Arthritis - which alternative therapy is right for you?

Many sufferers from arthritis and other painful conditions look to alternative therapies to help with their symptoms, as they find mainstream medicine to be ineffective, or have unpleasant side effects. Many people just don't like the idea of putting so many different chemicals in their body on a regular basis, but alternative therapy is a confusing subject with a lot of conflicting information. Some people dismiss it altogether- if it were genuinely effective it would have been absorbed into mainstream medicine, as many therapies, vitamin supplements and orthopaedics for instance, have done. But who is to say that other therapies might also gain acceptance in time? Here we take a look at some of the alternatives available to us.

Diet control and supplements

Fish oils (omega-3 type fatty acids) are popular, and indeed studies show that the western diet is low in these nutrients. They are supposed to have anti-inflammatory effects on the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are said to have similar effects. In a more diet led approach, turmeric and ginger are said to be natural anti-inflammatories. Generally eating well is said to help, with Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan diets all said to help, and even fasting (which should be done under medical supervision in many cases) can help in the short term.

Acupunture

To many people the quintessential alternative therapy, it has perhaps had more clinical trials than any other therapy, but has failed to show anything more than a placebo effect. However, many people continue to be avid supporters, and indeed as with any of these treatments, if a pain relieving placebo effect is achieved, then has not the desired effect been achieved?

Homeopathy

Was first developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. The argument is that by using very tiny amounts of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced by the sufferer, the symptoms can be reduced- fighting fire with fire if you like. However, if you fight fire with fire, aren't you going to end up with a bigger fire? There is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that the effects of homeopathy are no more than a placebo.

Magnotherapy

While therapies involving magnets can trace their roots back to ancient china, recent advancements in magnet technology have increased the standing of magnotherapy in recent years. The topic covers a wide range of practises and products, and some are undoubtedly more effective than others. Electromagnetic devices have been used for pain relief in hospitals around the world for years, and some of the more advanced products now available claim to mimic their effects through the arrangement of high powered static magnets. Clinical trials of these products have been encouraging, and of all the therapies listed here, this is perhaps the most likely to be accepted by the medical establishment.

Active therapies

Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years and may have some effect, as unlike many other therapies, it actively exercises the joints and stimulates the body's own response to unhealthy tissue. Other practices such as T'ai Chi may also help, and are certainly more likely to put the patient in a more positive frame of mind.

Conclusion

Overall, the answer has to be- give as many as you can a try, and see what works best for you. All the practices discussed here have their supporters, and these people all get genuine benefits from their chosen therapy. Even a placebo can be a powerful pain reliever- nothing helps like a positive mental attitude!