There is invariably more than one way of dealing with a problem, and health problems are no exception, but one of the most frustrating obstacles faced by a practitioner is the grasshopper mind.

An individually based treatment regime takes careful planning and invariably involves a step-by-step programme throughout which the client’s progress is monitored at every stage. Unfortunately, many influences can conspire to sabotage the whole plan. What is deemed to be fashionable, conflicting information in the media and on the internet, and well-meaning but uninformed suggestions from friends and acquaintances are just a few of the possible distractions that cause the patient to consider alternative ways to deal with their problem.

There is a well known saying, “If it isn’t broken don’t try to fix it” and this applies strongly to any treatment regime. Obviously, if there is no improvement at all within a reasonable length of time, then there is a good case for reviewing the situation. However, this does necessitate taking a step back and looking closely at oneself, and considering whether any changes for the better are taking place. This rarely happens overnight and it is necessary to be realistic in one’s expectations. Illness takes a time, sometimes many years to rear its head, and while an effective solution should take nowhere near as long, to constantly jump from one solution to another will only be likely to prolong the process of repair. It may take a while for the first signs of success to appear but once underway the improvements generally start to gain momentum.

The message is not to be distracted. An experienced practitioner will have seen your problem many times, in many guises. You can discuss your progress and your expectations, but do your body a favour and give it a fair chance.