It’s reported that 55% of patients with ovarian cancer acknowledge a fear of dying, and 32% experience loss of hope in their fight against this illness.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, examined CAM and its influence on hopelessness in these patients. Continue reading Hopelessness and the value of CAM in ovarian cancer
Researchers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Chicago evaluated the effectiveness of an inpatient integrative medicine consult service for pain management. Continue reading Results of nonpharmacological approaches to treating pain
Researchers in Winnipeg, Manitoba surveyed the prevalence of CAM use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Continue reading CAM use in the Manitoba IBD Cohort Study
Former Medical Director, of the Rosenthal Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City, Dr. James Dillard, reviewed the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Complementary treatments for osteoarthritis
Most people suffering from fibromyalgia use a variety of complementary or alternative medicine treatments to manage their symptoms.
Prof. Ernst has updated his review of the CAM options from a year ago. Continue reading Review of CAM for fibromyalgia
The value of the Internet has been demonstrated for behavioral treatment of headache disorders, but not specifically for migraine.
In this study, researchers at the University of Gavle, in Sweden, developed and evaluated Internet-based behavior treatment. Continue reading Using the Internet to treat migraine
It’s probably one of the most popular uses of CAM.
Researchers in Australia reviewed the evidence. Continue reading CAM for insomnia?
Researchers at Griffith University, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, studied the effects of foot massage on agitated behaviors. Continue reading Foot massage for patients with dementia
Researchers in the US compared 2 types of massage and usual care. Continue reading Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain
Thermal injury can cause severe physical and psychologic trauma. And, these patients commonly have severe itching and pain.
Researchers at Atatürk University, in Erzurum, Turkey, examined the effects of massage therapy on burned adolescents with pain, itching, and anxiety. Continue reading Benefits of massage to treat burn patients
Tactile massage is a soft massage that improves physical relaxation and psychological well-being.
Researchers at Hamamatsu University, in Shizuoka, Japan, studied the response to tactile massage among elderly patients with dementia. Continue reading Tactile massage in elderly patients with severe dementia
I’ve largely ignored these studies in the past, but perhaps it’s worth a second look.
To start, this 1993 study by Dr. David Eisenberg, who is now the director of Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies at Harvard University, is considered a landmark in the field of “unconventional medicine.” Continue reading CAM in the US: Patterns of use
There’s concern that the use of complementary and alternative medications (CAM) may replace recommended preventive health practices.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in Pennsylvania conducted a survey to learn more. Continue reading Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
During labor, women experience intense, stressful, and steady pain.
Researchers at Ilam University of Medical Sciences, in Iran compared 2 nonpharmacologic treatment options. Continue reading Massage vs music therapy to relieve labor pain
Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Massage therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder
It’s one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems.
The authors evaluated the effects of combined chiropractic interventions on pain, disability, back-related function, overall improvement, and patient satisfaction in adults with low back pain. Continue reading Cochrane Library reviews real world chiropractic for early low back pain
Researchers from Taiwan observed inconsistencies in the results of massage therapy studies. In this article, they list the issues in study design that have plagued past studies.
No CAM researchers should be permitted to conduct research until they memorize this list and apply it to their studies. Continue reading A checklist for higher quality CAM studies
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, studied role of massage therapy following surgery. Continue reading Massage after heart surgery
Researchers at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, in Japan measured immunological and psychological effects. Continue reading Aromatherapy massage for breast cancer patients
Fascia is the soft tissue component of connective tissue that supports and protects muscles. Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy used to treat pain and restricted motion.
Researchers at the University of Almería, in Spain, looked for improvement in pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life. Continue reading Massage-myofacial release therapy in fibromyalgia