Performing Arts Medicine FAQ | BAPAM: health care for perfoming artists, musicians, dancers, actors

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Dancer at the World Performing Arts Festival 2006 - photograph by Waheed Khalid

Dancer at the World Performing Arts Festival 2006
Photo © Waheed Khalid

Street entertainer - photograph by Juliet

Street entertainer (identity unknown).
Photo © Juliet

The conductor Jesko in performance.
Photo © Jana Hettler

Tina Marsh singing - photograph by Michael Fuentes

Singer Tina Marsh in performance.
Photo © Michael Fuentes

Ballet dancer - photograph by Thierry Jayet

Yumiko Fukuda dancing at the Prix de Lausanne international competition for young dancers.
Photo © Thierry Jayet

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I have been to see lots of different specialists and I still don't believe they have got to the bottom of what is wrong with me. Can you help?

Because our practitioners have special experience and training, they can often spot the cause of a performance-related problem where a generalist medical practitioner might not. So do call us, even if you think you have exhausted all the possibilities.

I am working full-time but perform as an amateur. Can you help me?

Yes and no. We provide services to professionals (and semi-professionals i.e. those earning part of their income from the performing arts) and students studying performing arts. However, the health advice in our resources area is freely available. Find out about our health resources.

I don't want my employers to know anything is wrong with me – can I be sure that the clinics are confidential?

Yes absolutely. Our practitioners are subject to the same ethical frameworks as your GP or anyone else with whom you have a therapeutic relationship.

Can you give me a telephone or email consultation?

No. Our doctors cannot make a diagnosis without a physical examination. In some cases, if you have already been seen at a BAPAM clinic, the practitioner may be able to advise you further by phone or email if you have a specific enquiry relating to your consultation.

How come the assessments are free?

We are a registered charity and are funded by grants and voluntary donations so that artists who cannot afford appropriate health care can benefit from our services. If, however, you are in a position to make a donation for the service you have received, we would be delighted! And of course, if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim Gift Aid to make your donation worth an additional 28% to us. Find out how you can support our work.

I am a professional musician. If I find I need to pay for treatment, this will be difficult for me. Can you give me advice?

BAPAM works closely with its major funder, the Musicians Benevolent Fund, www.mbf.org.uk, which is able to offer help in confidence to professional musicians in need.