| Alternative Treatments For Arthritis
Treatment Touch/movement therapies
Acupuncture
This is the most well known therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. It follows
the principle that disease or physical disharmony is caused when the energy flow
or "chi" is obstructed. There are twelve meridians in the body and each one is
associated with a specific organ. Acupuncturists endeavour to rebalance the vital
force so that it can circulate freely through the meridians.
Very fine sterilised needles are inserted through the skin at specific points
of the body. They are usually left for a short while which is believed to cause
little discomfort. By slightly manipulating or twirling them, the therapist can
either draw the energy to the meridians or away from them. It is common to insert
needles at a considerable distance from the point on which they are to act and
similarly successive points on a specific meridian may affect different areas
or conditions.
Acupuncture treatment has long been used in Asian countries to relieve pain and
spasms as well as improve muscle tones.
A comparison of acupuncture with advice and exercises on the
symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip--a randomised controlled trial.
Haslam R.
In conclusion, this trial supports the hypothesis that acupuncture is more effective
than advice and exercises in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip.
Altern Ther Health Med 2001 Jul-Aug;7(4):58-65
Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 Jul-Aug;7(4):42-4
Clinical decisions in the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis
of the knee. Singh BB, Berman BM, Hadhazy V, Bareta J, Lao L, Zarow FM, Hochberg
M.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee may best
be used early in the treatment plan, with a methodical decrease in frequency in
treatment once the acute treatment period is completed to avoid a rebound effect.
Demographic and medical history data were not mediating variables.
Acupressure
It is also part of traditional Chinese medicine and is often described as “acupuncture
without needles”. Like its sister therapy, it is based on theories of life energy
and meridians but it is perceived as less invasive since pressure is applied instead
of using needles. The practitioner stimulates “acupoints” using the fingers, thumbs
and even feet and knees to apply pressure for a period of three to ten seconds.
There are several forms of acupressure which focus on different acupoints depending
on whether the “Tuina”, “Shen Tao”, “Jin Shin Do” or “Anma” technique is used.
Some acupuncturists may also integrate acupressure in their treatment.
Acupressure is believed to release tension in the muscle fibres and is thought
to be beneficial for musculo- skeletal problems.
British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road
London W12 9HQ
Tel: 020 8735 0400
British Medical Acupuncture Society
Newton House
Newton Lane
Whitley
Warrington
Cheshire WA4 4JA
Tel: 01925 730727
Alexander Technique
The aim of the Alexander technique practitioners is to teach their patients how
to improve the awareness of their body and its functions in order to better use
it. It is based on the idea that movement should involve a lengthening and widening
of the body and relieve any tension. The technique is usually taught on a one-to-one
basis, the teacher makes the patient aware of what optimum posture feels like
before beginning to make adjustments and re-educating them in the use of their
muscles, the goal is to produce maximum efficiency with minimum effort. Practitioners
focus on the use of the body such as sitting, standing or walking. All sorts of
movements and activities will be considered in the course of a programme of treatment.
The Alexander technique is claimed to relieve pain.
The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
20 London House
266 Fulham Road
London SW10 9EL
Tel: 020 7351 0828
Feldenkrais Therapy
It is a system of physical re-education, named after Dr Moshe Feldenkrais, that
explores body awareness. The therapy aims to improve physical and mental health
by ‘reprogramming’ patterns of movement. According to Feldenkrais practitioners,
certain postures and movements reflect disruptions to the nervous system and therefore
their role is to teach how to hold or move the body and seek to identify these
movements so that they may be avoided. Contrary to osteopathy, where a practitioner
works with the structure of the body, the Feldenkrais as well as the Alexander
technique practitioners work with the function of the body. “Functional Integration”
is individually taught and tailored to the patient’s needs, this manipulative
process is slow, gentle and painless.
This technique is believed to be beneficial for disabled children to increase
mobility and gain greater control over limb movements. Dr Feldenkrais was noted
for his work with conditions of severe neuromuscular disturbance such as cerebral
palsy. The long-term effects of the method are not known and there has been no
direct research as the Feldenkrais technique is relatively recent.
Feldenkrais Guild
PO Box 370
London N10 3XA
Tel: 0700 785 506
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the theory that the feet and hands are mirrors of the
body and that pressure applied to specific points can be used to treat the corresponding
areas of the body. The whole foot, or less often hand, is massaged so that the
whole body is treated; the practitioner will stimulate reflex points watching
for any reaction of pain or tenderness as evidence of an imbalance in the corresponding
area of the body.
