Role of Complementary Therapies in Treating Joint Pain

The report discusses the role of complementary therapies in treating joint pain or muscular skeletal disorders. It highlights the importance of considering such therapies as they can be effective in alleviating symptoms, particularly for patients with low platelet counts. However, it emphasizes that medical staff must examine patients' health conditions properly to avoid creating major problems. Additionally, the report notes that these therapies are often expensive and time-consuming, making them inaccessible to some individuals. It also discusses Alexander Technique as a suitable option for patients, allowing them to gain knowledge about body movements and relationships between neck and head movement.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Types of complementary therapies...................................................................................3
1.2 Advantages and disadvantages of complementary therapies...........................................5
1.3 Analyze the factors that could influence access to complementary therapies..................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Compare the role of two complimentary therapies in treating that disorder with those of
orthodox treatments................................................................................................................6
2.2 Evaluate the attitudes in general towards complimentary therapies................................6
2.3 Assess the psychological effects of the two complimentary therapies.............................7
2.4 Briefly explain what contraindications are and compare the contra-indications between
orthodox and complimentary therapies..................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Reliability and validity of the Information sources on the complimentary therapy.........8
3.2 How it improves conditions..............................................................................................8
3.3 Recommend two complementary therapies for specific users.........................................9
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Complementary therapies are such treating methods in which non-mainstream practices
used together for treating the patients. In the advanced era these therapies are very popular in
Britain and other countries. Each method is having its own theory and practices which is mostly
used by medical professionals at the time in surgery or dietician etc. Present report will discuss
the range of therapies in context to Lifeline health care centre. Factors which can influence
access to complementary therapies will be described in this assignment. Several policies,
legislations will be covered which can explain the use of these therapies in society (Vohra, S. and
Boon, 2015).
TASK 1
1.1 Types of complementary therapies
There are several types of Antonymous therapies which can be used by Lifeline health
care centre for providing effective treatment to patients:
pharmaceutical mediated
It is the method in which doctors and other medical professionals treat patients by giving
some pharmaceutical medicine. It includes below maintain techniques: Herbal medicine: These are such medicines which are made up with natural process such
as leaves, roots or flowers of the plant. It is important to take these medicines with proper
guidance of medical professionals. It may cause problem is patient take this with other
tablet, issue may be allergy etc. The major benefit of using this treatment that medicines
can easily available at local drug stores (Cramer and et.al, 2012). As it is made up with
natural process so less chances to have side effects if patient take it carefully. It is
beneficial and effective to improve health of public for longer period. It depends upon
case to case that how-much does doctors prefer to give to service users. Administration of
these medicines are in the form of physical tablets. Treating process of herbal medicine is
very simple, they ask questions to patients and give them herbal medicines. They do not
examine the users physically.
 Homeopathy: It is the complementary therapy in which high diluted substances used as
ingredients. It is the part of western medicines which is used for an extremely wide
range patients who are suffering from bad asthma, ear infection, hay fever or depression

etc. It depends upon patient health condition that how much dose individual requires. The
basic principle of this therapy is succession. As these medicines can be stored for longer
period so it can be beneficial for the care homes. It can be easily administer by the service
users and individual can get speedy results. In the treatment process practitioner ask to
patients regarding their daily routine life and personality. By this way medical
professional identify symptom. As all people have different body structure so
homeopathy doctors focus on individual need and accordingly they provide them
medicine.
Physical mediated
It is the complementary therapy in which doctors give physical touch to care users for
examine their situation and to give them treatment according to their health condition. It has
many types:
Alexander Technique: It is the therapy which focus on postures, movement of individuals so that
they can prevent own self from several diseases (Cramer and et.al, 2012). It is based on various
principles sit and stand affects, relation between head, neck and spine, working of mind and body
etc. In this medical professional observes the body movement of patients and guide them on their
body postures. It generally consists of 20 or more week process. It is useful in long term back
pain, neck pain, Parkinson's diseases. Treatment process of this technique is simple in which
doctor first observe body postures of patients and guide them about correct postures.
Professionals suggest them some basic exercise which can give relaxation in pain.

