Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are activities or supplements that are added to or used as an alternative to medical care. Complementary therapies include a wide range of treatments such as:

• Dietary changes
• Vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, glucosamine, chondrotin etc
• Techniques such as relaxation, visualization, meditation
• Home devices such as magnetic therapy, infra-red
• Other – acupuncture, massage, therapeutic touch etc.

Some of the names used by different people to describe a diverse collection of health care practices - such as; herbalism, homeopathy, and naturopathic medicine are alternative remedies, non-conventional treatments or complementary therapies - not generally considered to fall within the scope of conventional western medicine

What's common to most definitions is the idea that practitioners of such therapies treat the whole person, rather than the disease, in large part by stimulating the body's own natural healing powers to heal itself.

Whether or not any form of complementary therapies, however, has an effect on 'serious disease,' increasing numbers of Canadians are beginning to view it as a viable alternative, or adjunct, to conventional medical practice in the treatment of all sorts of serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease - and arthritis.

The use of complementary medicine is especially widespread among people with arthritis. Many of whom are frustrated by the lack of success conventional treatments may be providing. What some of them have discovered is that certain forms of complementary therapies do seem to offer a measure of relief from their disease and its relentless symptoms.

Listed below are some of the many types of complementary therapists. Some are more common and widely accepted than others. Your doctor may have already incorporated some of these therapies into your prescribed medication and regular treatment plan. For other types, your doctor may not be convinced of their effectiveness. It's important to remember that these therapies aren't meant to replace your treatment plan, but rather act as a complement. You should always discuss your selection of complementary therapies with your doctor. He/she may not agree with you, but at least he/she will be aware of and take into account what additional things you're doing or taking to manage your pain and your arthritis.

• Acupuncturist
• Biofeedback Technician
• Massage Therapist
• Homeopath
• Naturopath
• Herbalist

What should I consider before starting a Compementary Therapy?

Before starting, make sure that you are already eating healthy food, exercising regularly and following the advice of your health care providers. Nutrients from food sources are absorbed best so improve your diet before adding dietary supplements.

1. Have a specific goal when trying a new therapy.
   • Know the specific action & benefit you are trying to achieve and the timeline.
2. Do your research first.
   • Use reliable Internet resources, such as university, government or non-profit agency websites (e.g. The Arthritis Society).
   • Use reliable books or written publications/journals.
   • Ask questions.
     • What research studies have been done on the product or service?
     • How much, how often and how long is necessary to get benefit?
     • How much will all these consultations, procedures, and supplements cost?
     • Does it interact with other medications/supplements or therapies?
     • What are the possible risks and side effects?
     • Will it interfere with other medical conditions?
     • Will I have to stop taking my medications or treatment due to dangerous interactions?
     • What are the qualifications of the provider?
3. Inform your health care providers.
   • If your current medical care isn’t working well, begin by discussing options with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, etc.
   • Add to the current medical care don’t replace it.
   • Tell your health care providers about all complementary therapies you are using. Provide a list of all current medications, supplements and therapies.
4. Purchase only health products that have proper certification.
   • These products include a DIN (drug identification number), NPN (Natural Health Product Number), DIN-HM (homeopathic medication), USP number (US Pharmacopeia), or Consumers Lab logo, or NSF international certification.
5. Take the same precaution you would with conventional medicine.
   • Supplements should be treated as drugs.
6. Try only one new therapy at a time and assess benefit.
   • Continue the therapy only if it works, with no side effects, and is affordable.
7. Before surgery stop dietary/herbal supplements for several weeks.
   • Many supplements have biological effects (such as increased bleeding) that interact with medicines used during or after the operation. Provide a list of all current medications, supplements and therapies to your health care providers.

Resources

1. Arthritis Today Supplement Guide (updated every 1 – 2 years)
2. The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Alternative Therapies. Horstman, J. (1999)
3. Mayo Clinic on Chronic Pain, New York: Kensington. Swanson, DW, (1999).
4. (National Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine)
5. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
6. http://www.mayoclinic.com
7. http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
8. http://www.quackwatch.org

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