The theory of reflexology is based on ‘zones’ i.e. that zones of the left side
of the body correspond to reflex points on the left foot and hand and those on
the right side of the body to the right hand or foot. Reflexology maps have been
developed to chart the pressure points that correspond to particular parts of
the body. Practitioners believe that accumulations of waste matter concentrate
around reflex points, in the form of uric acid and calcium crystals.
Massage aims to break these down in order to release 'energy flow' along the zones,
open blocked nerve pathways and improve circulation to flush away 'toxins'.
Association of Reflexologists
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0870 567 3320
The British Reflexology Association
Monks Orchard
Whitbourne
Worcester WR6 5RB
Tel: 01886 821207
Shiatsu
Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese. The therapeutic affects of massage
were rediscovered in the early 20th century and developed into shiatsu by combining
traditional techniques with a knowledge of physiognomy and anatomy derived from
Western medicine. It is similar to acupressure, although an acupressure therapist
will concentrate on a specific area during a session, whereas a shiatsu practitioner
will cover the whole body. Following the principles of energy and meridians in
acupressure and acupuncture, pressure is applied in a combination of massage techniques
to influence and stimulate the energy flow in the body. ‘Hara’ diagnosis may also
be used in which the abdomen is gently felt to detect problems elsewhere in the
body.
Shiatsu International
Robwood House
31 Fletton Avenue
Peterborough PE2 8AX
Tel: 01733 762 092
Fax: 01733 762 645
E-mail: admin@shiatsu-international.com
Free phone for enquiries: 0800 092 7091
Osteopathy
It involves diagnosing structural and mechanical distortions in the body. Osteopathy’s
principle states that the body has a natural tendency to strive toward a state
of health and homeostasis, which means the body has intrinsic mechanisms to heal
itself. Osteopaths are trained to feel the body's "living anatomy" (i.e. flow
of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup). They believe
that if the bones, joints and muscles are not correctly aligned it will affect
their mobility and the tissues of the body will not function properly. X-rays
are sometimes used to detect problems and the techniques used are: manipulation,
stretching, mobilisation and soft tissue massage. When working with children osteopaths
use functional techniques, which involve very gentle manipulations. As this therapy
focuses on the nervous system it is believed to relieve pain.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy was developed as an extension to the osteopathic approach,
it is a popular form of therapy for children as it is very gentle and non-invasive.
It is based on the theory that the bones of the cranium (the part of the skull,
which surrounds the brain) fuse into immobility in adults but in babies and young
children these bones are flexible. Cranial osteopaths believe that the pulsing
of the fluid which nourishes and protects the membranes surrounding the brain,
spinal cord and sacrum can be detected by placing their hands on the skull; the
name given to this pulsing is Cranial Rhythm impulse (CRI). The practitioner will
delicately manipulate the cranial and spinal bones to restore the CRI (which should
be at a rate of six to fifteen times per minute), this is believed to boost blood
circulation as well as the drainage of lymph and sinus fluids in the head. The
"cranial osteopath" is not preferential to the cranium or the sacrum. Instead
he or she includes these areas in an overall evaluation and treatment plan, considering
the whole body as one dynamic, integrated unit of function.
The General Council and Register of Osteopaths
56 London Street
Reading
Berks RG1 4SQ
Tel: 01734 512051
The General Osteopathic Council
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC)
109 Harley Street
London W1N 1DG
Tel: 020 7486 6160
Cranial Osteopathic Association
478 Baker Street
Enfield
Middlesex EN13QS
Tel: 020 8367 5561
Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK
Monomark House
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0700 0784 735
Chiropractic
Chiropractic, which means “done by hand”, is very similar to osteopathy: it is
based on the theory that the state of the nervous system in a person affects their
health; the key element of the body structure is the spine, it is the link that
carries nerves to the whole body, the vertebrae encases the tail of the brain
which has an effect on the main bodily functions such as digestion, blood flow,
heartbeat, the immune system and breathing. When there is nerve interference caused
by spinal subluxations (misaligned vertebrae), there is dis-ease. Through manipulations
the chiropractor can realign the vertebrae and thereby release the pressure on
the spinal cord and nerves.
There are two schools of chiropractors in the UK: McTimoney practitioners and
regular chiropractors. The former focus on the whole body during the session in
the belief that the complete realignment is necessary each time, they also emphasise
self-help and teach patients a set of exercises to do at home; the latter concentrate
on specific areas.
