Chronic pain is a pervasive companion that unfortunately affects pretty much every part of life and travel can be especially grueling. Luckily, there are things you can do to manage your pain while traveling and in fact, one of the first things you want to do is find an osteopath at your destination.
Here are 3 tips for you.
Local Recommendations
Local recommendations come straight from the locals who know the area inside out and so when it comes to managing chronic pain, their firsthand experiences can be invaluable in uncovering an osteopath who truly understands the local scene and specializes in your specific needs.
You want to:
- Get on relevant online forums or social media groups and ask about top-notch osteopaths in your travel destination
- Seek out any local support groups or gatherings for chronic pain sufferers
- Swing by local pharmacies or clinics specializing in pain management. Strike up a conversation with the staff—they’re usually a wealth of knowledge and might have some solid recommendations to share
Professional Referrals
Professional referrals are not unlike getting VIP access to the best osteopaths. Your current healthcare provider knows your medical history inside out and can recommend someone who’s a perfect match for your needs. Plus, having your doctor vouch for you can fast-track things.
You want to:
- Schedule a chat with your primary care physician or pain specialist before you hit the road. Let them know about your travel plans and that you’re looking for an osteopath at your destination
- Not hold back—the more information you give about your treatment preferences the better they can tailor their recommendations
- See if they can write you a referral letter once you get the recommendation for a promising osteopath. Having your medical history and treatment plan in hand can smooth the way for your first appointment with the new osteopath
Check Osteopathic Associations
Osteopathic associations are not unlike the Yellow Pages for finding top-tier osteopaths. They usually have handy directories or listings of a lot of the licensed practitioners in your travel destination, making it a breeze to find someone who’s legit and has the chops to tackle your chronic pain.
You want to:
- Fire up your browser and scour the web for local osteopathic associations or societies in your destination area
- Properly read the profiles or bios of the osteopaths listed. Pay attention to things like their specialties, experience with chronic pain conditions, and any glowing testimonials from satisfied patients
- Reach out and introduce yourself. Ask about their availability, treatment approach, and how they can help with your specific pain issues.
You want to be proactive about getting a handle on your condition as you travel. Sure, it’s not the easiest thing, but it means having control over your travels and enjoying the experiences ahead with greater comfort and confidence.
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