Choosing a complementary therapist

If you are considering using complementary therapies, the following suggestions may help:

• Always use a qualified therapist who belongs to a professional body.
• Ask first to make sure you know the charges. The professional association should be able to guide you as to what average charges are.
• Talk it over with your doctor or nurse, especially if a therapy includes taking pills or other medicines. You don't necessarily have to take their advice, but you should know what they think about it and give them the opportunity to caution you about any possible drug interactions. Check with your pharmacist about that as well. Pharmacists are often good sources of up-to-the-minute information on drug interactions.
• Ask your doctor or nurse if there are complementary therapies available at your treatment hospital or through your regular doctor's practice, or if they can recommend any therapies or practitioners. Again, you don't have to follow their suggestions, but understanding between members of your care team can smooth the process for you.
• Choose the complementary therapy that suits your individual needs. If you are not sure and would like to know what other patients have found helpful, contact a patient support group. Support groups often offer or can direct you to complementary therapies.

Don't be misled by promises of cures. Reputable therapists do not claim to be able to cure silicosis.

Click here for more information on complementary therapies. Click here for more information on support groups and other resources.