Working in the performing arts brings a specific set of health challenges. And to support you in those challenges, you may need specialist support from someone who understands what it means to be a performer.
Whether you’re experiencing pain, recovering from an injury , having vocal difficulties, have concerns about your mental health or another issue is affecting your creative work, finding the right healthcare professional can make a real difference to your work in the performing arts.
Performing arts medicine recognises the particular physical, mental and occupational demands faced by performers and creative professionals. However, different health concerns require different expertise, so knowing where to start when looking for a performing arts medicine practitioner is important.
Speak to Your GP About Health Concerns
Your NHS GP and other NHS services play an essential role in diagnosing, managing and treating health problems. If you have a health concern, always consult your GP where appropriate.
BAPAM does not replace or disrupt NHS care. Instead, our services complement the care you receive through the NHS by providing highly specialist performing arts-specific assessment and advice, and signposting you to additional specialist expertise where appropriate.
Consider Contacting BAPAM First
Before choosing a specialised practitioner, it may be helpful to speak to BAPAM first.
Our clinical services can assess your needs, provide occupation-specific advice and help you plan appropriate next steps. This can be particularly important when a problem requires specialist assessment.
For example, professional voice users experiencing persistent vocal symptoms may need assessment at a Specialist Voice Clinic before working with professionals involved in rehabilitation.
Starting with the appropriate clinical assessment can help ensure you are directed towards the right care for your needs. You can get in touch with BAPAM at info@bapam.org.uk or 020 8167 4775.
Check Their Qualifications and Experience
If you are looking for a practitioner yourself, take some time to research their professional background. Always read their full information and reviews, if available.
Consider:
- Are they appropriately qualified and registered with professional bodies?
- Do they have suitable professional insurance?
- Do they have experience with performing artists?
- Do they understand the demands of your profession?
- Are their fees and additional costs clear?
Depending on the profession, you can also check whether someone belongs to a statutory or voluntary professional register, such as the HCPC (Health & Care Professionals Council), GMC (The General Medical Council) or .
If you choose a practitioner who is not listed in the BAPAM Directory, it is particularly important to check these details yourself before arranging treatment.
Use the BAPAM Directory of Practitioners
The BAPAM Directory lists more than 300 performing arts-specialist health professionals working across areas including physical health, mental health, voice and hearing.
Practitioners listed in the Directory are vetted by BAPAM to ensure they meet requirements including appropriate qualifications, professional registration, insurance and a current DBS certificate. They also have proven experience and understanding of the health needs of performing arts professionals. Many also partake in ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the best practices.
The Directory includes both NHS and private care providers, although many listed practitioners work independently and privately.
Find the Right Fit for You
Qualifications and specialist experience are important, but you should also feel comfortable with the practitioner’s approach. Look at their biography or website, ask questions before booking and, if you feel comfortable doing so, seek feedback from colleagues.
Choosing healthcare does not have to be something you navigate alone. Contact BAPAM for free, confidential support and guidance on finding appropriate care for your health and creative career.
You can contact BAPAM via: info@bapam.org.uk or 020 8167 4775