Should you consider alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis? What forms of alternative therapy are there for rheumatoid arthritis? How do you identify "quack" therapy alternatives?

Many forms of alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis abound in the world today. Some make claims which cannot be substantiated, others are gaining recognition as being helpful for some as a supplement to traditional medical therapy.

Acupuncture, meditation and relaxation techniques, biofeedback techniques and chiropractic treatments, and massage therapy are therapies that are intended to help alleviate pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Whether or not these therapies help with the pain, they do not affect or cure the disease itself. For people struggling with pain in spite of traditional treatment methods or those who cannot afford the more expensive new medications, these therapies may provide relief.

Herbal remedies, supplements and other natural products claim to affect the disease itself or at least the resulting inflammation from the disease. You should discuss these alternatives with your physician and always be careful to determine if there is any interaction between these products and your prescribed medication.

Supplements that are recognized to help your body fight inflammation and are safe to take with your medication may be very helpful. Rheumatoid arthritis medications in combination with supplements may be more effective or allow you to stay on a more minimal dosage and thereby reduce the side effects typically caused by rheumatoid arthritis treatments.

Green tea, cayenne, vitamin C, and other antioxidants are widely accepted as natural ways to fight inflammation. As with all supplements use and dosage amounts should be discussed with your physician for interaction possibilities and to avoid any possible overdose of the supplement.

Many doctors today are moving to what is called "integrative medicine" or "alternative treatments" in combination with traditional medical treatments. They are beginning to look-not only at the disease and the prescription medicines-but at the patient as a whole and what might be helpful for each individual. Use caution and check the facts, but you may find relief where you didn't expect it.