Most people know that they need to see their primary care physician for an annual check-up and that they should go to the dentist twice a year. But there are many other medical services out there that you might not know you need — until you need them. Here are some medical services that you never thought you needed.
1. Ear Cleaning
The human ear is self-cleaning, but sometimes it needs a little help. If you have too much wax build-up, it can cause hearing loss. Private ear microsuction is a quick and easy way to remove the wax and restore your hearing. It works by using a small, handheld suction device to remove the wax from your ear canal.
This is especially helpful for those who have had previous ear surgery or who have narrow ear canals. Ear cleaning is a painless medical procedure that takes less than 5 minutes. All you need to do to prepare is remove any earrings or other jewelry.
You can also clean your own ears at home with several over-the-counter ear wax removal kits. However, if you have any doubts about properly using these kits, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
2. Occupational Therapy
If you have a job requiring a lot of manual labor, you might not think you need occupational therapy. But if you suffer from an injury or have a chronic condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational therapy can help you stay healthy and productive at work.
An occupational therapist can help you modify your workspace, choose the right tools and equipment, and teach you exercises to prevent further injuries. They can also provide guidance on how to pace yourself and take breaks throughout the day.
This type of therapy is not just for manual laborers. If you have a desk job, an occupational therapist can help you set up your workstation to reduce strain on your body. They can also teach stretching and strengthening exercises at your desk. If you’re unsure whether you need occupational therapy, talk to your primary care physician or your employer.
3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often thought of as something that is only needed after an injury or surgery. But physical therapy can also be used to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. If you have a physically demanding job or participate in activities that put a strain on your body, such as running or playing sports, physical therapy can help keep your body healthy and prevent injuries.
Physical therapists can also help you recover from an injury more quickly by teaching you exercises to rehabilitate your body. They can also provide guidance on how to properly use any assistive devices you might need, such as crutches or a cane.
If you’re unsure whether you need physical therapy, talk to your primary care physician or employer. Most of the time, you will need a referral from your doctor before you can see a physical therapist as well.
4. Nutritional counseling
Many people think of nutritionists as telling people what to eat to lose weight. But nutritionists can also help people who want to gain weight, maintain weight, or improve their overall health by eating more nutritious foods.
If you are having trouble eating a balanced diet or sticking to a diet plan, nutritional counseling can help you make lasting changes to your eating habits. For example, a nutritionist can help you figure out how to eat more fruits and vegetables or how to cook healthy meals on a budget.
A nutritionist can work with you one-on-one or in a group setting to develop a plan that fits your individual needs. Nutritional counseling is often covered by health insurance, so check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered under your plan.
5. Mental Health Counseling
Mental health counselors provide counseling and therapy services to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. Mental health counselors can also help people who are dealing with life changes or traumatic events such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one.
If you are struggling to cope with a problematic situation or manage your emotions, mental health counseling can help you find healthy ways to cope with your feelings and make positive changes in your life. For instance, a mental health counselor can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety and stress, such as journaling or exercise.
You can find mental health counselors through community organizations or online directories. Make sure to choose a licensed counselor in your state and check to see if your insurance plan covers mental health counseling services.
There are many medical services out there that most people don’t even know exist — until they need them. From ear cleaning services to nutritional counseling and mental health counseling, there is a wide range of medical services available to meet your needs — whatever they may be.
