Performing Arts Medicine in Northern Ireland

Free face-to-face BAPAM Physiotherapy consultations in Belfast

On stage, backstage, on set, in the studio, teaching, on tour, at college – if you have a health problem related to your work or study in performing arts, BAPAM can help.

To book an appointment call 020 8167 4775, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Location: Our Belfast clinic is located at Unit 11, Ravenhill Business Park Ravenhill Rd, Belfast BT6 8AW. 

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Who will I see?

Our Belfast clinician, Kathy Harris, is a physiotherapist experienced treating musicians, dancers and performers. Specialising in manual therapy and home exercise programmes, Kathy has worked alongside the Ulster Orchestra for 7 years and has also worked with Highland, Irish and contemporary dancers, choir and solo vocalists, and students and staff at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kathy has also trained as a classical pianist and oboist.

How do I book in for a face to face or online session? If you have a health problem that is caused by or impacting your work or study in the performing arts, BAPAM can support you with free, expert clinical assessment. By providing accurate diagnosis and specialist advice, we help you overcome problems quickly and access effective care.

Our helpline team will talk to you about your situation and advise you about available support. We will either book you in for a consultation in our clinic or, if other forms of support are likely to help you more, we will advise you further about this. For example, we can provide information about services within the NHS or offered by performing arts medicine specialist practitioners, signpost you to resources for injury management, or highlight additional support within the performing arts. 

To get in touch with BAPAM, please call 020 8167 4775 or email info@bapam.org.uk. Our helpline is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. 

Who is eligible for the BAPAM free clinic? 

If you are working or studying in the performing arts and have an illness or injury that is impacting your ability to work or study, you may be eligible for support from BAPAM. This support could include attending a face to face or online clinic. If you are unsure if you are eligible for support from BAPAM please email us at info@bapam.org.uk or call 020 8167 4775. 

What will happen during the consultation?

During your consultation, our clinician is likely to:

• Ask about your symptoms and their history.  
• Inquire about any previous treatments or investigations you may have had.  
• Ask about your general health, past health conditions, and medications.
• Discuss your ideas, concerns, and expectations regarding your condition.  
• Explore how your symptoms affect your work, family, relationships, social and leisure activities, and day-to-day life, including the psychological and emotional impact.  
• Review previous letters or investigation you may have provided.  
• Perform a clinical examination, where relevant.
• Discuss their findings and recommendations with you. 

Further information is available in the the patient information leaflet, Understanding Your BAPAM Consultation.

What Comes After the Consultation?

Usually, you will receive a detailed letter summarising the assessment and our recommendations. You can use this letter to inform your NHS GP and other health professionals, and to support applications for funding towards specialist health care. In some cases, you will be contacted by the BAPAM team to explain the next steps in the process. Your clinician will explain which to expect. 

You will also receive an email to provide feedback on your experience. 

Related Information: Search the BAPAM Directory for performing arts specialist healthcare practitioners

To help you find safe, effective and professional care, please read these guidelines before using the BAPAM Directory.

Details of BAPAM-registered practitioners in Northern Ireland can be found here: Performing arts specialist healthcare practitioners in Northern Ireland. 

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