Alternative Treatments for Arthritis
Traditional medicine tells individuals who suffer from arthritis to take medication and exercise. Exercise can help with arthritis because muscle strength can take pressure off joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication helps with joint pain and stiffness but has side effects. Arthritis suffers may want to explore alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, diet, hydrotherapy and massage therapy.
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Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is one of only a few non-traditional medical treatments approved by the medical establishment. It is a drug-free approach to pain management, as it is not habit forming and the body does not build a tolerance to it. Acupuncture works because the inserted needles cause the body to release endorphin hormones, which block pain messages from reaching the brain.
Diet
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Inflammation causes joint pain and stiffness. Fish, citrus fruits and other nutrients can decrease inflammation. Individuals with arthritis may want to take omega-3 capsules, vitamin C, copper and vitamin B supplements. Avoid the night-shades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and tobacco) because they promote inflammation. Consult your physician before beginning any nutritional supplementation program.
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Massage Therapy
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One goal of massage therapy is to provide joint relief for arthritis patients. Massages can provide short-term pain relief, stretch and loosen stiff joints and muscles, and increase a joint's range of motion. Massage comes in many different styles. Discuss the different types with the massage therapist to find the one that is right for you.
Hydrotherapy
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Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy use water to treat illness. The most common methods of hydrotherapy to treat arthritis are whirlpools, sauna and steam baths, and wraps and packs. Hot water sooths the muscles and helps relieve stiff joints. Cold water awakens internal processes and is an underrated anti-inflammatory device.
Controversy
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The medical community is either skeptical or downright disproves many alternative treatments for arthritis. Magnet therapy, aromatherapy, hypnosis, music therapy, herbal remedies and can be considered ineffective and some may even be dangerous. Research every method thoroughly before attempting, as more scientific research is needed to support many alternative treatments for arthritis.
Warning
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Dietary supplements do not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. This means the FDA does not check for marketing accuracy or proof of claims. A supplement can claim anything without having to prove it. Research products before taking them. And remember that a supplement is meant to be a complement to a pre-existing healthy nutritional plan.
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Resources
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