's disturbance or problem, but of your way of life, the people around you, past illnesses and the state of your physical and mental health as a whole. And as you will see, the less hurry the better.
Later on, history-taking should not go on at every meeting, especially if your state is not changing and what needs adjusting is the set of measures aimed at restoring your psychological or bodily health.
Be ready to hear all sorts of questions and, in turn, be ready to give the fullest answers you can. Before the meeting I would write down a list of questions so that nothing is missed. Do ask the specialist again if something is unclear to you and needs explaining, do not be shy about asking for detail.
During the assessment meeting the specialist will pin down not only where the pain and the stiffness sit, but will also ask about food, daily routine, physical activity, the people around you and so on. That is, what is identified is not only the affected areas and the trigger mechanisms in the bone, muscle and peripheral nervous system, but also the possible psychological problems that provoke or keep going the present disturbances.
Tracking the result (assessment) should carry on later too, while the disturbances are being worked through and the muscular armour is being let go, since this is the only way (apart from your own sensations) to judge how well the therapy is working. It also lets the specialist, if need be, add one or another further method of examination or therapy.
The therapy itself should be flexible, all-round and able to adapt to the situation. Along the way you will be told what causes the pain or a particular emotional reaction and which methods are better to take in your case.
The specialist should be ready at any moment to change the strategy of the therapy and to send you to other professionals for a consultation. That is of more use than stubbornly carrying on with a method that is not working. Always ask questions, especially when something is unclear, and do not hesitate to go to other specialists to hear a second opinion.
Which consultation is worth avoiding?
If the specialist:
- Pays no attention to the details that matter to you.
- Gives you no chance to get a word in.
- Works through the assessment fast and haphazardly, going no further than the painful area or a single problem.
- Does not recommend or does not carry out further methods of examination (testing)
- Does not explain why one method of treatment or another has been chosen. Gives no recommendations.
- Advises against, or even flatly forbids, going to other specialists.
PS one more thing that matters - THE COST. Steer clear of people who will not talk about the total cost of the therapy or about a rough sum for the outlay! Take care and stay healthy!
You can hear about the pros and cons of online consultations that involve body practices by joining the live meeting on 11 January, Saturday, 11:00 >>> JOIN US!
