Alternative therapies for common illnesses and disorders are growing in popularity. Things like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care have shown to benefit some health conditions and issues, provided the practitioner affording the care is properly trained and accredited. However, not all alternative healing methods are in the best interest of patients, and it’s important to consider a therapy carefully before taking the leap. U.S. News & World Report recommends looking for the following red flags to ensure your wellness remains a priority.
Be wary of cure claims
Very few serious illnesses have definable cures. While there are proven treatments for things like cancer and heart disease, any person promising a cure, especially when it’s as simple as taking a daily pill, is misinformed or being intentionally misleading. Claiming that a treatment has no side effects is also problematic. Even supplements and vitamins, which are considered to be relatively harmless by most people, carry a risk of some side effects, which should be communicated to you before you begin a regimen.
Inquire about a person’s background & training
In the same token, it’s best to work with people who have the proper training to provide a certain therapy. Asking for credentials is a must in this case, and credentials should be easily understood and communicated clearly to patients. If a doctor or medical provider is evasive or can’t supply the necessary information, it’s best to seek treatment elsewhere.
Exorbitant fees can be a bad sign
While it’s true medical treatments often take time to take effect, be careful about remitting large payments and committing to a long-term therapy schedule. Some medical fraudsters do this simply to line their pockets, which is why they claim such a lengthy commitment is necessary. Before signing up, be sure to conduct thorough research. You can also try finding other patients and ask if they’d like to speak about their experience.