If you suffer from arthritis, you may have looked into complementary therapies to treat your condition. But how do you know which ones work?
A report, based on data from clinical trials and launched by medical research charity Arthritis Research UK, has found that there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove alternative remedies make a difference.
It shows many of the therapies that claim to treat arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions, have been tested in just one study or not been subjected to a clinical trial at all.
Using evidence from trials, researchers found that some therapies worked well for patients suffering from arthritis, while others had no effect on symptoms.
Acupuncture, massage, tai chi and yoga all proved to be effective, whereas little evidence was found to support the use of copper and magnetic therapy for the treatment of arthritis.
Each of the 25 therapies researched for the report were scored on a scale of one to five for effectiveness – one if there was little of no evidence the therapy was effective and five if there was good evidence to suggest it was.
Improvements in pain, disability and quality of life were taken into account, as well as the safety of each therapy.
There has been little research into therapies claiming to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but the report looked at 24 trials dealing with nine different therapies.
A little evidence suggested biofeedback, relaxation therapy and tai chi worked, as they all scored two. The other six therapies scored just one.
Tai chi and acupuncture proved effective, scoring four and five respectively, for the treatment of the degenerative condition, osteoarthritis. Twelve other therapies scored just one or two.
Patients suffering from fibromyalgia, a condition which causes widespread pain, can be helped by acupuncture and massage, according to the report. They scored four and five, respectively. Of the 17 therapies that have been the subject of 50 trials, 13 scored one or two on the scale of effectiveness. It was found that Tai chi and relaxation therapy could also help those suffering from fibromyalgia, and both scored highly.
A total of 75 trials have been held looking at 14 therapies for lower back pain. Eight of the therapies scored the lowest mark for effectiveness, while relaxation and osteopathy both scored three. Acupuncture and yoga showed the most promise, scoring four and five.
If you are thinking of using complementary therapy, it may be wise to do some research before you part with your hard-earned cash.
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