No longer do you need to suffer with the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Many treatment options are available, from over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin, to prescription medicines, to surgery.

If you’re fed up with pills and not eager to go under the knife, alternative therapies, such as dietary supplements, massage therapy, reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure, are being used more widely. Some are even covered by health insurance. Diet and exercise are also an important part of your treatment plan.

An Ounce of Prevention

See your healthcare professional right away if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of arthritis. Early intervention can be an important step toward a successful treatment plan.

Finding a Suitable Professional Therapist

Regardless of your chosen treatment, you need to find a qualified, registered therapist to ensure that you receive the most suitable treatment. Ask your family doctor for a referral, or contact professional organizations in your area.

Massage Therapy

While no extensive scientific studies prove the effectiveness of massage in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia, most physical therapists believe massage offers relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Clinical studies have, however, documented benefits in people with arthritis. Experts say: Massage can help increase blood flow, relax sore muscles, and promote a sense of well-being.

It is important to find a massage therapist who has experience working with arthritic patients.

Acupuncture or Acupressure

Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body, either to relieve pain or to alter a bodily function. Precisely how acupuncture works is still unknown. However, studies prove that acupuncture can alleviate arthritis pain.

Based on the same theories, acupressure is a non-invasive treatment, where the same points are stimulated using fingers, hands or other tools instead of needles. Whatever needles or pressure are used, the goal is still the same – to stimulate and unblock clogged channels that lead to pain and disease.

Dietary Supplements

Not to be confused with medication, dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may provide benefit for some people for the treatment of arthritis. A recent review of clinical trials indicates that glucosamine and chondroitin are reported to be relatively safe, but additional research is being done to confirm how well they really work. Check with your healthcare provider before taking supplements.

Diet

The relationship between diet and arthritis has been the subject of exploration, claims, and controversies since the early 1930s. There is no debate, however, about the advantages of a healthy diet. Be sure to:

• Eat a variety of foods
• Include vegetables, fruits, and grains in your diet
• Reduce fat and cholesterol intake
• Moderate sugar intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Use salt only in moderation, and limit all sodium intake
• Drink alcohol only in moderation
• Take the recommended daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, including calcium

Exercise

Your doctor can best recommend exercises that can:

• Reduce joint pain and stiffness
• Increase flexibility
• Improve endurance
• Develop muscle strength
• Decrease bone loss
• Help control joint swelling
• Minimize fatigue
• Improve sleep
• Enhance weight loss
• Keep bone and cartilage strong and healthy

Now What?

Once you’ve discussed your options with your doctor, give one or more of these alternative treatments a try. What can it hurt to take the leap beyond prescription medication and enjoy side effects such as a feeling of contentment, well being and relaxation?