Can Alternative Medicine Treat Pain Associated With Osteoarthritis?

Dr. Cope answers the question: 'Can Alternative Medicine Treat Osteoarthritis?'

By
Doris K. Cope, M.D., Professor and Vice-Chairwoman of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
August 19, 2008, 3:19 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Are There Any Effective Ways To Treat Pain Associated With Osteoarthritis Using Alternative Medicine?

Answer: In osteoarthritis, sometimes muscle spasms can be the most troublesome and painful part of the condition. Certainly, PT -- physical therapy -- maneuvers such as ultrasound massage and those modalities can be helpful. In certain cases where there's tight taut bands of pressure points, acupuncture or trigger point injections can be helpful. Stress management and meditation are extremely helpful because we know that the central nervous system, the brain, modulates or it tempers the pain coming from the body. So these things, cognitive therapy, can be very helpful in reducing pain.

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