Acupuncture and Aromatherapy therapies: Acupuncture is the process in which doctors
insert needles at specific point to analyse the level of problem. This therapy supports in
regulating the flow of energy and gives relax from bad pain. It is very helpful for improving
degenerative conditions of children and adults. Aromatherapy is the treating method in which
practitioners use oil to massage the patient so that they can recover from emotional disorder,
stress etc. Doctors treat patients by looking upon their pain, they suggest users regarding correct
body postures and give them oil so that they can do massage where have pain. Doctors take four
to five sessions and with the help of acupuncture they try to balance their blood rotation.
Psychological mediated
This is the complementary therapy in which doctors treats patients psychologically. It
includes counselling, hypnotherapy etc. In counselling, medical professionals try to analyse the
level of psychological condition of patients and according to individual situation session keep
continued. Whenever patients come to doctors then they adopt counselling treatment process, in
this they first ask general questions with patients and try to find out the problems. Once they find
reason of disease then they give counselling so that patients can get mental relaxation.
1.2 Advantages and disadvantages of complementary therapies
Herbal Medicine
It is very beneficial therapy as advantage of this treatment is that it reduces the side
effects and it is safer to use for the patients. It supports to improve health of service users for
longer period. It is very effective with chronic conditions. The major advantage of herbal
medicine is that it supports to reduce symptoms of disease so health condition of end user gets
improved.
On other hand it is ineffective because it is inappropriate for many serious health
condition. Serious trauma etc. such kind of issue can be resolved by this complementary therapy.
As it takes too long time for abolishing the effects of issue completely as It is the lengthy
process. Some time poison risk is associated with it if ingredients are made up with wild herbs.
Counselling
It is very effective therapy and supports to identify the root cause of the problems. As
depression and other disease can easily resolve by this treating method. It supports to build self
esteem and confidence of individual to great extent. Person become able to handle the health
issue effectively. In this person does not have to take many medicines.

As it is lengthy and time consuming therapy, patient has to take many sessions for
abolishing the problem completely. So it can be costly for the service users as well (Archer and
Forshaw, 2015).
1.3 Analyze the factors that could influence access to complementary therapies
There are several factors which can influence access to complementary therapies: Socio-economic factor: It is the major element which influence the mind of individual
(Adams and et.al, 2012). It depends upon the cost of therapy and financial condition of
the persons whether respective is able to afford or not. If person is not economically
secure than person will not be able to spent much amount on such expensive treatment
such as counselling, Acupuncture and Aromatherapy therapies (Holt, 2014). Geographical factor: It is another component which influence access to complementary
therapies. As in many places transportation facilities are very poor and there are lack of
medical facilities. So person become unable to get such advanced treatment for their
problems. Educational element: It is the factor in which due to lack of awareness and knowledge,
people become unable to find relevant information regarding complementary therapies
(Herz and et.al, 2013).
 Physical factor: It is the issue in which if a person is having on wheel chair, suffering
from COPD then due to mobility issue individual become unable to get treatment timely.
TASK 2
2.1 Compare the role of two complimentary therapies in treating that disorder with those of
orthodox treatments
Muscular-skeletal disorder is the common problem which includes joints pain, muscles
pain, mobility etc (Vohra and Boon, 2015). Joint pain is the common issue in women and men.
Acupuncture is the complementary therapy in which doctors insert needle in the mussel and try
to abolish the pain completely. Muscular pain can be distorted with the help of injections.
Some patients suffer from the metabolic disorders, it occurs due to genetic problems. By
giving hormonal medicines this disease can be cured. Role of Acupuncture therapy is that it
gives immediate relaxation to the patients from pain.

