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5 Alternative Arthritis Treatments

Opinions differ as to the role that complementary therapies play in the treatment of arthritis.

Some people choose to use these treatments alone while others take them alongside theirconventional medical treatments.

If you are considering complementary medicine, it is important first to seek a medical

opinion to confirm your diagnosis and give you informed advice. There are a wide variety of

therapies to consider, from acupuncture to herbal medicine. Whichever form of therapy you

choose, be sure that you find a reputable practitioner who is registered with an appropriate

 professional body. Your doctor may be able to advise you.

1. Acupuncture

number of studies have suggested that acupuncture can be helpful in relieving the pain of

arthritis, particularly if the condition affects the knee or the hip. !esearch published in the

"#$ in %&&' showed that patients with O of the knee who received acupuncture as well as

an anti(inflammatory painkiller suffered less pain and stiffness than those who received the

drug plus sham acupuncture, where the needle did not puncture the skin.

#any pain clinics and some physiotherapists now offer acupuncture and may recommend a

course of regular sessions followed by maintenance sessions, perhaps once a month, to keep

your symptoms under control.

2. Homeopathy

Some people believe homeopathy to be beneficial in relieving their symptoms. This has been

 backed up to a certain e)tent by research, although more studies are needed. *omeopaths

may prescribe a number of remedies together, depending on a patient+s general health and the

nature of their symptoms. )amples of remedies used include rhus to)icodendron, causticum

and calcarea fluorica.

3. Western Herbal Medicine

#any herbal remedies are used for the treatment of arthritis. They include anti(inflammatory

substances such as meadowsweet, birch leaves and willow bark, all of which contain

salicylate, a substance found in aspirin. Some treatments may be applied directly to the

affected area, such as seaweed plasters for painful or swollen -oints. reams and lotions

containing substances including lavender, rosemary and menthol may also be used for mild

symptoms.

When considering herbal remedies, it is important to seek advice from a reputable supplier.

/eople who have other diseases or who are taking conventional drugs must take particular

care and should always check with a doctor first.

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4. Manipulation

/erformed by a registered osteopath or chiropractor, manipulation may help to relieve pain

affecting the neck and back. It has not been found to offer much help in treating arthritis inother -oints. $oints that are swollen and inflamed should not be manipulated.

5. Massage

ffects from massage may include relief from muscle tension and -oint pain, as well as a

reduction in stress levels. There are many different types of massage available, so you should

check with the therapist to find out what is involved.