Overview
Common Therapies to Consider
You may decide you want to include some alternative and complementary therapies to your treatment program. While there are many of these therapies that may help you manage your pain, it is important to know that just like with prescription medications, not all therapies work the same for all people. What works for your friend could have negative results or no results at all for you. Work with your doctor to decide which alternative therapies are the best for you. Here are some suggestions.
- Massage. Massage therapy can be a great way to ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and many doctors recommend massage to their patients with arthritis. Research has shown that massage can decrease stress hormones and depression, ease muscle pain and spasms, increase the body’s production of natural pain-killing endorphins and improve sleep and immune function. Make sure you find a massage therapist who is experienced and comfortable working with people with arthritis as some elements of massage may not be appropriate for you.
- Acupuncture and Acupressure. Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient Chinese pain relief treatments that are gaining popularity in the United States. In acupuncture, needles are used to stimulate specific points throughout the body. In acupressure, practitioners use their fingers instead of needles. Studies suggest that these methods release endorphins and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure your practitioner is licensed and certified.
- Diets. Your diet affects your overall health and your best bet is to follow one low in saturated fats and calories and rich in fruits, vegetables and grains. See the Diet and Nutrition Center. While there is no specific diet for arthritis, despite myths, there are some ways that diet may affect your arthritis
- Food sensitivities. A small number of people with arthritis might be sensitive to certain foods that could trigger symptoms or cause them to worsen.
- Saturated fats. A diet high in saturated fats or vegetable oils can increase the inflammatory response, thereby contributing to joint and tissue inflammation.
- Overall health. Diet affects your overall health, as well as affecting any other diseases or conditions you may have (such as diabetes or heart disease). This, in turn, may affect how your body handles arthritis symptoms.
- Poor nutrition. Just having arthritis can make your diet worse. You may be unable to shop for and prepare nutritious food for yourself. Pain and fatigue can diminish your appetite, or make it difficult to eat and chew.
- Herbs and Supplements. Herbs, supplements and other such “natural” remedies have a tremendous attraction for people with arthritis who are frustrated with the solutions offered by conventional medicine. Although most people realize there is no magic bullet to cure arthritis, they hope their pain and other symptoms will be better controlled if they try a supplement or extract in addition to their formally prescribed medication. If you do decide to try a supplement or herb, proceed with caution. Look at the Supplement Guide and keep the following points in mind.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor, pharmacist or other health professionals for their opinion or a recommendation.
- Buy wisely. When purchasing a supplement, buy from a large company, pharmacy or health food chain. They may have more stringent quality controls than small companies to maintain their good reputation.
- Read labels carefully. Be aware that no supplement can lawfully claim to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent disease. Look for products with the U.S.P. notation, indicating that the manufacturer followed standards established by the United States Pharmacopoeia.
- Try products one at a time. If you try only one you can keep track of its effect (or lack of effect). If you notice any side effects, stop taking the supplement right away.
Prayer and Spirituality. Public opinion polls have shown that prayer is one of the most commonly used alternative therapies for arthritis. Research in behavioral medicine suggests that the interactions of the mind, body and spirit can have powerful effects on our health. But very few published scientific studies have examined the effects of prayer and spirituality. Adding or deepening the spiritual aspects in your life could be good for you and arthritis, and – unless you abandon your medication and/or other components of your treatment program – certainly won’t hurt you.
