Holistic Treatments and Practices for Arthritis

Acupuncture has been shown in a large German study (305,000 people) to provide pain relief and improve function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.  There are also many anecdotal stories from people suffering from RA and other forms of arthritis who have found acupuncture to be beneficial. It is thought to decrease pain by releasing the body’s natural chemicals that block pain. 

Massage can increase blood flow and increase warmth to a stressed area, which may help relieve the pain associated with arthritis.  Massage treatments can result in significant improvements in pain, function and global response.  Massage can also help with the sore muscles that result from flare-ups in arthritis.

Tai Chi is a slow-moving meditative exercise that originated in China. Many people practice Tai Chi to ease  pain and stiffness, improve balance (which can help decrease the risk of falls), and improve overall health and well-being. There have been a number of research studies showing the benefits of Tai Chi for people who have arthritis.

Nutritional supplements, when taken correctly, may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. They can help provide the body with vitamins, minerals or other nutrients necessary to remove imbalances and repair damage.  In addition, some foods are natural pain relievers.

Hydrotherapy can provide significant benefits for arthritis by providing a way to exercise while reducing stress on the affected joints.  Hydrotherapy reduces joint pain and stiffness, as while as improving the physical functioning of affected joints.  Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for a variety of types of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis, and has no negative side effects.

Many patients with arthritis use magnets as a complementary treatment for pain. One scientific trial with  patients with rheumatoid arthritis with unremitting knee pain showed significant pain reduction with two different types of magnetic treatment. Magnets have been effective for treating other types of pain, but the related scientific research is very limited for arthritis.  Anecdotal reports, however, are very positive.

Meditation and relaxation techniques can help reduce muscle tension and the stress that can accompany
arthritis. In one study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who meditated for 45 minutes a day reduced their stress by one-third.

Aromatherapy can help arthritis because of its ability to reduce pain and inflammation.   Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.  The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. It can both relieve pain and stimulate a positive mood.

Reflexology can help arthritis by relieving symptoms such as pain, soreness, stiffness and even depression.  People who have found reflexology to be effective for arthritis say that it allows them to reduce their use of painkillers and avoid the negative side effects of such drugs.  They also say that it helps them to sleep better and generally improves their quality of life.

Because people with arthritis are often not aware that they are moving in ways that can cause injuries, the Alexander Technique can help them to learn to be aware of their movement and to correct harmful patterns of movement.  The Alexander Technique teaches people how to sit, stand and go about their daily activities without unnecessary tension.  While there isn't a lot of research specifically about the Alexander Technique and arthritis, is is safe and many people report benefits.

Chiropractors often treat lower back pain and musculoskeletal conditions such as arthitris. Chiropractic treatments relieve pains in the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues.  Chiropractic services for people with arthritis may include helping them increase their range of motion, increasing flexibility and endurance, improving muscle strength, and (depending on their specialization) potentially providing diet and nutritional advice and supplements to reduce inflammation.

Homeopathy may help arthritis by strengthening the body's immune system and therefore reducing the symptoms of arthritis.  One study (albeit with a fairly small sample size) showed that the benefits to patients with arthritis came from the homeopathic consultation rather than the homeopathic remedies.  Another study showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis preceived homeopathic consultations helped them cope better, either by improving their physical health, their wellbeing and/or their illness management.