Clinical Policies Directory TNRF1: Alternative therapies
These pages provide a web friendly version of the Treatments not routinely funded one policy (CLIN02 Treatments Requiring Individual Funding Applications TNRF1).
Go to Policies and Processes page (Clinical policies section) of this website to read the full policy.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain (using needles to treat health conditions)
Overview
Acupuncture is a treatment which involves the placement of needles into various parts of the body with the aim to manage or improve a wide variety of health conditions. In the context of chronic pain, acupuncture treatments are often delivered in a sequence of several sittings over time, which can facilitate building a therapeutic relationship.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Aromatherapy
Overview
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy based on the use of concentrated essential plant pols, and may be used to reduce the symptoms of a range of conditions and believed to work both physiologically and psychologically.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded. It is only available as part of palliative care packages.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Chinese Medicines
Overview
Traditional Chinese medicine is an alternative medical practice drawn from traditional medicine in China.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Chiropractic Therapy (alternative therapy for bones, muscles and joints)
Overview
Chiropractic Therapy is a treatment where a practitioner, called a chiropractor, uses their hands to help relieve problems with the bones, muscles and joints. It's considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine, which means it's not a conventional medical treatment.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Clinical Ecology (exploration of dietary and environmental allergies)
Overview
Clinical Ecology is a field that explores the role of dietary and environmental allergens in health and illness.
Thresholds and eligibility
These procedures are not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Herbal Remedies
Overview
Herbal Remedies are types of medicines that use roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or seeds of plants to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness.
Thresholds and eligibility
These procedures are not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Homeopathy (treatment using natural substances)
Overview
Homeopathy is an alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used most often in very small amounts, can impact on health.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Hypnotherapy
Overview
Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary and alternative treatment. It uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Hydrotherapy (exercises carried out in warm water)
Overview
Hydrotherapy is exercises that are carried out in warm, shallow water. The water can help relax and support the muscles and joints, whilst providing resistance to help patients gradually get stronger.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Massage
Overview
Massage is a treatment in which the soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and stroked. Massage therapy may help people relax, relieve stress and pain, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.
Thresholds and eligibility
This treatment is not routinely funded. It is only available as part of commissioned palliative care packages.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Osteopathy (moving, stretching and massaging muscles and joints)
Overview
Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.
Thresholds and eligibility
Complimentary and alternative therapies are not normally funded, except in the case of manual therapies (such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation, or soft tissue techniques) as part of an MSK treatment package including; exercise for low back pain with or without sciatica, Hip Osteoarthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Reflexology (pressure point massage on hands and feet)
Overview
A type of massage in which different amounts of pressure are applied to specific points on the feet or hands. These points are believed to match up with certain other parts of the body.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.