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Osteoporosis is a difficult condition to live with. It causes pain and worry and may co-exist with other painful conditions like osteoarthritis. |
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| Many people feel that the choices for medical treatments are limited and can be inconvenient to take. People are also concerned nowadays about possible side effects. |
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| There is a lot of interest in complementary therapies and we have listed the more common ones here. We have also included physiotherapy, dietetics and occupational therapy as they also have much to offer. |
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| The drug treatments have all been tested for efficiency and safety, but as yet there have been only a few studies done to assess whether other therapies are helpful and safe. In general it is reasonable to try other treatments, but always check whether the therapist has any qualifications. If they suggest stopping any of your regular medication, discuss this with your doctor first. If a treatment seems rough, or makes you feel worse, it probably isn't helping. |
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Talk to the therapists and discuss what they feel their treatment could do for you.
Remember, you can overdose on these things, and if you are using more than one complementary therapy make sure the therapists know that.
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Acupuncture the use of needles to relieve pain and improve the flow of
energy around your body
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Aromatherapy the use of essential oils to alter pain and improve wellbeing
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Bowen Technique a very gentle form of massage
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Dietetics ideas of how to improve your intake of calcium
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Homeopathy tiny doses of medicines may help with pain control and
mobility
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Occupational Therapy looks at making your environment safer and less of
a strain on your body
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Osteopathy & Chiropractic are types of manipulative therapy. They may be too strong
for people with osteoporosis
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Physiotherapy ways of exercising to improve your bone strength and
relieve pain
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Reflexology treats pain and energy flow by massaging areas of your
hands and feet
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Reiki a method of healing by touch
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