The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is a health care charity helping performing arts professionals and students beat work-related health problems, and dedicated to sharing knowledge about healthy practice. We also deliver specialist training for doctors and other health care professionals, educators and professional bodies, and advocate for best practice throughout the performing arts.

Free Clinics BAPAM’s expert clinicians understand the demands of a performing arts career and give free medical advice about problems including playing-related injuries and pain, tension, hypermobility, voice problems, performance anxiety and stress. BAPAM clinicians are from a range of backgrounds including general practice, physiotherapy, osteopathy, psychology, rheumatology, and orthopaedics.

Resources BAPAM’s free resources help people working in the arts care for their health and perform at their peak. BAPAM Factsheets are ideal for teachers, students and performers and include advice about preparing for performance, from physical warm-ups to psychological self-care, coping with anxiety and challenging working conditions, caring for your voice, hearing, taking care of nutrition and alcohol consumption.

Directory of Practitioners BAPAM maintain a Directory of practitioners with expertise in performing arts health care. Often practitioners offer reduced rates to BAPAM-registered clients.

Events and Training BAPAM’s adaptable training events for performers, educators and students, employers and other organisations focus on essential skills for healthy practice and optimal performance throughout a demanding career. Sessions can be tailored to cover the most relevant topics and include health & wellbeing for performers, injury prevention, ergonomics, good technique, vocal health, stress management and overcoming performance anxiety.