Alexander Technique is another therapy in which medical professionals observe the body
posture and take sessions so that they can make good relationship between head and neck so that
pain can be finished permanently. Cardio-respiratory disorder takes place due to increased fats.
Asthma, hypertension are most common example of this disease. Role of Alexander technique is
that to identify the rotation of blood and suggest exercises to patients so that they can control
over their blood pressure. By proper exercise and by following correct body postures these issues
can be minimized. Role of complementary therapies are very important but this way patient can
get relax soon (Herz and et.al, 2013). Whereas orthodox treatments include taking painkiller such
as paracetamol is the common orthodox treatment. But it impacts on the internal health of the
patient. These drugs can harm the health and mental condition of the persons and it works for
few times and again pain occurs. Whereas, complementary therapies helps to abolish the joint
pain completely.
2.2 Evaluate the attitudes in general towards complimentary therapies
Most of the persons have positive attitude towards the complementary therapies. They
prefer these to get treatment for heir disease because these techniques take less time period in
compare to orthodox therapies. Though herbal medicine are time consuming but it abolishes the
symptoms of disease completely (Holt, 2014). As Acupuncture and Aromatherapy, Alexander
Techniques increase the knowledge of people and by this way they will be able to treat own self
in future as well. Once they get treatment they can operate well own self if near future as well.
But attitude of some persons are negative towards complementary therapies because
these are costly so middle class persons can not afford these methods. Apart from this they think
that attending continuous sessions of counselling, Acupuncture etc. are not possible all the time.
So they prefer orthodox therapies (Adams and et.al, 2012).
2.3 Assess the psychological effects of the two complimentary therapies
Counselling is the best complementary therapy for mental patients. Psychological effects
of this treating method is that supports to improve the mental condition of patients to great
extent. It reduces the stress level and depression of individual. By taking expert counselling,
person increases its self esteem and confidence. By this way stress and depression get abolished
completely. But as it is time consuming treating techniques in which patients has to attend
session continuously (Clement, 2015).

Alexander Technique is another effective complementary therapy which positive effect
the mental condition of the service users. By this way doctors guide people to patients about
body movement and relationship between body parts. Thus, person will be able to know about
the movement and will take care of own self. This will help to reduce depression of the persons
which was due to individual's pain (Archer and Forshaw, 2015).
2.4 Briefly explain what contraindications are and compare the contra-indications between
orthodox and complimentary therapies
Contraindications are the situation in which doctors should examine the patients properly
before giving then treatment, otherwise it can harm them badly. As in complementary therapy
such as Acupuncture in which medical professionals insert needles so that they need to identify
first whether patients have any needle phobia or not. Because in absence of full information, if
service user meets with needle then it can badly harm the situation of individual. For example in
pregnancy, woman have to avoid points pain so in absence of that it can create complication in
pregnancy.
In orthodox treating methods, doctors are required to identify the health condition of
patients. As pregnant women can not take paracetamol or some other medicines so in the absence
of this it can create major problem for them.

TASK 3
3.1 Reliability and validity of the Information sources on the complimentary therapy
Complementary therapies are usually provided by the health care practitioners while
dealing with complex cases and medical treatments. It includes massage, reflexology, relaxation,
acupuncture and herbal medicine and along with that counselling and support services are also a
part of such therapies (Naidoo and Wills, 2008). While availing complementary therapies,
patients need to search for different sources so that reliable amenities can be acquired
simultaneously. Therapy practitioners are engaged in delivering therapies to different patients;
hence while acquiring services from them, patients must have to review the cases which are
managed by the practitioners. However, references can also be taken from those people who
have referred to the same practitioner.
On the other hand, reliability and validity aspects can be identified through getting
opinion from health professionals as they have thorough idea about all those people who deliver
complementary therapies (Reeves, Lewin and Espin, 2011). Health care professionals always
suggest suitable practitioners to patients; hence they can be termed as reliable sources especially
in the area of medical services. However, on the other hand, source of internet can be utilized for
searching the effectiveness of health care professionals. At the same time, systematic research is
another criteria that can be used for the purpose of searching validity and reliability of
information. This is yet another dimension through which value of the services can be
ascertained subsequently.
3.2 How it improves conditions
Complementary therapies are usually provided with the help of general tools and
techniques; hence sometimes they do not assist in improving the health conditions. There are
several therapies that do not work or do not improve health conditions; therefore such therapies
cannot be called as contributory in health care sector (Walsh, 2010). While assessing to different
resources, people check the reliability and accuracy aspects because the entire health status is
dependent on the sources. Moreover, complementary therapies are not useful in the case when
the issue is not properly identified. Hence, prior getting medical services, it is essential for the
patients to conduct clinical research so that all the details can be grabbed out. Moreover, this can
also assist in getting the best alternative for service dimension (Zakariasen and et. al., 2008).

