Alternative medicine boasts no scientific proof, yet many people choose it over traditional medicines to treat a range of ailments and diseases. From Aromatherapy to Reflexology, there are many treatments available to help sufferers of arthritis deal with the pain of the condition. Researchers have found that 4 complementary treatments helped with arthritic symptoms more than others – Acupuncture, Massage, Yoga and Tai Chi were all found to offer a more beneficial treatment.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study testing these therapies on more than 1,500 participants found little evidence to support that any of the alternative methods worked to heal rheumatoid arthritis. However, those offering the highest scores were Relaxation Therapy and Tai Chi. The general rule from researchers was that conventional methods are most effective in treating this condition, but that you can complement these anti-inflammatory drugs with CAM therapies.
Osteoarthritis
This degenerative disease was treated most effectively with Acupuncture and Tai Chi – both of these alternative therapies worked extremely well in relieving pain and helping to reduce the inflammation caused by the condition.
Fibromyalgia
In a study based on 17 therapies, Massage came out on top as the leading method for helping to heal fibromyalgia. As with the other conditions, Tai Chi proved to be very effective, as did Relaxation Therapy.
Lower Back Pain
With the most studies within the entire trial, more than 11,000 patients were tested with 14 therapies to ascertain how effective alternative methods are in curing lower back pain. Acupuncture and Massage were equal winners, proving to be a beneficial treatment in the curing of lower back pain. However, the Alexander technique also got positive reviews – this technique teaches people to move, stand and sit in order to put less strain on their back.
Complementary and alternative therapies have no conclusive evidence to support that they work on musculoskeletal conditions. However, you may find them beneficial in helping to reduce the pain of your symptoms. If you’re concerned or would like more information about the treatments available to you, speak to your GP who can advise you which method is best for you.
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