Arthritis: complementary therapies
People with arthritis are often troubled by pain, as conventional treatment cannot always fully control their symptoms. This has led to a rapid growth in complementary therapies specifically targeted at arthritis, as many people turn to alternative ways of alleviating the pain associated with their condition.
Consider carefully
These therapies have included a diverse range of products and practices, including magnetic therapy, acupuncture, and dietary supplements, to name but a few. The use of such alternative treatments should be considered cautiously as they are not all regulated and may not be standardised in terms of purity, dosage, effectiveness or safety.
Regulation in Australia
The Office of Complementary Medicines in Australia is an organisation set up to focus on the regulation of complementary healthcare products. Complementary medicines (‘traditional’ or ‘alternative’ medicines) include vitamin, mineral, plant, herbal, naturopathic and homoeopathic preparations, and some aromatherapy preparations.
Complementary medicines can either be listed or registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Low risk products are listed, but products containing higher risk substances and for which the manufacturer makes claims are registered. Registered products undergo scientific testing for quality, safety and effectiveness.
Know what to expect
People with arthritis, like many people with chronic conditions, are potentially vulnerable to claims of cure-all treatments. You should beware of products that come with claims such as ‘natural’, ‘will cure’, or ‘revolutionary new scientific breakthrough’, especially if they are sensationalised through advertising or personal testimonials.
While many products may cause no harm, they may have no particular benefit either and may be expensive. The so-called ‘placebo effect’ may cause some people to think that a treatment truly works, when in reality it may just be the power of suggestion, an expectation that the treatment is going to work, that makes them feel better.
Some supplements, such as glucosamine, may be of benefit in reducing pain and even slowing cartilage degeneration in people with arthritis. However, there is often a lack of good quality evidence from properly conducted clinical trials supporting their benefit. As conventional medicine incorporates more of these ‘non-pharmacological’ strategies, it is hoped that the evidence regarding both benefits and risks will become clearer.
Like conventional medicines, complementary healthcare products or therapies can have adverse effects. For example, nutritional supplements may interact with your prescribed medications causing undesirable effects; magnetic therapy may cause interference with pacemakers; and cod liver oil supplements should not be taken during pregnancy as the high level of vitamin A they contain may harm the unborn baby. Glucosamine should be avoided by people with a seafood allergy.
This is not to say that you should not try complementary therapies — just ensure that you are fully informed about the reasons behind health advice so that you are not misled by disreputable people offering false hope. Organisations such as the Cochrane Collaboration regularly conduct scientific reviews of the evidence regarding safety and effectiveness of a range of medical treatments, including complementary therapies.
Complementary therapies and medicines may play an important role in encouraging positive changes in lifestyle and attitude. So take responsibility for your own health care and, if in doubt, discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Last Reviewed: 09 November 2009
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