Chiropractic is thought to have a positive action on neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
The British Chiropractic Association
Blagrave House
Somerset House
17 Blagrave Street
Reading
Berkshire RG1 1QB
Tel: 0118 950 5950
Fax: 0118 958 8946
British Association of Applied Chiropractic
The Old Post Office
Stratton Audley
Nr Bicester
Oxon OX6 9BA
Tel: 01869 277111
General Chiropractic Council
344-354 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8BP
Tel: 020 7713 5155
Fax: 020 7713 5844
Aromatherapy
Some essential oils are believed to be uplifting while others have a relaxing
and calming effect; they are also said to have anti pain, inflammation, antiseptic
and antibacterial properties. It is important to consult a qualified aromatherapist,
as certain oils can be toxic or cause skin irritation. Aromatherapists are also
qualified massage therapists and will therefore know which oils to use for their
specific properties, how to mix or blend them with carrier oils. Massage relieves
tension, and can help with pain.
International Federation of Aromatherapists
Stamford House
2-4 Chiswick High Road
London W4 1TH
Tel: 020 8742 2605
International Society of Professional Aromatherapists,
ISPA House
82 Ashby Road
Hinckley
Leicestershire LE10 1SN
Telephone (01455) 637987
The Register of Qualified Aromatherapists
Register of Qualified Aromatherapists
PO Box 3431
Danbury
Chelmsford
Essex CM3 4UA
Tel: 01245 227957
Nutrition
It is believed that nutrition and especially food allergies may be responsible
for arthritis (see fact sheet on allergies) or may make the symptoms worse. Generally
a low-fat diet is usually recommended and dairy products, gluten, eggs and
sugar, should be avoided. On the other hand, sufferers should increase their
sources of essential fatty acids such as: nuts, seeds, and flax seed oil, cold-water
fish and deep-ocean fish including mackerel, herring, halibut, salmon, sardines.
Specific diets may also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis: The Dong Diet
combines intakes of high Fibre with low fat Chinese cuisine, fresh vegetables,
rice, fish and chicken. The No- nightshade diet excludes courgettes, peppers,
potatoes, tomatoes and chili. It is based on the assumption that these foods contain
solanine, which can be toxic in high concentrations and is said to cause stiffness
in the morning.
Supplements:
A combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin is usually recommended in
the treatment of arthritis. Both supplements are found in high concentrations
in cartilage but with age the production of glucosamine decreases. The synergistic
action of glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce the pain and promote the
formation of cartilage by stimulating the metabolism of chondrocytes (cartilage
cells) which will then produce more proteins to keep the cartilage strong. Glucosamine
is essential to build strong joints structure while chondroitin helps attract
fluid in the cartilage and acts as a shock absorber.
Feverfew leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect. Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids,
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and cat’s claw have been reported to help.
Other therapies:
Homeopathy yoga, ayurveda, herbalism, hydrotherapy.
Research is currently being carried out on an Indian herb called boswellia serrata,
the spice turmeric, selenium; beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E.
Resources Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC)
PO Box 177
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 7BR
Tel: 01246 558 033
http://www.arc.org.uk/
Arthritis Care
18 Stephenson Way
London
NW1 2HD
Tel: 020 7916 1500
Fax: 020 7916 1505
www.arthritiscare.org.uk
Arthritis Care produces a guide to medicines and complementary therapies entitled
"The balanced approach".
ACREU
c/o The Arthritis & Immune Disorder Research Centre
Ontario Cancer Institute/Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Avenue, 16th Floor
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
M5G 2M9
Tel: (001) 416 946 2924
Fax: (001) 416 946 2291
Children's Chronic Arthritis Association (CCAA)
47 Battenhall Avenue
Worcester WR5 2HN
Tel: 01905 763556
Jointz
Young Arthritis Care's Parent Group In N. Ireland
Briege Gault (Sec)
21 Upton Park
Belfast BT10 0LZ
Tel: 028 9062 2050
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room 4C32
31 Center Drive
MSC 2350
Bethesda
Maryland 20892-2350
USA
Tel: (001) 301 496 8188
www.nih.gov/niams
Spondylitis Association of America
P.O. Box 5872
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
818/981–1616
800/777–8189
http://www.spondylitis.org
This is the main voluntary organization devoted to all forms of spondylitis, including Reiter’s syndrome. The association publishes patient and professional materials and a newsletter for members.
Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/872–7100
800/283–7800
http://www.arthritis.org
This is a voluntary organisation devoted to arthritis. It has a very good page on altenative therapies.
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