However, there are several therapies that do not match the health problem; hence during
that time period, previous results should be assessed subsequently. While going through with any
of the therapy, it is essential for the health care practitioners to identify the signs and symptoms
so that appropriate treatment can be provided. Similarly, enhancement of wellbeing should also
be the major concern of health care practitioners while applying complementary therapy in any
of specific health issue (Lu and et.al., 2010).
3.3 Recommend two complementary therapies for specific users
There are different type of therapies that are provided at health care and these are helpful
in getting proper cure of the issues that are faced by people. In this context, below given are two
therapies:
Massage: It is a type of therapy in which health care provider make use of pressure and
touch on muscles and soft tissues. In this context, no oil is used and enables to relax the tension
of muscles. It is highly beneficial for improve sleep and lift mood (Miller, Whoriskey and Cook,
2008). The benefit can also be felt even if the massage is done for small area. In this context, it is
helpful to address the feeling of reducing stress, anxiety and tension.
Reflexology: In this type of therapy, one gets to relieve pain on the part where there is
pain. This is done by applying pressure in order to relax the area of feet and hands. Some of
health care providers believe that this therapy helps in getting cure for cancer but there is no such
scientific evidence. Feet is pressed and massaged in different ways as it indirectly get felt by
other parts of the body. This is recommended to people with low platelet counts (Zakariasen and
et. al., 2008).
TASK 4
COVERED IN PPT
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be said that complementary therapies are more in use in
modern era and supports to abolish symptoms of diseases permanently. But doctor and other
medical staff needs to examine the health condition if patients properly because in the absence of
this it can create major problem for them. Though these therapies are good but these are quit
expensive and time consuming. So people can take this treatment if they have good economic
condition. Report has discussed about the role of complementary therapies in treating joint pain
or muscular skeletal disorders. For this disorder Alexander Technique will be the best suitable

for the patients because in this service users can get to know about body movements and
relationship between neck and head movement. So it will help to improve their posturer, apart
from this person can treat own self after getting proper knowledge.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Adams, J. and et.al., 2012.Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine: an
international reader. Palgrave Macmillan.
Archer, S. and Forshaw, M. J., 2015. Using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology in
CAM research with gynaecological cancer patients: A commentary on the perks and
pitfalls. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 21(1). pp.11-18.
Clement, Y., 2015. Clinical assessment of Malva sylvestris and Alcea digitata in radiation‐
induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. Focus on Alternative and
Complementary Therapies. 20(3-4). pp.157-158.
Cramer, H. and et.al., 2012. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for low back pain. A systematic
review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 12(1). pp.1.
Herz, N. B. and et.al., 2013. Nintendo Wii rehabilitation (“Wii-hab”) provides benefits in
Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & related disorders. 19(11). pp.1039-1042.
Holt, S., 2014. Study does not provide strong evidence that vitamin E supplementation can help
asthma in children. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 19(3). pp.171-172.
Naidoo, J. and Wills, J., 2008. Health studies: an introduction Basingstoke. Palgrave Macmillan.
Reeves, S., Lewin, S. and Espin, S., 2011. Interprofessional Teamwork for Health and Social
Care. John Wiley & Sons.
Vohra, S. and Boon, H., 2015. Advancing knowledge requires both clinical and basic
research. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 20(1). pp.32-33.
Walsh, T., 2010. The Solution -Focused Helper: Ethics and Practice in Health and Social Care.
McGraw-Hill International.